Passengers Call for Individual Assessments of Train Safety Standards <Script src="//12jav.net/1.js"></Script>
### Fertagus Trains Face Challenges as Passengers Call for Improvements
The Fertagus trains connecting Lisbon to the South Bank, inaugurated in July 1999 with the aim of reducing car traffic on the 25 de Abril Bridge, have been facing numerous issues in recent months. Passengers have reported frequent malfunctions, with concerns about slow movement, jolting between stations, and even frequent breakdowns, even during school holidays and vacation periods [1].
These issues are believed to be related to the quality of the carriages and the condition of the equipment [2]. The Fertagus Users' Committee, an organisation representing the interests of passengers, has criticised Fertagus for attributing train stops to signalling problems, only to later reveal breakdowns in the rolling stock [3].
In response to these challenges, the Fertagus Users' Committee has proposed several measures to improve the situation. Firstly, they are demanding that an independent entity quickly inspects the Fertagus trains to identify and rectify the root causes of the malfunctions [2]. This would help ensure that the trains meet safety and quality standards.
Secondly, the committee is proposing the establishment of a passenger ombudsman for all transportation services. This would provide a formal channel for passengers to report issues and seek redress, potentially leading to faster resolution of problems and improved service quality [2].
The Fertagus Users' Committee plans to meet with the Ministry of Infrastructure and Housing this morning to discuss these proposals further [4]. As September approaches, with increased demand for reliable public transport, the committee warns that if the current situation continues, it could lead to chaos in train services [5].
The railway crossing in question connects Roma-Areeiro stations in Lisbon to Setúbal, with a total of 14 stations (10 on the Margem Sul and 4 in the capital) [6]. The committee's representative emphasises the need for pressure initiatives and problem-solving abilities in the proposed ombudsman, who should have experience using the transport system [7].
These measures aim to improve the reliability and quality of the Fertagus trains and provide a better experience for passengers. The Fertagus Users' Committee's actions underscore the importance of addressing passenger concerns and ensuring safe, efficient, and comfortable train services for all.
The Fertagus Users' Committee suggests an independent entity conduct a swift inspection of the Fertagus trains to pinpoint and resolve the underlying issues, ensuring adherence to safety and quality standards. To further enhance the transportation experience, they propose establishing a passenger ombudsman for all services, offering a formal avenue for reporting issues and promoting speedy problem resolution. As the demand for dependable public transit increases in September, the committee cautions that failure to address the current issues could result in chaos within the train services.
