Fernanda and José Roxo, residents of Santa Clara in the Coimbra district, took an earlier ride on Sunday during the SMM’s trial runs and returned today to show their grandson Gonçalo the articulated buses as the preliminary operation commenced.
“I think it will bring improvements to the city,” said Fernanda, noting the service’s convenience.
José Roxo hopes the SMM will soon extend its operations to Serpins (Lousã) and the Coimbra-B railway station.
“We waited many years,” remarked the couple, already planning trips that will spare them car journeys to Miranda do Corvo and Lousã, favorite jaunt spots.
The electric articulated bus, operating on a dedicated lane, launched its preliminary operations today between Portagem downtown and Vale das Flores, with free rides available until the Serpins route starts, expected by year-end.
During one of the early bus rides, which was nearly full, Nelson Almeida was traveling from downtown, where he resides, to the stadium area.
Living downtown where parking “is a nightmare,” he believes the SMM will “improve mobility in Coimbra,” expressing satisfaction with the service so far.
For the civil engineer, the wait was worthwhile, noting that the construction “was relatively swift” considering its complexity.
“It’s unfortunate it isn’t the surface metro as planned,” he lamented.
Gabriel, 15, came from Porto by train this morning specifically to experience the new system.
“It’s been a great experience,” said the young transport enthusiast who dreams of working in mobility in the future.
After the ride, he plans to visit Metro Mondego’s headquarters to see if he can take a souvenir pin back to Porto.
“It’s wonderful,” expressed João Santos, 68, emphasizing the significance of seeing Coimbra “change, modernize, and not remain stagnant.”
For the Coimbra resident, the city looks “prettier” now, and the service will particularly aid hospital journeys, with the line expected to complete by 2026.
Carlos Leitão, who drove for Coimbra’s Urban Transport Municipal Services (SMTUC) for 35 years, took the opportunity to experience the new system while passing through the city, meeting an ex-colleague driving the bus.
“I enjoyed the experience, and it’s crucial to continue investing and ensuring its maintenance,” said the 65-year-old retiree to Lusa, who anticipates becoming a regular SMM user.
The former driver believes the service “will be important for Coimbra residents, but also for those in Miranda do Corvo and Lousã,” regretting only the time it took to materialize.
Maria do Carmo recalls commuting to work on SMTUC buses, hearing others claim “the Metro Mondego will never happen, it will never happen.”
“I thought to myself: Be patient, it will come,” she recounted to Lusa, her daughter now employed by Metro Mondego, as she tried the new service today for a brief ride.
“Now you can’t say it’s not coming. It’s right here,” added her husband, Jorge Freitas.
