Lisbon Metro Administration Loses Quorum, Halting Critical Decisions

The Lisbon Metro's administration is set to lose its quorum starting July 1, leaving it unable to make decisions. Currently, the board will only have two members, as the government has yet to appoint new ones. This situation arises despite the ongoing process to form a new council.

Key Developments:

• The departure of João Paulo Saraiva, a key administrator, leaves the board without the minimum required members to function.
• The government, under Minister of Infrastructure Miguel Pinto Luz, claims to be addressing the issue with urgency, citing legal requirements.
• The Metro faces this challenge while managing significant expansion projects worth millions of euros.

Financial Strain: The Lisbon Metro reported a loss of 19.8 million euros in 2024, an improvement from the previous year but still a significant deficit. Revenue from ticket sales dropped, though subsidies for operation saw a notable increase.

Expansion Projects at Risk:

• Circular Line: A 344.2 million euro project to connect Rato to Cais do Sodré, adding two new stations.
• Red Line Extension: A 405.4 million euro investment to reach Alcântara, introducing four new stations.
• Violet Line (Odivelas-Loures): An 11.5 km light metro line with an estimated cost of 677 million euros, currently rebidding after initial proposals exceeded budget.

The administration's inability to convene could delay these critical infrastructure projects, impacting Lisbon's public transport network.