Metro do Porto awards 22 new CRRC units for the Rubi Line (H)

A 69.5 million euros investment will strengthen the fleet and improve mobility

As a result of an international public tender, Metro do Porto has just awarded 22 new vehicles to CRRC, a €69.5 million investment financed by Sustentável 2030 and the Environmental Fund. The new trains will begin arriving in Porto in late 2026, before the Rubi Line enters commercial operation, for which they are primarily intended.

Currently with 120 vehicles, the Porto Metro fleet will be expanded with these 22 new units (the bidding process allows for the possibility of activating an option for an additional 10) produced by CRRC TANGSHAN – the world's largest railway manufacturer. The company was previously responsible for supplying the 18 CT (abbreviation for CRRC Tram), which have been in service on the Metro network since late 2023.

This reinforcement represents a global investment of €69.446 million and is related to the need to keep pace with the expansion of the Metro network in terms of rolling stock, specifically with the construction of the Rubi Line (H), whose 6.3-kilometer route is currently under construction between Casa da Música and Santo Ovídio. The new vehicles will arrive before this line enters service, and each unit has a capacity to carry 244 passengers, including 64 seats.

The design of these new vehicles was developed in partnership between CRRC and the Portuguese company AlmaDesign and features a modern, attractive, and functional aesthetic. They will now undergo regular development work with Metro do Porto to obtain the final design for production approval.

The vehicles will feature modern aluminum construction and impact-resistant deformation structures to ensure operational safety. Safety is, of course, a top priority, and this new fleet will include the most modern technical operational support systems, incorporating LED lighting, dynamic travel information systems, surveillance cameras, and front shock absorbers. The vehicles will also incorporate collision avoidance and obstacle detection systems, as well as fire detection, significantly increasing operational safety.

With seven double doors on each side, the new trains stand out for their generous size, ensuring fluidity and quick access. The interior is noteworthy for its ease of use, both in terms of access and movement. Every detail has been carefully considered and considered to enhance passenger comfort, especially for people with reduced mobility. Ease of access also substantially improves the user experience.

The interior also offers a combination of accessibility, convenience, and safety. The spacious layout takes advantage of natural light to create a pleasant environment and ensure ventilation and air exchange for occupant comfort. Passenger information and multimedia panels, sound systems, a multi-function area, and, similar to current CTs, facilities for transporting bicycles and luggage, complement the customer service.

The driver's cab was also meticulously designed. The driver's seat allows intuitive access to controls and displays, minimizing fatigue and promoting a healthy posture. Surrounding the driver's seat are panoramic windows and external cameras that ensure full visibility for the safety of passengers and pedestrians. The driver's station also includes customized climate control systems and adjustable lighting, contributing to an optimized work environment.

Funded by the Sustainable 2030 program and the Environmental Fund, the Porto Metro's 22 new CTs will begin delivery a year and a half after the contract comes into effect (after approval by the Court of Auditors), bringing the fleet to 144 units. In other words, they will arrive in Porto starting in the second half of 2026, at a rate of three units per month.