Bombardier Transportation, a partner in the Normetro Consortium, welcomes Porto Metro's decision to start passenger service with three Eurotram Porto light rail vehicles on a 7-km section of the new transit system's first line for the City of Porto. Opening today four months ahead of schedule, this transport service is free to the public until the remainder of the first line is completed in November 2002.

The contract for the entire system was awarded to the Normetro Consortium in 1998 and Bombardier Transportation's share is valued at 265 MEUR. Bombardier in Portugal is supplying the electrical and mechanical subsystems including signalling, power supply and communication systems, depot equipment, as well as 72 Eurotram 100% low-floor light rail vehicles, with last vehicle delivery scheduled in May 2004.

Patrice Pelletier, President, Total Transit Systems, Bombardier Transportation, said, "The Porto Metro is a very prestigious project and will provide a reliable and efficient solution to Porto's public transport requirements. We are delighted with the decision to open this 7-km section ahead of schedule so that the travelling public are able to enjoy the benefits of the city's new system."

The Porto Metro network is the largest complete transportation system currently under construction in Europe. When completed, the four-line network will total 70-km in length with seven tunnels and 66 stations (56 at grade and 10 underground). The complete system will operate with a fleet of 72 Eurotram Porto 100% low-floor light rail vehicles and is designed to transport 20,300 passengers per hour per direction.

CLICK HERE FOR PHOTO