en.Wedoany.com Reported - Leonel Serra, President of Metro Mondego, revealed that the Metrobus line connecting Estação Coimbra B to Praça da República is scheduled to open between the end of August and early September. Serra stated that if the project progresses smoothly, operations will begin on this section, aiming to link the current stop at Praça Europa with Praça da República.
Regarding future network expansion, Serra noted that the project for the line to the hospital is still underway and is expected to be ready by the first quarter of 2027. He believes this project is significant for reducing vehicles in the city and improving residents' quality of life. As for other potential lines within the city and surrounding towns, the official stated that this depends on studies of demand and economic feasibility, as well as funding availability. He advocated that public transport must be punctual, comfortable, and regular, emphasizing that one of the main advantages of the Metrobus is its operation on dedicated lanes.
Serra also mentioned that, according to government directives, studies are being planned for potential extensions to towns such as Condeixa, Cantanhede, and Mealhada, as well as a line connecting Avenida Fernando Namora to the hospital (via the Olivais district), and a line linking to Polo II of the University of Coimbra. He stated that these efforts require time and should proceed naturally.
Regarding the inauguration of the Praça Europa and the work "Les Palissades" by Belgian visual artist Paul de Gobert, Serra considered this a measure to enhance the value of urban space and improve the image of Coimbra's entrance. He pointed out that the dilapidated condition of the visible area upon arriving in Coimbra had previously given the city a negative image, and that the Mondego Transport System (SMM) should incorporate elements of cultural and public space quality improvement beyond its transport function. The space, adjacent to Estação Coimbra B, was inaugurated as part of the 2026 Festas de Coimbra e da Rainha Santa Isabel. The work "Les Palissades" consists of a set of painted panels about 100 meters long, depicting figures and images from Brussels, installed here to strengthen Coimbra's connection with Europe through art, transport, institutional cooperation, and the enhancement of public space quality.
