Portugal's national rail operator, CP – Comboios de Portugal, suspended six Intercidades (Intercity) train services linking Lisbon with other parts of the country this Friday, 3 July, as an intense heatwave pushed temperatures to exceptional levels.
Amongst the cancelled services were the 2.02pm Intercidades from Lisbon Oriente to Faro and the 2.15pm service from Faro to Lisbon Oriente, alongside routes between Lisbon Santa Apolónia and Guarda, and Lisbon and Porto.
The affected services are listed below:
- IC 517: Lisbon Santa Apolónia (12.30pm) – Guarda (4.44pm)
- IC 512: Guarda (12.48pm) – Lisbon Santa Apolónia (5.00pm)
- IC 523: Lisbon Santa Apolónia (3.30pm) – Porto Campanhã (6.43pm)
- IC 524: Porto Campanhã (12.45pm) – Lisbon Santa Apolónia (4.00pm)
- IC 572: Lisbon Oriente (2.02pm) – Faro (5.35pm)
- IC 672: Faro (2.15pm) – Lisbon Oriente (5.56pm)
CP said the decision was taken in response to "the worsening weather conditions associated with the red warning and the exceptionally high temperatures recorded across several regions of the country", adding that passenger safety and comfort remained its top priority.
The move follows previous heatwaves during which passengers reported difficult journeys on long-distance services, with air conditioning systems either failing completely or proving unable to cool carriages adequately.
To reduce the impact of the extreme temperatures, CP has introduced a series of additional measures, including limiting occupancy on some long-distance trains by temporarily blocking seat sales on services considered most at risk.
The operator is also stepping up passenger information through its usual communication channels, encouraging travellers to take precautions during their journeys and, where possible, to avoid travelling during the hottest part of the day. Supplies of drinking water have also been increased at several stations and other strategic points across the rail network.
In an effort to maintain more comfortable onboard temperatures, trains awaiting departure are being kept with their blinds drawn and doors closed. Where operationally possible, stationary trains will remain powered up so that air conditioning systems can continue operating before passengers board.
CP acknowledged that suspending services had been "a difficult but necessary decision" to reduce the risk of incidents during the current heatwave.
In addition to the temporary timetable changes, the company said it would increase technical monitoring of the services considered most vulnerable and carry out closer supervision of onboard air conditioning equipment.
"This preventive measure is intended to reduce the risk of cooling systems deteriorating during the journey, safeguarding the comfort and wellbeing of both passengers and staff," the operator said.
Passengers affected by the cancellations are being contacted through CP's usual communication channels and may change their booking or request a full refund free of charge.
The rail operator said it would continue to monitor weather conditions and review the need for the restrictions, keeping passengers informed of any further changes.
Source: CP
Photo credit: Miguel A. Lopes / Lusa
