Lisbon, Sept. 15, 2026 (Lusa) - The 16E tram project, running between Terreiro do Paço and Parque das Nações in Lisbon, is «environmentally viable» provided that any negative impacts are minimised, offset and monitored, the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA) has confirmed.
These assurances were given during a public information session organised on Monday by the APA, as part of the public consultation on the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), which runs until 30 September.
During the session, the main impacts identified for the project were presented, namely the need to transplant trees, the loss of parking spaces in the Parque das Nações area, increased noise and vibrations, dust emissions and temporary changes to accessibility.
Those responsible for the project also acknowledged impacts on the urban landscape resulting from the installation of tracks, stations and overhead lines, as well as possible effects on mobility, the well-being of residents and safety during the construction phase.
According to the information provided, the need to transplant trees applies to the various route options, notably on Avenida Infante Dom Henrique, Avenida Dom João II and Alameda dos Oceanos; it was explained that these impacts, whilst potentially significant, could be offset and minimised in the subsequent phases of the project.
However, the meeting was marked by criticism and concerns from some residents regarding the loss of parking spaces, noise and vibrations in residential areas close to the route.
«You are going to destroy Parque das Nações,» said one resident, whilst another questioned the need to introduce yet another mode of transport to Lisbon's city centre.
The negative impacts identified were countered by the expected benefits of the 16E coming into operation, namely an estimated reduction of around 4,800 vehicles per day and 124,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions.
The project promoters also emphasised that the implementation of this project represents an opportunity to regenerate the eastern part of Lisbon and assured that it «leaves the door open» for future connections to other parts of the city.
Announced in April 2025, the 16E tram project aims to «strengthen the link between the city's easternmost area (Parque Tejo) and the centre of Lisbon, via a rapid tram operating as a light rail system», covering a route of around 11 kilometres with 17 stops.
The future 16E tram «promises to connect Praça do Comércio to the southern part of Parque das Nações in 15 minutes (22 minutes to the central part of Parque das Nações)», operating «on a 100% dedicated track», crossing the city «without being held up by traffic and with no barriers along the route», with a reference average operating speed of 25 kilometres per hour, and assuming the presence of overhead catenary lines along the entire route.
According to information on the ‘Participa' website, a total of 28 trams are expected to be used, each with a maximum capacity of 220 passengers; this rolling stock is identical to that recently acquired by Carris from the Spanish company CAF, «characterised by five-module articulated vehicles, with a total length of 28.5 metres».
The project will involve an investment of €160 million, with European co-funding, and the benefits are estimated to be «valued at €298 million, taking into account improvements in mobility and positive environmental impacts», namely 4,800 fewer vehicles per day and 124,000 fewer tonnes of carbon dioxide, according to a report by the company TIS.
The public consultation on the EIS runs until 30 September via the Participa portal (https://participa.pt/pt/consulta/projeto-da-extensao-do-servico-de-eletrico-rapido-ao-parque-do-tejo-16e), where the Non-Technical Summary and the other study documents are available.
The project's implementation will depend on the subsequent stages of drawing up the Detailed Design and the Environmental Compliance Report for the Detailed Design (RECAPE).
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