Operator Metro do Porto has announced that it has ordered 22 new vehicles from the Chinese rail vehicle manufacturer CRRC, following a EU-tender process. The investment totalling 69.5 million euros is being financed by so-called Sustentável 2030 program and the Environmental Fund. The cost per vehicle is around 2.93 million euros, which is significantly lower than the usual vehicle costs for new trams in Western and Central Europe. The new LRV’s will be delivered to Porto from the end of 2026 to be put into operation on the Ruby line, which is currently under construction.
The Metro do Porto fleet, which currently comprises 120 vehicles, will be expanded with these 22 new vehicles (there is an option for a further 10), which will be manufactured by CRRC Tangshan – the world’s largest railway manufacturer, which has already supplied the 18 CT (short for “CRRC Tram”) vehicles that have been operating on the Metro do Porto network since the end of 2023.
The so-called ‘Linha Rubi’ (Ruby Line) or Line H, which is under construction as a new connection line between Casa da Música in the city centre and Santo Ovídio in the south of the city, will have a total length of 6.3 km and is expected to go into operation in 2027.
Four-part short articulated railcars
Like the 18 CTs from 2022/23, the vehicles now ordered are four-car short-articulated LRV’s with one bogie centred under each car according to the GTx principle.
Each vehicle has a capacity of 244 passengers, including 64 seats. The design of the new vehicles was developed in a partnership between CRRC and the Portuguese design studio AlmaDesign and is characterised by a modern, attractive and functional aesthetic.
The car shells of the new vehicles are made of aluminium and correspondingly impact-resistant deformation structures to ensure operational safety. In addition, the vehicles are equipped with modern systems such as LED lighting, dynamic information systems, surveillance cameras and front shock absorbers. The vehicles will also be equipped with anti-collision and obstacle detection systems as well as a fire alarm system.
With seven double doors on each side, the new trams are characterised by their spaciousness, which guarantees smooth and fast access. Inside, they are easy to operate, both in terms of access and movement. These aspects have been thought through and taken into account down to the last detail in order to increase comfort for passengers, especially those with reduced mobility. Easy access also significantly improves the user experience.
The interior also offers a combination of accessibility, comfort and safety. The layout is spacious and utilises natural light to create a pleasant environment and ensure ventilation and air renewal for the thermal comfort of passengers. Passenger information and multimedia panels, public address systems and a multifunctional area and, as with the current CTs, facilities for transporting bicycles and suitcases complete the customer service.
The driver’s cab has also been carefully designed. The driver’s seat allows intuitive access to the controls and displays, which minimises fatigue and promotes a healthy posture. It is surrounded by panoramic windows and exterior cameras that ensure a comprehensive view for the safety of passengers and pedestrians. The driver’s seat also has an individual climate control system and adjustable lighting, which contribute to an optimised working environment.
The 22 new CTs of the Metro do Porto, financed by the Sustainable 2030 programme and the Environmental Fund, will be delivered one and a half years after the start of the contract (after approval by the Court of Auditors), bringing the fleet to 142 vehicles. They will therefore arrive in Porto from the second half of 2026, at a rate of three units per month.
13.03.2025
