According to Metropolitano, the renovations began on Monday, expected to be completed by the end of 2023, and are part of the National Plan for the Promotion of Accessibility, for the adaptation and modernisation of stations with the aim of achieving the principle of “ Accessibility and Mobility for All”.

The construction work and installation of the new elevators will allow access between the surface and the platform for people with reduced mobility, namely in a wheelchair, the company said in a statement.

The replacement of all escalators “with more technologically modern and resistant components” will be carried out in a phased manner, “so as not to cause constraints” to users, ensuring the functioning of the existing escalators in the ascending direction, with the descent to be done up through the pedestrian stairs.

In the press release, Metropolitano also stressed that by 2025 it expects that 52 of the current 56 stations will have full accessibility (a number that excludes the new stations in the Metro’s expansion plan, which will open to the public already equipped with all the equipment and means of full accessibility).

There are currently 43 (77%) stations on the Metropolitano de Lisboa network with full access for people with reduced mobility, via elevators or mechanical stairs and/or moving walkways, the company highlighted.

Metropolitano has already invested around 5.12 million euros in the replacement of components and equipment in various stations within the scope of interventions to improve accessibility and modernize mechanical equipment.