Metropolitano de Lisboa, EP, (ML) is a state enterprise (the Portuguese State being its sole shareholder). It is the exclusive operator of a subway network running under the city of Lisbon and to outlying zones. The company is equally responsible for all initiatives involved in the subway's upgrades and expansions.

The Current Network (2008) Consists Of Four Independent Lines With Some 38 Kms Of Track And 50 Stations - 4 Of Which Are Interface-Stations Serving 2 Lines.

ML - 2008 network map

Set up in 1948 as a plc, ML was granted a concession to install and operate the subway in 1949. Construction work began in 1955 and, four years later, on December 29, 1959, the network's first stage was inaugurated. Then it consisted of a "Y" shaped line, covering 6.5 Kms and 11 stations, with terminals at Sete Rios (now Jardim Zoológico), Entre Campos and Restauradores.

This initial line was extended over time, reaching Rossio in 1963, Anjos in 1966, and Alvalade in 1972. In 1975 the company was nationalized, becoming a state enterprise in 1978. 1988 saw an extension running to the Colégio Militar/Luz stations inaugurated, as well as one to Cidade Universitária. Later, in 1993 the Campo Grande interface station was opened.

In 1995, with the Rotunda "Y" interface enabling the creation of two independent lines, work began on the realization of ML's most ambitious plan to date. As an outcome of this, the following works were inaugurated: in 1997, an extension to the Pontinha and Rato stations and, in 1998, one to Cais do Sodré (creating a third independent line with an interface at Baixa/Chiado) and the construction of the new Alameda - Oriente line, with seven stations. In 2004 the subway broke the limits of the city, reaching two of the adjacent districts with the Yellow line extension to Odivelas and the Blue line extension to Amadora. In 2007 the Baixa/Chiado – Santa Apolónia extension opened to the public, enabling a privileged interface with the northern train line and the boats crossing the Tagus river towards the South.

At the same time new rolling stock has been acquired, with ML boasting a 339-strong fleet of the latest generation (ML 90, ML 95, ML 97 and ML 99) carriages. In upcoming years, ML sees itself carrying some 200 million passengers a year on its network. The groundwork is continuously being laid for future expansions, considered indispensable to the adequate functioning of an integrated and multimodal system of public transportation in Lisbon and its outlying areas. Extensions underway: Red Line - Alameda – São Sebastião that will enhance the network’s effectiveness, enabling a greater number of interfaces and Oriente – Aeroporto connecting airlines with the subway and train systems. Once those extensions are in place, ML’s network will cover some 44 km of track with 56 stations.

Public Art - a Museum on your itinerary

ML is known both at home and abroad for its policy of providing its subway installations with an aesthetic dimension, making them a friendlier and more attractive place for the people who use them. ML's whole network has, since 1959, been enriched by works of art that have made it the city's most-visited "museum".

Metropolitano de Lisboa, E.P., as a company, is focused on its key mission of ensuring public passenger transportation with high standards in safety, speed, regularity and comfort.

To do that, it directly controls:

• operation of its transportation network
• maintenance and upgrade of rolling stock and other equipment
• refurbishment, extension and upgrade of older installations
• execution of network expansion projects

Secondary and related activities - commercial areas, advertising, cleaning, studies, and engineering services - are generally outsourced to independent companies, in which ML has various kinds of stakes or investments.