Lisbon’s iconic Glória Funicular, a historic transport link between Restauradores Square and Bairro Alto, is set to undergo a major safety redesign following a tragic accident that left 16 people dead and 22 injured on 3rd September 2025. The crash, which occurred when the funicular hurtled down the steep hill and collided with a building, has prompted urgent action from city officials and transport authorities.
Fatal crash and preliminary findings
The accident happened in just 50 seconds, according to a preliminary report. Investigators revealed that a cable problem was the likely cause. Despite the activation of both pneumatic and manual brakes, they did not have the capacity to stop the funicular in time. Critically, there was no redundant safety system in place, which meant the brakes could not prevent the deadly collision.
The Glória Funicular, which opened in 1885 and is one of three historic funiculars operated by Carris, has long been a favourite with tourists as well as a practical transport option for Lisbon’s residents. Every year, around 3 million passengers use the line to travel between the bustling downtown district and the vibrant Bairro Alto.
Expert team to lead safety redesign
In response to the tragedy, Lisbon’s city council has appointed a specialist task force to design a new safety mechanism that will guarantee maximum protection for passengers. The team will include:
- Carris technicians,
- Experts from Portuguese universities,
- Specialists from the engineering regulatory organisation, and
- The National Civil Engineering Laboratory (LNEC).
The council also voted to give this expert group the final authority on when the funicular will be considered safe enough to reopen.
City council vice president Filipe Anacoreta Correia stressed the importance of restoring public confidence:
“We must guarantee maximum security. The country needs to be reassured that this is the case before the cable car can reopen.”
Future of the Glória Funicular
For now, the Glória Funicular will remain closed indefinitely until the new mechanism is designed and implemented. While the closure marks a major interruption to one of Lisbon’s most popular attractions, safety remains the top priority.
Once restored, the funicular is expected to return as both a reliable transport service and a cultural landmark, but only after the new system ensures that such an accident can never happen again.
Visiting Lisbon after the accident
Travellers planning to visit Lisbon in the coming months should note that the Glória Funicular is not in service. However, the city offers alternative routes to reach Bairro Alto, including walking, buses, and taxis. The closure is a sobering reminder of the balance between preserving historic transport systems and ensuring modern safety standards.