PORTUGUESE Trains (CP) and Infrastructure Portugal (IP) have announced the completion of electrification at 25kV ac of the largely single track 141km Algarve line in southern Portugal. Class 2240 three-car EMUs, transferred from the Greater Lisbon area, are due to replace 60-year-old class 0450 DMUs on regional and local services between Lagos and Vila Real de Santo António via Faro on July 19.
CP says the EMUs will bring a significant improvement in service levels, with reduced journey times, increased capacity and a more sustainable mode of transport. Electrification is also expected to improve connections with long-distance services to Lisbon and northern Portugal at Faro and Tunes. The 38.5km section of line between Tunes and Faro was electrified as part of the Lisbon - Faro main line electrification programme completed in 2004.
The class 2240 EMUs were rebuilt by Alstom in 2005 using the bodyshells of Sorefame-built EMUs fitted with new bogies and traction motors. CP says the EMUs provide around 40% more capacity compared with the diesel trains they are replacing, with space for up to 536 passengers, including 264 seated. CP adds that the EMUs will provide greater comfort through reduced noise levels, have better accessibility, including electric wheelchair lifts, and passenger information systems.
The fully-electrified service, which will boost frequencies to one train per hour between Vila Real de Santo António and Faro and one train every two hours between Faro and Lagos, with more trains at peak hours. Electrification of the Algarve line was planned over a decade ago, but a series of set-backs, including problems with the power supply for the eastern section of the line delayed completion.
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