Increase by 6.5% in the number of passengers using Lisbon Metro
In 2024, the Lisbon Metro experienced a significant surge in passenger numbers, marking a 6.3% increase in valid ticket holders compared to 2023, totaling over 171.8 million passengers[1]. However, cases of fare evasion (fraud) also increased by 18.1%, reaching almost 4.83 million instances[1].
One of the key factors contributing to this growth is the implementation of fare incentives, such as the free pass extension offered to young people under 23 years of age on December 1, 2024[1]. Although specific data on the impact of such policies is not readily available, they typically attract more passengers by reducing barriers to access.
The Lisbon Metro is undergoing several projects aimed at modernising and expanding its network to better cater to growing passenger demand. While the specific impacts of these projects in 2024 were not directly detailed, they generally improve service capacity and reliability, thereby boosting ridership[1].
Despite three partial strikes in the last two months of 2024, which impacted service and consequently demand on November 6, November 14, and December 3, there is no clear evidence that they had a lasting negative impact on ridership[2]. If strikes occurred, their impact does not appear to have caused a significant decline in ridership based on the positive growth metrics.
The Securities Market Commission's financial reports or interventions regarding the Metro system were not explicitly mentioned in the available reports. However, the overall positive growth in ridership alongside increased fare evasion indicates that operational and financial oversight remains crucial to balance revenue against service demand.
The Lisbon Metro operates four lines daily: Yellow (Rato-Odivelas), Green (Telheiras-Cais do Sodré), Blue (Reboleira-Santa Apolónia), and Red (Airport-São Sebastião). In 2024, the average fleet availability during the morning peak hour on a weekday increased by 3% compared to the same period last year, with 95.3 trains available for public service[1].
The average value of the reliability of the main infrastructure in 2024 was below the quality objectives defined for these infrastructures, with an average of 96 hours between failures[1]. However, in some months of 2024, monthly downtime exceeded the established maximum value of four hours accumulated per month across the entire network.
In conclusion, the Lisbon Metro's passenger numbers have grown strongly in 2024-2025, likely due to fare policy changes and ongoing improvements to infrastructure[1][2]. Despite challenges like increased fare evasion and occasional service disruptions, the system continues to attract more passengers, reflecting Lisbon's overall increasing passenger traffic and urban mobility demand.
[1] Source: Lisbon Metro's Activity and Budget Plan (PAO) [2] Source: Various news reports and Lisbon Metro's official announcements
- The growth in Lisbon Metro's passenger numbers in 2024 can be attributed to factors such as the implementation of fare incentives and ongoing modernization projects designed to expand the network.
- In 2024, despite three partial strikes, there is no evidence that they had a prolonged negative impact on the Lisbon Metro's ridership, demonstrating the system's resilience against disruptions.
- The Securities Market Commission has not explicitly intervened in the financing of the Lisbon Metro system, but the overall growth in ridership alongside increased fare evasion highlights the importance of financial oversight to balance revenue against service demand.
- In Portugal, the Lisbon Metro operates four lines daily, and in 2024, the average fleet availability during the morning peak hour increased by 3%, accommodating more passengers and supporting growing public-transit demands.
