Extreme temperatures
In view of the worsening weather conditions associated with the red alert and the exceptionally high temperatures recorded in various regions of the country, and with the safety and comfort of its customers as its priority, CP has been continuously monitoring developments in the situation. It has therefore implemented a series of extraordinary measures designed to minimise the impact of these conditions on rail operations. At the same time, it is coordinating closely with organisations in the rail sector and with Civil Protection to respond effectively to any disruptions to rail services caused by these extreme temperatures.
Among the mitigation measures implemented are the management of passenger numbers on certain long-distance trains, by suspending the sale of seats on services and at times considered most critical; providing more information to passengers via the company’s usual channels, raising awareness of the need to adopt precautionary behaviour whilst travelling and, wherever possible, to plan travel outside the hottest periods; and increasing the availability of water at various stations and strategic points across the network.
Exceptionally high temperatures pose additional challenges to any rail system. In this context, CP has been implementing a series of operational measures to minimise the impact of these extreme conditions and ensure the best possible conditions on board. To this end, CP keeps parked trains with their curtains drawn and doors closed, and, wherever operationally feasible, keeps them powered whilst parked to maintain more comfortable conditions for passengers.
Opting for a preventive and responsible approach, CP has taken a challenging yet necessary decision to enhance safety during this heatwave. Accordingly, CP has decided to temporarily adjust some Intercidades services on Friday, as well as to step up technical supervision of the services considered most critical and to monitor air-conditioning systems. This preventive measure aims to maintain optimal cooling conditions during the journey, safeguarding the comfort and well-being of passengers and staff.
The decision affects a limited number of services identified as being most vulnerable to the current weather conditions. Consequently, the following services will not run on Friday, 3 July:
- IC 517 (Lisbon – Santa Apolónia 12.30 p.m. / Guarda 4.44 p.m.);
- IC 512 (Guarda 12.48 p.m. / Lisbon – Santa Apolónia 5.00 p.m.);
- IC 523 (Lisbon – Santa Apolónia 3.30 p.m. / Porto – Campanhã 6.43 p.m.);
- IC 524 (Porto – Campanhã 12.45 p.m. / Lisbon – Santa Apolónia 4.00 p.m.);
- IC 572 (Lisbon – Oriente 2.02 p.m. / Faro 5.35 p.m.);
- IC 672 (Faro 2.15 p.m. / Lisbon – Oriente 5.56 p.m.).
The CP team is proactively contacting affected and duly identified customers via the usual channels, and these customers may request a change or refund for their ticket at no additional cost.
CP will continue to monitor weather conditions closely, in coordination with the relevant authorities, reassessing the need to maintain these measures as the situation develops and keeping its customers informed.
