Major Transport Strike Shuts Down Lisbon Metro, Commuters Face Chaos

A major transport strike has brought the Lisbon Metro to a complete halt on Monday, severely disrupting daily commutes across the capital city. The strike started early Monday morning and is expected to last for 48 hours, according to the workers’ union.

The strike involves over 90% of the metro staff, including drivers, station attendants, and maintenance workers. The union demands:

• Better wages
• Improved working conditions
• Increased staffing levels to handle the growing number of passengers

The decision to strike was made after extensive negotiations with the metro operator and the city government failed to reach an agreement.

Lisbon’s metro system, a vital part of the city’s public transport, carries approximately 550,000 passengers daily. The shutdown has forced many commuters to seek alternative means of transport, leading to overcrowding on buses, trams, and taxis. Traffic congestion has increased significantly, causing delays and frustration among residents.

City’s Response and Mitigation Measures

City officials have urged calm and patience, stressing that they are actively working to resolve the dispute. Maria Fernandes, Lisbon’s Deputy Mayor for Transportation, stated:

“The city understands the concerns of metro workers and is committed to finding a fair solution as quickly as possible.”

To mitigate the impact, the government has taken the following steps:

• Increased the frequency of buses and trams on key routes
• Encouraged carpooling and cycling
• Arranged temporary shuttle services for high-demand metro stations

Potential Impact and Advice to Commuters

Transport experts warn that prolonged strikes could have lasting effects on Lisbon’s economy and tourism. Businesses are already reporting a lower customer turnout due to transport difficulties, and tourists are expressing frustration over the sudden change in mobility options.

The union has promised to hold talks with city authorities by Wednesday. Until then, commuters are advised to:

1. Plan their journeys accordingly
2. Consider flexible working hours where possible

Stay tuned to Questiqa Europe News for the latest updates on this developing story.

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