Lisbon's Gloria Funicular: A Historic Ride with a Dark Day

Lisbon's Gloria funicular, a beloved city landmark, recently faced a tragic accident. At least 17 people lost their lives, and over 20 were hurt when one of its cars derailed and crashed. This event marks one of the worst transport accidents in the city's history. The Gloria funicular, or "Ascensor da Gloria, " runs along Calcada da Gloria street. It's one of three funicular lines in Lisbon, a city known for its steep hills. The Gloria line is the most popular, especially with tourists. It connects the downtown area to Sao Pedro de Alacantara's terrace, offering stunning city views, and to Bairro Alto, famous for its lively nightlife. The funicular's cars are painted a bright yellow, similar to Lisbon's iconic trams. Each year, around 3 million people use the Gloria line. The two cars, numbered 1 and 2, were built by a German company and can each carry about 40 passengers. They are attached to opposite ends of a cable, powered by electric motors. The line opened in 1885, initially using a water counterweight system before becoming steam-powered and then electrified in 1914. The route is 265 meters long, with a steep slope of over 17%. The cars have a unique design to compensate for this gradient. In 2002, the line was registered as a national monument, highlighting its historical significance. Safety is a top priority for the municipal public transport company Carris. They stated that all maintenance protocols have been followed. The line was even shut down in May for four days of maintenance. However, a derailment occurred in 2018 due to a technical problem with the cable, though no one was injured. The recent accident raises questions about the safety measures in place. While the cause is still under investigation, it's clear that more needs to be done to ensure the safety of passengers. The Gloria funicular is a vital part of Lisbon's transport system and a symbol of the city's history. It's crucial that it continues to operate safely for both locals and tourists to enjoy.