Regional Government of Madrid to coordinate a research network with universities to develop projects to improve the regional transport network

The Regional Government of Madrid will set up a research network with all the universities in the region to develop projects that improve its transport network. This was announced today by the Regional Councillor for Transport and Infrastructure, David Pérez, at the opening of a set of workshops organised by Instituto de Empresa Tower, which underlined that Madrid has one of the most innovative services on this matter in Europe, applying more than 50 smart systems throughout the mobility process, including planning, logistics, capacity control, security, health and information.

“The transport and logistics sector had already been preparing for the outset of the new digital era, but the pandemic has accelerated all these processes. Furthermore, the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Funds establish the digitalisation of all industrial sectors as one of its priority drivers”, stressed David Pérez, who also referred to the regional government’s commitment to convert the region into a global logistics hub in Southern Europe, which connects with Africa and strengthens its actions with Asia to explore new horizons.

In its commitment to the most innovative systems, the Regional Government of Madrid is starting up the topping up of the Public Travel Card (TTP) through an app; the Aparca+T Plan, with its control and payment methods; payment by card on intercity buses; the BusLab; the Big Data/Business Intelligence projects, performed through the Regional Transport Consortium (CRTM); Station 4.0 and the Metro de Madrid Digital Train.

As regards road transport, work is being done to develop an app for IOS and Android that processes data on the presence and movements of vulnerable users on roads in real time and the future Smart Road 4.0 project.

The CRTM has already spent many years applying the gradual introduction of technological devices to improve the service provided to users, such as the development, implementation and maintenance of a multimodal transport planner which, through a mobile app, allows the optimum route to be chosen according to the criteria established by the user: cost, time and reduction in the number of connections, with the aim of the user choosing the most suitable route to make their trip by underground, EMT and intercity bus.

As regards the underground network, the company has launched a digital transformation process, with such initiatives as the introduction of a versatile, secure and high-capacity communications network to provide coverage to the underground of the future, known as Rainet.

Furthermore, by using Station 4.0, all these elements are interrelated. This system improves the information to customers by facilitating and speeding up their transport on the underground network, from the purchase of their travel ticket to finding the right platform and access to trains. In addition, Gran Vía station shows a clear commitment to accessibility, modernisation and technological innovation. In turn, the Digital Train is an initiative that will improve reliability and reduce the number of online incidents by making a predictive analysis of faults and improving the reliability indices of material, among others.

COMMITMENT TO DIGITALISATION

The Regional Government of Madrid continues to undertake a comprehensive renewal of the more than 9,000 bus shelters and bus stops for suburban buses so that they are more innovative, accessible and sustainable. The introduction of the Navilens information system at 100% of bus stops over the next three years is among the most outstanding projects, so that users with reduced visibility can receive information through the installation of adapted codes.

The introduction of the new systems will continue until the end of the year 2030, and reflects the commitment by the regional government to progress and the use of technology and more efficient energy to improve service quality.