The SUMP, which establishes the priorities for the next decade in terms of mobility, includes the requalification of the Vouga Line with the construction of three new stations (Alagoa, Ninho de Águia and Jafafe).

Águeda’s Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan (SUMP), which has already been approved by the City Council and the Municipal Assembly, envisages the implementation of a total of 46 actions, with a total investment of around 90 million euros, 58 per cent of which could be financed by EU funds.

According to a press release from the municipality, optimising the bus network, improving the on-demand transport service and implementing a technological management platform are some of the measures outlined.

Also planned is the implementation of “zones 30” and coexistence zones in the municipality’s residential areas, the construction of new structural road links and the improvement of inter-municipal connections.

One of the aspects of the plan that should be implemented in the short term is the expansion of the BeÁgueda shared electric bicycle network, with the installation of new stations in the city centre and in outlying towns such as Á-dos-Ferreiros, Barrô, Fermentelos and Belazaima do Chão.

In this expansion, the centre of Águeda will be the main focus, with new stations planned for the Arts Centre, Municipal Swimming Pools, Municipal Market and Jardim 1º de Maio.

According to the deputy mayor of Águeda, Edson Santos, the SUMP is “an ambitious document that defines goals and investments, and proof of the municipality’s commitment to mobility”.

“Sustainable mobility is not an option, it is a strategic priority for the Municipality of Águeda, which has been implementing measures and good practices in the area of sustainability, both environmental and mobility, for several years,” commented Edson Santos.