Lisbon Metro Unveils Ambitious New Maintenance Model to Enhance Accessibility

Lisbon Metro's New Maintenance Initiative

The Lisbon Metro is set to implement a new model for technical assistance and maintenance aimed at improving accessibility at heavily trafficked stations. This announcement was made on Friday as part of a preliminary consultation process that concluded on July 15. The goal of this consultation was to seek market collaboration in defining a pilot project focused on technical assistance and maintenance for accessibility features.

According to the transport company, the insights gathered from this consultation will inform an upcoming tender for new technical assistance and maintenance services at two of its busiest stations. Currently, the Lisbon Metro network comprises 56 stations, featuring 121 elevators, 234 escalators, and 10 moving walkways. The metro operates one of the largest fleets of mechanical transport and elevation equipment in the country, with an average usage intensity of about 18 hours daily throughout the year.

The equipment in use varies significantly, being from different technological generations and brands, and at various stages of their lifecycle. The metro acknowledges ongoing challenges with the responsiveness of contracted companies in terms of human resources, technical skills, and the availability of replacement parts and equipment.

Investment and Future Plans

To address these challenges, the Lisbon Metro is continuously seeking new contracting solutions and service models that leverage new technologies and improved centralized management systems. Since 2018, the company has invested €22.5 million in the installation, replacement, or modernization of elevators, escalators, and moving walkways across its network. By 2025, the aim is for 52 stations to have full accessibility; currently, 44 out of 56 stations are equipped accordingly.

Notable installations since 2018 include 39 elevators and 33 escalators at various key stations, such as Baixa Chiado, Rato, and Alameda. The Lisbon Metro operates four lines daily: Yellow (Rato-Odivelas), Green (Telheiras-Cais do Sodré), Blue (Reboleira-Santa Apolónia), and Red (Airport-São Sebastião).