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The Portuguese government on Thursday approved an investment of approximately 420 million euros for two extensions of the Metro do Porto, the minister of the presidency announced after a cabinet meeting. António Leitão Amaro specified that the projects will add new connectivity in the metropolitan area serving a substantial population with more comfortable collective transport options. The move forms part of wider initiatives to shift users from private vehicles to public systems, according to statements following the Council of Ministers session.
One line will run 7 kilometres from Estádio do Dragão to Souto in Gondomar with nine stations at a cost of 237 million euros while the Trofa link will cover 10 kilometres with nine stations from ISMAI in Maia to the Trofa interface for 184 million euros. The Trofa segment will involve both metro and metrobus elements requiring a transfer at one point. Works on both extensions are set to start next year and run through 2031, the minister stated in the briefing.
Funding will be provided mainly through Portugal’s Environmental Fund supplemented by resources from the European Union’s Cohesion Fund via the Sustainable 2030 programme, according to the minister of environment and energy. Maria da Graça Carvalho joined the briefing to outline the financial structure aligned with national sustainability targets. The government has framed the allocation as supporting reduced emissions and improved urban mobility across the Porto region.
Portugal’s urban passenger land transport industry reached a market size of 573.6 million euros in 2026 after growing at a compound annual rate of 11.7 percent from 2020, IBISWorld industry data shows. The latest investment fits within a broader 10-year sustainable urban mobility plan for Porto estimated at 1.2 billion euros by municipal authorities with three-quarters directed toward public transport network expansion. A separate government reinforcement increased funding for the metrobus system in the Mondego area to a maximum of 66 million euros to add five more hydrogen vehicles and related infrastructure.
The country has pursued fleet modernisation in parallel with infrastructure projects, expanding an order with Alstom to 153 electric multiple units at a total cost exceeding 1 billion euros for suburban and regional services, the infrastructure ministry reported earlier this year. European Metropolitan Transport Authority barometer editions have tracked rising public transport ridership in major Portuguese cities since the COVID-19 pandemic alongside efforts to raise the modal share above 20 percent by 2031. Officials noted the Porto extensions will address demand in growing municipalities while integrating with existing lines.
Environmental impact studies for the projects are progressing with one assessment indicating potential removal of up to 533 trees that could be reduced to 394 along with demolition of 24 buildings for the Gondomar route. The Trofa line proposal remains under public consultation until October 12 with two route alternatives under review that differ mainly in viaduct design. Authorities expect the completed lines to ease road congestion and support long-term regional development goals.
