Missing Piece in Coimbra Metrobus: Hospital Line Delayed to 2027

Unfortunately, things do not always go as planned in the metrobus project in Coimbra. According to the latest statement from Metro Mondego, the most anticipated special lane of the project, which will connect the hospitals, will not be ready yet when the line is put into service.

Why Isn't Hospital Connection Sufficient?

Actually, the story started in May. Leonel Serra, president of Metro Mondego, had come up with the idea of ​​creating a special strip of approximately 1.5 kilometers between the University Hospitals of Coimbra (HUC) and the Children's Hospital. Under normal circumstances, it was thought that this addition could be completed until full opening in 2027.

However, the calculation did not suit the market. Metro Mondego has now made it clear that it is impossible for this connection to be completed until the line's full opening in the first quarter of 2027. Of course, this situation brings with it the concern that not having a special lane between the two hospitals will slow things down a bit in operational terms. Work and surveys for the strip will continue, but this is entirely dependent on the government's approval.

New Buses and Opening Calendar

Another dimension of the business is the vehicle fleet. The option included in the public tender to purchase five additional electric buses is still on the table. Metro Mondego wants to take this step, but for this, its financing sources must first be clarified. According to the contract, they have until the end of September; If this option is used, the delivery of vehicles costing 710 thousand euros per piece takes 12 months.

If you remember, Metro Mondego has already been active in the field for a while; The Alto de São João - Portagem line has been operating since September last year, and the Miranda do Corvo and Lousão suburban line has been operating since December. In fact, according to the president's statement, the Coimbra-B and Praça da República extension is expected to start commercial flights between the end of August and the beginning of September.

In summary; The main lines are being implemented piece by piece, but we will have to wait for the first quarter of 2027 to enjoy that critical part extending to the hospital area.

Source: Lusa / TPN

Photo Source: Unsplash (Author: Francisco Orantes)