The Lisbon Municipal Assembly on Tuesday supported the “circle line” solution as part of the expansion of the Metropolitano network, to alleviate the problems arising from the circle line option.
This position is the result of a proposal by the Liberal Initiative (IL) “for a truly metropolitan solution” regarding the expansion of the Lisbon metro network, which was approved by a majority in the municipal assembly, with the PS and an independent deputy voting. against Daniela Serraglia (elected by the PS/Livre coalition) and the abstention of the independent Miguel Graça (elected by the PS/Livre coalition).
The majority of municipal deputies, namely BE, Livre, PEV, PCP, PSD, PAN, IL, MPT, PPM, Aliança, CDS-PP and Chega, voted in favor of the proposal, applauding after its approval.
In addition to “expressing its position in favor of a line-in-the-loop solution,” the motion calls on the government to clarify the option chosen in the face of conflicting statements between those responsible for the Metropolitano and members of the national executive, as well as ensuring that ongoing design developments ring lines allowed circulatory circulation.
“We must demand clarity from the government in decisions, and ensure and commit that the solution that is implemented allows for a circularity model, so as not to fall once again into the fait accompli politics so common when it comes to metro issues “, defended IL MP Rodrigo Mello Gonçalves while presenting the petition.
The IL MP emphasized that the solution that will be implemented must guarantee speed and reliability, as well as transport that meets the needs of passengers: “What people do not want is change for the worse. The ring line and the change at Campo Grande are a change for the worse that we should avoid.”
“We need a clear answer on the options adopted and it is important to ensure that yellow line users have easy and direct access to the center, otherwise public transport will lose its attractiveness and we will see an increase in car traffic with all the inconveniences that arise as a result,” explained IL.
For the PSD, Louis Newton called the Circle Line project a “deviation,” highlighting the viaduct that would cross the Alcántara Valley and which would create “an urban aggression phenomenon” with the constant production of noise and vibrations that would “destroy the quality of life in the area.”
The Social Democrat also noted the “Disneyland-like moment when Metropolitano crosses the building”, criticizing the “total lack of strategic vision” regarding the expansion of the Metropolitano chain and accusing PS of “stubborn attempts to destroy good public service”, with interference in spontaneous disasters and urban planning, asking why the state interferes in city management.
“We were against the circular, we are not big fans of the noose, but this is better than the circular because, faced with a fait accompli, we are trying to mitigate the worst that existed, but what is happening in Campo de Ourique, and then what is happening in the Alcantara area, in the Estrela parish, it is still huge,” said Louis Newton.
PCP MP Natasha Amaro also repeated her criticism of the government’s option for the Circle Line project.
The municipal group PS chose not to comment on the topic being discussed in the debate on political statements.
The operation of the Circle Line, as defined, means that passengers leaving Odivelas, Senhor Rubado, Ameichoeira, Lumiar, Quinta das Conchas and Teleiras stations will have to change at Campo Grande if they wish to travel to other areas of Lisbon.
With “circular” traffic, this transfer is no longer necessary, and the train leaving the future Yellow Line continues on the new ring line.