The Metro do Porto’s ongoing issue with inadequate air conditioning during summer months drew sharp criticism at a recent council meeting. While Filipa Correia Pinto of the ‘Rui Moreira: Aqui Há Porto’ movement and the two PSD councilors abstained, Mayor Rui Moreira stated his opposition. He expressed concerns that the air conditioning matter should not overshadow more pressing issues related to the Metro do Porto and cautioned against potential accusations of radicalism should he decide to communicate with Miguel Pinto Luz, the Minister of Infrastructures.
Maria João Castro from the Socialist Party supported the proposal, highlighting the necessity for public facilities to adapt in response to future climate challenges. Meanwhile, Bloco de Esquerda’s Sérgio Aires described the ongoing situation as one that demobilizes and undermines the credibility of a transport system the city wishes to promote for regular use.
Concerns about temperatures surpassing 30 degrees inside the carriages, as confirmed by Metro do Porto, have led to passenger complaints and reports of fainting incidents. The CDU proposal demanded the executive board express dissatisfaction with the current passenger conditions, alleging they were inconsistent with the quality standards expected from public transportation. It also requested sending the document to Infrastructure and Housing Minister Miguel Pinto Luz.
Metro do Porto has acknowledged the technical challenges and significant costs involved in resolving the old vehicles’ air conditioning issues. Despite these challenges, the CDU insists that the status quo is unacceptable, especially in light of increasing heatwaves and the need for public transport as a means to reduce individual car use, cut pollution, and decarbonize the economy.
In early August, Metro do Porto noted the difficulty of enhancing air conditioning systems in older vehicles, given that a total overhaul would either reduce seating capacity or require discontinuing the 72 trains. The Eurotram vehicles, particularly affected, are under heavy scrutiny due to passenger complaints during the summer, especially on the Blue and Orange lines leading to the Matosinhos beach.
An official spokesperson from Metro do Porto confirmed the core issue lies in the cooling capacity, with the current system design significantly limiting potential improvements.
