PORTUGUESE Railways launched regular operation of its Pendolino tilting trains between Lisboa and Porto on July 1, following an inaugural run on June 30. The special covered the 329 km between Porto and Lisboa Oriente in 2h 50min. Several sections were run at over 180 km/h, with a top speed of 221 km/h attained briefly near Lisboa. However, the trains are currently limited to 160 km/h in commercial service.
Marketed as Alfa Pendular, the tilting trains will replace the existing Alfa services worked by loco-hauled Corail stock as and when they are available. As the journey time remains at 3h 30min pending completion of track upgrading works, the marketing emphasis is based on the superior comfort and on-board services. Completion of the Linha do Norte upgrading in 2005-06 is now expected to allow a journey time of 2h 30min compared to the 2h 15min previously envisaged.
At present, only four of the 10 six-car sets have been delivered by Fiat and Adtranz Portugal. When all are in service, CP expects to introduce Alfa Pendular services on other lines. The sharply curved Beira Alta line to Guarda is seen as a likely route where tilt can offer significant journey time savings.
Amongst the dignitaries participating in the inaugural run were Public Works Minister João Cravinho and Transport Secretary Guilhermino Rodrigues. During the speeches they revealed that a standard gauge high-speed line is envisaged to serve the planned new Lisboa international airport at Ota, 30 km north of the capital. Both the airport and new line are expected be officially approved in the next few weeks, with opening due by 2010.
