Without cabin and without driver. This will be the new trains that will arrive on the network Madrid Metro starting in 2027, making it the first suburban in Spain to incorporate autonomous trains. According to Metro sources, 20 minutes, The integration of this new model will be progressive, and in this first phase of the project a total of 40 automated trains will be included on lines 6 and 8.
In addition, as explained by the same sources, the removal of the driving cabin will allow passenger capacity to be expanded. This, added to the increase in the width of the carriages – which will go from 2.8 to 2.9 meters – will mean that these new trains can transport up to 20% more users. Thus, each convoy will be able to accommodate around 1,500 people, compared to the current 1,200.
The choice of line 6 for this initial phase is not coincidental, since it is one of the busiest of the Madrid Metro, with about 400,000 daily passengers. Furthermore, its circular nature and its 23.5 kilometers of route – covering 28 stations – make it a strategic line with multiple connections to other stations in the network. For its part, line 8 is also a key route for the capital’s links, connecting the districts of ChamartÃn, Hortaleza and Barajas (where the airport is located).
Faster and more accessible
In terms of frequency, trains will also be faster. As detailed by the aforementioned sources to this newspaper, the idea is that it can circulate a train every two minutes, significantly reducing passenger waiting times.
But, in addition, these new models will also be more accessible. One of the new features is that the incorporation of a inductive loop system in the carriages, which will improve public address pickup for people who use hearing aids. Likewise, The well-known ‘anti-scratch’ seats will be maintained‘, reserved for people with reduced mobility, the elderly or pregnant, with specific areas for wheelchairs and bicycles.
As Metro de Madrid has pointed out to this medium, these technological and aesthetic advances are part of a renovation plan that It will be extended with another 40 trains to other suburban lines in a second phase, including line 1, with the aim of modernizing and improving the service in the coming years.
“Colors that promote relaxation”
The new carriages also stand out for their interior design, designed to give “serenity” to passengers. The predominant colors will be shades of blue on handles and seats – Pantone 286 and 285 -, with a chromatic contrast that will improve accessibility. The idea, according to Metro Madrid, is “transmit tranquility and promote relaxation.”
The regional government will allocate a investment of 450 million euros for the acquisition of these 40 trains, the first purchase of rolling stock since 2008. With this commitment, Madrid takes another step towards the modernization of its transport network, which will be at the forefront of urban railway systems in Spain.
