Coimbra proposes restructuring SMTUC urban bus network

A proposal to restructure the urban transport network of Coimbra, managed by SMTUC, suggests reducing the number of bus lines from the current 112 to 52. The plan aims to implement shorter line extensions, increased frequency, and better integration with other operators, such as intercity transport and 'metrobus'.

According to OPT, the firm responsible for the study, the new network philosophy focuses on eliminating redundancies and creating a simpler system. The proposal includes seven neighborhood lines for high-frequency central coverage, five urban lines connecting major hubs like hospitals and universities, and two large circular lines serving the left and right banks of the municipality.

While the number of lines will decrease, the project requirements specify that network connectivity must not be reduced. The average line length is proposed to drop from 19 kilometers to 12 kilometers, with the creation of transfer interfaces to improve complementarity between different transport modes.