The Lisbon Metro's public toilets, closed during the Covid-19 pandemic, are to reopen. The company says it is preparing the "launch of a procedure for the operation of toilets in stations" for the second half of 2024.
The toilets in Lisbon Metro stations are due to reopen, after being closed during the Covid-19 pandemic. To Jornal de Notícias, o Lisbon Metro says it is "the launch of a procedure for the operation of toilets in stations, which is estimated to be launched during the second half of 2024, is under evaluation".
Between 2017 and 2018, Metro de Lisboa provided public toilets in four stations: Campo Grande, Aeroporto, Marquês de Pombal and São Sebastião. And by the end of that year, it promised to open toilets in 11 more of the network's busiest stations, including Alameda and Saldanha, which didn't happen. The station toilets were open during Metro opening hours (between 6.30am and 1am) every day, and could be used for 30 cents. In other words, they weren't included in the pass.
"During the pandemic, all the health facilities that were operated were closed"explained Metro de Lisboa to JN, confirming that "there are currently no toilets open to the public" and that "previously existing and open to the public, they were operated by a sub-concessionaire, who guaranteed all the safety and hygiene conditions".
The provision of public toilets at public transport interchanges and stations is a an important factor in its promotion. Adequate toilets not only improve the user experience by increasing comfort, but can also contribute to hygiene and public health by preventing people from giving in to the temptation to go outside. In addition, the presence of toilets can encourage the use of public transport, especially on longer journeys or in densely populated urban areas. The cleanliness of these spaces is essential to ensure that they remain functional and hygienic, encouraging greater uptake by the population.
Currently, there are public toilets in train stations and river terminals, and these facilities are paid for, just as the Metro toilets were. Charging a small fee for using these toilets can contribute to the upkeep of the facilities, ensuring that they remain clean. However, it is important that prices are affordable so as not to discourage use. One idea could be to include the toilets in the Navegante pass.
