Faro, Portugal, July 20, 2026 (Lusa) - The switch from diesel to electric trains on Portugal's Algarve railway line represents a «clear improvement» for regional transport, but connections to Spain and Faro Airport must be developed, the PSD argued on Monday.
The leader of the Algarve Social Democratic Party (PSD), Cristóvão Norte, welcomed the launch of electric trains between Lagos and Vila Real de António, made possible by the electrification works on the Algarve Line, but he stressed the importance of continuing to modernise the railway network, creating a link to Faro Airport and a cross-border connection between the Algarve and Andalusia in Spain.
«The Algarve has already gained more trains. Now we need to connect to Faro Airport and Spain,» stated the Faro region branch of the PSD in a press release, emphasising that phasing out diesel trains and the introduction of electric trains, which came into effect on Sunday, will lead to an 18% increase in capacity and the creation of around 40% more seats.
Passengers will enjoy «greater comfort», have direct connections between Lagos and Vila Real de Santo António, with the «elimination of most changes in Faro», and «a reduction of up to 30 minutes in journey time between the two ends of the Algarve» is estimated, the PSD highlighted.
«The electrification of the Algarve Line was essential and its benefits are now beginning to be felt. Today we have more services, around 40% more seats available, greater comfort and faster journeys. It is a significant step forward for the region's transport and deserves to be recognised,» said Cristóvão Norte.
The impact of the electrification of the Algarve Line demonstrates that «structural investments produce tangible results», he also noted, arguing, however, that the improvements now achieved should «mark only the beginning of a new phase of railway modernisation» in the Algarve region.
The next steps should be to extend the railway line to Faro Airport, the «main» airport in the south of the country, and to create a cross-border link between Portugal and Spain connecting Faro to Seville, he argued.
«It is positive that the governments of Portugal and Spain have, for the first time, recognised the strategic importance of the rail link between the Algarve and Andalusia. It is essential to translate this political commitment into concrete decisions, a timetable for implementation and a shared ambition to bring this link to fruition,» he urged.
Norte regretted that the link to Faro Airport «has not been included in the mobility plan currently envisaged» for the region, nor has it been included in the ‘metrobus' project developed by the municipalities of Faro, Loulé and Olhão, with the support of the Algarve Regional Coordination and Development Commission (CCDR).
«The PSD Algarve believes that more trains, greater comfort and faster journeys are good news for the Algarve. The next challenge is to finalise an integrated vision for the regional rail network, connecting it to Faro Airport, Spain and the transport needs of those who live, work and visit the region,» he reiterated.
Since Sunday, regional rail services in the Algarve have been operated entirely by ‘19 de Julho' electric trains, as announced by CP – Comboios de Portugal at the start of the month.
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