“The Algarve Regional Coordination and Development Commission (CCDR) informs that the Base Program for the Study and Feasibility of the Public Transport System Route in a Dedicated Channel (TPSP), of the Metrobus type, which will connect the towns of Olhão, Faro, Montenegro, airport, University of Algarve, Parque das Cidades and Loulé is open for public consultation”, announced the regional commission in a statement.

The same source stated that the public consultation will run until March 13, and the plan can be consulted at https://www.ccdr-alg.pt/site/info/metrobus-algarve and on the Portal Participate (www.participa.pt).

The Metrobus plan envisages the creation of a 37.6-kilometre route, where an electric “sustainable public transport system” will be installed, on a single channel, as part of one of the objectives set out in the Algarve2030 Regional Program, designed to promote environmental sustainability and “the transition to a net zero carbon emissions economy”.

“The proposal under consultation envisages the creation of a dedicated public transport corridor, operated by a Metrobus or Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system,” said the CCDR, specifying that among the advantages provided by this transport solution are “greater efficiency” in integration into the urban fabric or a “response more adapted to the needs of citizens”.

Advantages

“Future expansion” to other locations in the Faro district, such as Quarteira, Almancil (both in the municipality of Loulé) or Albufeira, is another advantage highlighted in the plan.

The CCDR also highlighted as an advantage the “integration” of the Metrobus with “the service offered by the existing railway network, allowing for a more flexible and integrated service”.

“The proposed route was developed taking into account the mobility needs of the populations of Faro, Olhão and Loulé, while also serving key locations that constitute an employment basin with great regional relevance, where the four major energy generating hubs are located”, highlighted the CCDR.

The Algarve Regional Commission estimated the construction costs of the route at around 203.1 million euros and clarified that the amount indicated includes the “construction of new roads, intermediate and terminal stations, containment structures, viaducts and tunnels, as well as the power supply and signalling system required” for the implementation of the system.

“After the end of the public consultation, the opinions collected will be analysed, and the conclusions will be integrated into the final project development process, with a strong impact on the energy transition and the population’s quality of life”, concluded the CCDR.

When the project was announced, in March 2023, the president of the CCDR of Algarve explained that the Metrobus will be an electric vehicle on its own corridor, with 24 stops, serving around 185 thousand residents in the three municipalities, that is, 40% of the population of the Algarve.

On the occasion, José Apolinário said that the metrobus, which will have to be completed by 2029, could be the “antechamber” to be able to move towards a rail model, from that corridor, without ruling out the scenario of a future surface metro in the region.