A long-standing icon of Lisbon, the city’s old yellow trams have become a major attraction for tourists, leading to complaints from some locals about the difficulty in accessing these services.
Lisbon’s tram system was established in the late 19th century to navigate the steep and narrow streets that characterize the city’s historic hills.
Contemporary visitors enjoy a nostalgic journey on these trams, appreciating their wooden floors and vintage design while taking in the stunning views of the Tagus River and the charming pastel-colored buildings.
However, as the number of visitors to Lisbon surged to nearly nine million in 2023, some residents have expressed frustration over the impact of mass tourism.
“The tram? It’s no longer for us, it’s reserved for tourists,” remarked Luisa Costa, a resident of Mouraria, a working-class neighborhood. Faced with overcrowded trams, Costa now opts to wait for electric minibuses provided by Lisbon’s transport company Carris, which serve the same routes for locals.
In Martim Moniz square in central Lisbon, it is not uncommon for passengers to endure waits exceeding an hour for trams on line 28, the most frequented route known for its scenic trajectory. Although red trams specifically designed for tourists have been introduced, they are less favored due to higher fares.
Some previously decommissioned tram lines have been reinstated after being phased out during the expansion of the urban bus network in the 20th century.
Despite these efforts, the challenges appear to be persisting, according to 82-year-old resident Fatima Valente.
Fernanda Cancio, a journalist for Diario de Noticias, recently commented that trams have become a novelty for tourists to capture on social media, overshadowing the needs of the residents who depend on them.
Local organizations have long called for a more dependable public transportation system that can adequately serve both residents and visitors.
Carris Secretary General Ema Favila Vieira acknowledged that balancing the demands of tourists and locals is challenging due to the high cultural demand for the trams.
Currently, five historic tram routes link Lisbon, with a sixth line featuring longer, more modern carriages running along the river.
