Portugal: Unionized rail staff to strike nationwide, Jan. 3-6

Event

Unionized rail workers will strike nationwide, Jan. 3-6. Train drivers affiliated with the National Union of Train Drivers of Portuguese Railways (SMAQ) are in a pay dispute with the rail operating company, Comboios de Portugal (CP). As of Dec. 31, CP predicts that rail service disruptions will occur from late Jan. 3 to early Jan. 6, with Jan. 4-5 being the most severely affected.

For the period Jan. 4-5, the services affected will include:

• Pendular Alpha and Intercities

• Regional, Interregional, and International trains

• Porto and Coimbra Urban Trains

• Lisbon Urban Trains.

Overcrowding is likely on available modes of public transport in the coming days. Increased demand for private transportation, including taxis and rental vehicles, is also possible. Traffic congestion will likely be heavier than usual as more commuters resort to using their vehicles rather than public transport. Residual delays are possible for some hours after the strike ends.

Advice

Allow additional time for travel to destinations throughout Lisbon, Dec. 29-Jan. 2. Confirm taxi and rental car reservations.

Resources

Pendular Alpha and Intercities
Regional, InterRegional and International
Porto and Coimbra Urban Trains
Lisbon Urban Trains