Portugal’s incumbent rail operator, CP, said that the inaugural trip of the vintage train on the Douro line took place on 1 June and that this year, 23 trips are expected, on Saturdays until 26 October and also on 15 August.


The number of trips scheduled for 2019 equals about half of the number run last year. In previous years, CP also ran trips on Sundays.


In a statement CP justified the reduction with a decrease in demand in 2018 when 6,190 people travelled on the vintage train, when in 2017 there were 10,100. According to CP, the revenue was €375,700 in 2017 and €234,100 in 2018.


The reduction in supply has triggered criticism from mayors and tour operators.


At the time, the mayor of Peso da Régua, José Manuel Gonçalves, was said to be “against” it and that the reduction of the touristic offer in the Douro rail is “harmful to the image” of the territory.


The Douro Historical Train consists of an oil-fired steam locomotive and five vintage wooden carriages dating to the beginning of the 20th century. The service departs from Peso da Régua station, running through Pinhão and on to Tua, where it ends.