The Metrobus project in the Algarve, designed to connect Faro, Olhão and Loulé via electric buses in a dedicated corridor, is at risk of not moving forward due to a lack of agreement on financing. At stake are 60 million euros of European funds already secured, which may not be used if a solution is not found between the State and the local authorities involved.
According to , the project aimed to create a structural connection between the three municipalities, with a direct impact on regional mobility and the reduction of road traffic, estimated at between 30 and 40 thousand vehicles.
The same source says that the total investment is valued at around 100 million euros, of which 60 million are guaranteed through community financing, with the remaining 40 million needed to carry out the work remaining to be secured.
Local authorities refuse to take on full responsibilities
The impasse is linked to the refusal of the municipalities of Faro, Olhão and Loulé to bear the missing costs alone, arguing that the Government should participate in the financing, similar to what happens with mobility projects in other regions of the country.
The mayors consider that the financial burden cannot fall exclusively on the municipalities, especially in a project with an inter-municipal dimension and regional impact. “The Algarve is seen as a rich region. It’s not like that. The Algarve needs help from the State”, explains the president of the Municipal Council of Loulé in statements to the same source.
First phase concentrates territorial dispute
The initial route foresees a connection of around 10 kilometers between the Faro train station, the University of Algarve and the airport. This detail has been one of the points of tension, since, at an early stage, the direct benefit falls mainly on the municipality of Faro.
This territorial asymmetry has fueled reservations on the part of Loulé and Olhão, who question the proportionality of the financial effort that could be required of them.
Appeals to the Government and pressure on the calendar
Despite the differences, the three municipalities maintain their intention to find a solution that will allow the project to move forward. Still, the pressure increases as deadlines linked to European financing approach.
SIC Notícias writes that the Algarve Regional Coordination and Development Commission has warned of the decisive nature of the coming weeks, highlighting that the lack of consensus could put at risk the loss of the 60 million euros already allocated.
Future of the project depends on a quick solution
The global Metrobus project is estimated to cost around 220 million euros in a complete version, but its implementation depends on the start of the first phase, considered essential to guarantee the continuity of the investment.
According to the same source, without a sustainable financing solution, the Algarve could see its access to already approved European funds compromised, leaving an infrastructure designed to change mobility in the region on hold.
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