PCP accused Coimbra City Council of worsening traffic problems in the Baixa and Alta with the changes that will come into effect on September 10. The reorganization of traffic arises associated with the entry into operation of the Metrobus to Coimbra-B station and Praça da República. The local authority, led by the coalition Avançar Coimbra (PS/Livre/PAN), also changed several urban bus lines.
The Coimbra PCP Concelhia criticized the changes for considering that they will overload avenue Fernão de Magalhães and street de Aveiro, which are already saturated. The party defends that there is no true coordination and integration between the various forms of transport. PCP also warned that the presented solutions are not clear regarding access to the Municipal Market and commerce of the Baixa and street da Sofia, and that nothing was said about alternative parking lots.
The party considered that the measures were announced without promoting the participation and clarification of inhabitants and traders. The PCP listed that the lack of planning of works, the destruction of the railroad, the concentration of services in the hospital area and the lack of parking are problems that already existed and that the new changes will worsen. The party proposes the promotion of true participation of the populations and coordination between the Metrobus and the SMTUC.
Among the alterations defined by the executive, Street da Sofia will no longer allow general car circulation, being left with only one direction for public transport and local access. The Central avenue (avenue D. Sesnando Davides) will also be reserved for urban buses and local access, and Street de Saragoça will now have a single descending direction. PCP proposes more free parking lots with public transport connection and defends a "city to live in, not to speculate."
