The integration of the Vouga Line into the Andante system, operated by TMP, began today, offering more convenient and cost-effective travel options. This change is aimed at reducing reliance on personal vehicles and facilitating access to other modes of transport using the same ticket.
In a statement, it was noted that CP stations on the Vouga Line will not have automatic ticket machines or validators. Therefore, passengers boarding at these stations will need to have their Andante tickets validated on board by conductors.
CP confirmed that Andante tickets can now be used on the Vouga Line between Espinho (Vouga) and Pinheiro da Bemposta (Oliveira de Azeméis), applicable to both occasional tickets and passes.
The stretch between Oliveira de Azeméis and Pinheiro da Bemposta (extending beyond the AMP to Sernada do Vouga) is currently served by taxis. This section, without commercial service since 2013, is under construction to fully restore circulation across the entire Vouga Line, from Espinho to Aveiro.
The introduction of the Andante system to the municipalities along the Vouga Line within the Porto Metropolitan Area (AMP) – including Espinho, Santa Maria da Feira, São João da Madeira, and Oliveira de Azeméis – addresses past disparities in transportation access for local residents.
Previously, the absence of the Andante system on the Vouga Line required frequent travelers to purchase a metropolitan pass in addition to a separate train pass, resulting in higher costs (60 euros for two passes instead of 40 euros for a single pass) and unequal treatment compared to other public transport users in the AMP.
The route encompasses stops at Espinho-Vouga, Silvalde-Vouga, Monte de Paramos, Lapa, Sampaio-Oleiros, Paços de Brandão, Rio Meão, São João de Ver, Cavaco, Sanfins, Vila da Feira, Escapães, Arrifana, São João da Madeira, Faria, Couto de Cucujães, Santiago de Riba-Ul, and Oliveira de Azeméis. In the currently taxi-serviced section, it includes Ul, Travanca, Figueiredo, and Pinheiro da Bemposta.
TMP highlighted that, besides the Unir network operating in these areas and connecting to various stations, CP remains the main operator for the route between Oliveira de Azeméis and Espinho.
The journey between Oliveira de Azeméis and Espinho takes over an hour, with Espinho-Vouga station located about 500 meters from Espinho station on the Northern Line, serviced by CP urban trains connecting to Porto and Aveiro, as well as long-distance trains.
The inclusion of the Andante system on the Vouga Line has been under consideration at least since 2012.
Over the past two years, inquiries by Lusa to the AMP, CP, and the Porto Intermodal Transport (former Andante system managers) on this matter had not yielded a solution for implementing the system until now.
