Porto Metro has launched an international public tender for the subconcession of the operation and maintenance services of the Porto Metropolitan Area’s light rail system, aiming to ensure the continued delivery of a high-quality public transport service for passengers.
The procurement process will be carried out under a public-private partnership (PPP) model and includes an eight-year contract with a base value of €690 million.
The amount will be covered through the transport system’s own revenues and will not create financial costs for the Portuguese state.
Interested companies have 90 days to submit their bids, with the new contract expected to come into force in April 2027.
“Launching this PPP tender represents a strategic step in ensuring the continuity of a high-quality public transport service, prepared for network expansion and to respond to growing demand. We continue to invest in more efficient, sustainable and people-centred mobility”, Portugal’s Minister for Infrastructure and Housing, Miguel Pinto Luz, said.
New concession prepares Porto Metro for future expansion
Maintaining the public-private partnership model allows Porto Metro to preserve the strategic role of the public sector while benefiting from the expertise and efficiency of private operators.
The new contract will continue to apply the standards of efficiency, safety, reliability and sustainability that have characterised the operation of the network.
The main objective is to continuously improve mobility services for residents by strengthening a system that connects people, communities and economic opportunities.
The next phase of operation will also need to support the expansion of the network, including the future Pink Line, Ruby Line, Gondomar Line and Trofa Line, while responding to increasing passenger demand.
The tender represents another step in the Portuguese government’s strategy to develop a modern, sustainable public transport system focused on passenger needs.
In 2025, Porto Metro reached a new ridership record, with more than 94.5 million journeys made across the network, an increase of 5.4% compared with the previous year, confirming the growing demand for metropolitan public transport.
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