The railway in Tenerife could resemble that of Porto in Portugal, which stands Out for its light metro system connecting urban areas.
The president of the Cabildo of Tenerife, Rosa Dávila, and the Minister of Mobility, Eulalia García, paid an official visit to Porto on Monday, February 23, 2025. Porto is Portugal’s second-largest city and a key urban mobility hub. The purpose of this visit was to closely study the operation of Metro do Porto, a light metro system that has transformed mobility through its efficiency, intermodality, and adaptation to the urban environment.
Analysis of Porto’s Transport System
The visit was part of the Cabildo’s strategy for the development of railway infrastructure on the island, particularly for the planning of the South Train, the expansion of the tram, and the future North Train. Porto is considered a model of sustainable and integrated public transport, and its system will serve as a reference for evaluating possible solutions applicable to Tenerife.
During their visit to Porto, Rosa Dávila and Eulalia García met with the officials of Metro do Porto, where they observed the light metro (tram) system up close. This transport network connects the city with its metropolitan region, including the airport, through six lines covering a total of 67 kilometers, operated with 102 vehicles manufactured by Bombardier.
The delegation explored various sections of the network to analyze its functionality, both at street level and underground, depending on urban planning needs and passenger flow in different parts of the city.
Growth and Impact of Metro do Porto
In 2024, Metro do Porto reached a record number of passengers. Approximately 89.78 million passengers used this transport system, marking a 13.6% increase compared to the 79 million passengers in 2023. This steady growth in demand reflects the population’s increasing confidence in and preference for the city’s public transport system.
A key factor in this growth was the expansion of the Yellow Line in June 2024, which added 3.2 kilometers to the existing route. This improved connectivity and attracted more users.
Train-Tram System
Additionally, the delegation evaluated the train-tram system in suburban lines. This model allows light trains to operate on intercity routes without requiring large-scale railway infrastructure. Porto has two suburban lines operated with train-trams, facilitating a more efficient and flexible connection between the city center and its outskirts.
Following the evaluation of the train-tram system, the delegation examined the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project. This initiative focuses on intermediate solutions between tram transport and traditional buses. The BRT system, currently under development, will cover a route of 3.8 kilometers and is designed to improve mobility in high-demand corridors without the need for railway infrastructure.
Intermodal Transport System: A Key Element
The visit concluded with an analysis of the mixed operation of the tram network, which is considered a crucial factor in the success of Metro do Porto. The combination of surface-level operation, underground tunnels, and train-tram routes provides greater operational flexibility, adapts to the city’s topography, and optimizes travel times.
The visit ended with an evaluation session, where experiences were exchanged with Porto’s public transport officials. The discussions focused on how their model has improved mobility and whether it could be applied to Tenerife.
A European Model for Sustainable Mobility
Metro do Porto’s transport system has gained international recognition for its innovative urban design and transport planning.
- In 2008, it received the UITP Award for Best New Light Metro System.
- In 2013, it was awarded the Veronica Rudge Green Prize in Urban Design by Harvard University.
- In 2020, the Viaducto das Andresas won the Global Future Design Awards in the Transport Design category.
Thanks to these achievements, Porto has become a European reference for sustainable mobility.
The light metro system and train-tram model of Porto could provide innovative solutions for Tenerife’s mobility challenges and for other regions seeking to develop a more efficient and sustainable public transport system.
Could this be the future railway for Tenerife?
housinganywhere.com © Photography
Tenerife Railway ©
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