The Mobility Living Lab in Porto aims to revolutionize urban mobility around Estádio do Dragão, one of Portugal’s most significant sports venues. By integrating new mobility services (NMS), public transport, and multimodal solutions, the Porto MLL addresses key mobility challenges faced during high-traffic events, particularly football matches.
Context and Challenges
Estádio do Dragão attracts large crowds during FC Porto matches and other events, creating substantial mobility and congestion issues. The stadium is accessible via four metro lines and two bus lines, with additional access points through Campanhã train station, located approximately two kilometers away. However, pedestrian infrastructure connecting the station to the stadium is inadequate. The stadium itself has limited parking, primarily reserved for FC Porto employees and partners, while additional parking is available at a nearby shopping mall.
A key challenge is the heavy reliance on private vehicles, which dominate the modal split, causing severe congestion on match days. The existing public transport (PT) system struggles to accommodate the influx of fans due to overcrowded carriages, long ticket validation queues, and service limitations post-match. Micromobility options, including e-scooters and bike-sharing, are available in Porto but remain underutilized for event access.
Objectives and Approach
The Porto MLL seeks to introduce and expand sustainable mobility solutions, encouraging fans and visitors to shift from private vehicles to greener alternatives. The initiative focuses on:
- Enhancing Multimodal Mobility: Integrating NMS with PT to provide seamless travel options.
- Improving Ticketing and Access: Developing a mobile app that allows fans to scan their game day QR codes for free PT access.
- Optimizing Traffic Flow: Encouraging carpooling, designated park-and-ride (P&R) solutions, and digital mobility hubs.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborating with local authorities, FC Porto, police forces, and mobility operators to ensure smooth implementation.
Impact and Preliminary Findings
Initial surveys conducted among 2,481 football fans highlighted the main reasons for choosing private transport over PT, including:
- Overloaded metro and buses.
- Long queues due to ticket validation processes.
- Lack of accessible PT options for some fans.
- Perceived convenience and comfort of private vehicles.
These insights informed the development of an integrated ticketing system, which will enable a seamless transition from digital match tickets to public transport access, reducing congestion and enhancing fan experience.
Future Steps
Looking ahead, the Porto MLL will continue testing and refining its strategies through pilot projects. The integration of real-time data analytics and digital solutions, such as Explore Porto and the ANDA app, will support more efficient mobility planning. Additionally, expanded partnerships with PT operators will be critical to ensuring long-term adoption of sustainable transport alternatives.
By leveraging smart mobility solutions and stakeholder collaboration, the Mobility Living Lab in Porto represents a significant step toward sustainable urban mobility, aligning with GEMINI’s broader mission to create greener, more efficient transport ecosystems.