Impact of high termperatures on rail services

The safety of passengers and staff is CP’s top priority. In light of the exceptionally high temperatures recorded across various regions of the country over the last few days and the operational challenges these conditions pose to rail services, the company has put in place a series of preventive measures to minimise risks and ensure the best possible conditions for comfort and assistance during journeys.

CP’s response is based on a series of integrated operational measures, customer information and passenger support, which include the preventive management of passenger numbers on certain services, namely some long-distance trains, by suspending the sale of seats at times deemed most critical; the strengthening of communication and operational monitoring mechanisms; and the provision of additional water at various points across the network.

At the same time, the company is maintaining constant coordination with other authorities, such as Civil Protection and Infraestruturas de Portugal, monitoring developments in the network’s operating conditions and adopting the necessary measures to respond effectively to the constraints arising from this spell of extreme heat. It is also important to clarify that the effects of high temperatures extend beyond rolling stock.

Extreme heat can affect various components of railway infrastructure, including signalling systems, overhead lines, points, and other equipment essential to the safe movement of trains.

Added to these constraints is the elevated risk of fire, which can, and has, caused disruptions and/or temporary delays to trains at certain points on the railway network.

This is a well-known reality for all European rail operators, who face increased challenges when extreme weather events occur. It should be noted that, like Portugal, Europe is grappling with the same reliability challenges due to the ageing of fleets acquired more than two decades ago.

The average age of the fleet in many European Union countries exceeds 25 years, making the renewal of rolling stock a common concern.

In Portugal’s case, some series of rolling stock, due to their age, have limitations in terms of current air-conditioning standards, and CP is implementing various operational measures to minimise the impact of these extreme conditions.

To ensure the best possible conditions, the CP keeps parked trains with their curtains closed and/or windows open to reduce the build-up of heat in trains without air conditioning.

On trains equipped with air-conditioning systems, wherever operationally feasible, CP keeps the systems switched on whilst the trains are parked, providing more suitable comfort levels for passengers.

Despite all the existing constraints, CP ensures that the maintenance of air conditioning on trains currently in service is fully maintained and that the company scrupulously carries out periodic maintenance of all rolling stock, including air-conditioning systems.

In this context, and in line with what has been happening in various European countries during episodes of extreme heat, CP has decided to temporarily adjust the service on some Intercidades services during the hottest periods, proactively safeguarding the safety and well-being of customers and staff and ensuring, wherever possible, that trains can operate smoothly during periods of extreme heat.

The decision applies to a limited number of services identified as being most susceptible to the current weather conditions.

The structural response to this situation is underway. As is public knowledge, CP is developing a wide-ranging programme to renew its fleet, including the acquisition of new trains for the Lisbon Urban, Porto Urban, and Regional services.

The first units are expected to begin operating at the end of 2026, with a gradual roll-out over the coming years.

For example, the new trains from Stadler and Alstom are being designed for the most demanding climatic conditions forecast for Portugal and comply with the latest European standards for air conditioning and thermal comfort.

In the case of the Stadler trains, the rolling stock has been designed to operate within an external ambient temperature range of -5 °C to +45 °C, whilst the electronic equipment will be capable of starting up and operating at a maximum ambient temperature of +85 °C.

As for the Alstom multiple units, the tender specifications require the supply of equipment designed for Portugal’s climate zone (the most demanding for summer operation).

The regulation of the interior temperature in relation to the outside temperature should be similar to that specified for the Stadler multiple units.

CP will continue to monitor weather and operational conditions and reassess the need to maintain the measures currently in place.

CP thanks its passengers for their understanding, trust and cooperation, and reaffirms its commitment to continuing to provide information transparently, always prioritising people’s safety.