Starting May 1, the integration of the Vouga Line into the Andante system will enable simpler and more affordable travel, reducing reliance on individual transportation and granting access to multiple modes of transport with a single ticket, as announced by the TMP-managed Andante system.
The statement notes that at the CP stations along the Vouga Line, there will be no automatic vending machines or validators, and the validation of Andante tickets for passengers boarding at these stations will be conducted onboard by inspectors.
CP indicated that from May 1, 2025, passengers will be able to use Andante tickets on the Vouga Line between Espinho (Vouga) and Pinheiro da Bemposta (Oliveira de Azeméis), covering both occasional tickets and passes.
Currently, service between Oliveira de Azeméis and Pinheiro da Bemposta, extending to Sernada do Vouga, is provided by taxis, as this stretch has been devoid of commercial service since 2013 and is under renovation aimed at restoring full circulation along the Vouga Line between Espinho and Aveiro.
The introduction of Andante in 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—eliminates a disparity in access to transport services within this geographical area.
The absence of Andante on the Vouga Line previously prevented frequent travelers from using the metropolitan Andante pass on trains, thereby incurring additional costs (60 euros for two passes instead of 40 euros for a single pass) to reach Porto, leading to inequity compared to other public transport users within the AMP.
The route includes 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, Oliveira de Azeméis, Ul, Travanca, Figueiredo, and Pinheiro da Bemposta.
TMP highlights that, in addition to the Unir network operating in these areas and ensuring connections 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 approximately 500 meters from the Espinho station on the Northern Line, serviced by CP urban trains with connections to Porto and Aveiro as well as long-distance trains.
Discussion of integrating Andante into the Vouga Line dates back to at least 2012.
Over the past two years, queries have been directed to AMP, CP, and Transportes Intermodais do Porto (the former managers of the Andante system) concerning the implementation of the system, but the entities had not resolved a solution until now.
