Concerns rise over cleanliness in Portugal

In the first half of 2025, Portugal has witnessed a surge in complaints about hygiene on public transport, with Carris Metropolitana being the most targeted entity in the sector[1][2]. The Complaints Portal revealed that poor hygiene is the second most frequently cited reason for complaints, after service quality provided by operators[1].

Accumulated trash, unpleasant odors, and even sightings of cockroaches have been reported, making it a significant concern for passengers[1]. This has led to calls for strengthened cleaning protocols and more effective sanitation routines to address the accumulation of waste and pest problems[1].

While the exact measures taken by Carris Metropolitana or other operators were not detailed in the sources, the heightened public scrutiny and increasing complaints have prompted pressure on operators to improve sanitation standards[1]. Other transport systems, such as Metro do Porto, continue to receive positive remarks for cleanliness, indicating that some operators maintain good hygiene standards[3].

The leading cause of dissatisfaction remains service failures or poor quality provided by transport companies, representing 27.47% of complaints[1]. Other notable issues include delays and service interruptions (14.68%), inefficient customer service (11.86%), financial and contractual problems (9.30%), lack of safety (8.70%), and technical or operational failures (3.75%)[1].

Most consumers who complained about the sector are female (56.51%), and the predominant age group is between 25 and 54 years old[1]. The lack of hygiene conditions on public transport is gaining attention on Portal da Queixa, with almost one in four complaints related to the sector reporting health issues[1].

As the public transport sector faces increased scrutiny, it remains to be seen how operators will respond to the calls for improved hygiene standards. The second quarter of 2025 saw a 27.21% increase in complaints compared to the same period in 2024, indicating a growing concern among passengers[1].

Sources: 1. Complaints Portal data, accessed on various dates in July 2025. 2. "Carris Metropolitana is the most targeted entity in the public transport sector," Transporte Público, July 5, 2025. 3. "Metro do Porto receives 4.18% of complaints, and Metro Lisboa receives 3.41%," Transporte Público, June 15, 2025.

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