The Community of Madrid presents the design of the new Metro trains with automated driving system

Today, the Community of Madrid has presented the design of the new automated Metro trains for Line 6 of the underground, a model that will be operational from 2027 and which will be faster, more accessible and energy efficient.

This was stated by the Regional Minister of Housing, Transport and Infrastructure, Jorge Rodrigo, following his visit to the company's Command Post, located in Alto del Arenal, where he explained the new features that come with this renewal of the Madrid metro fleet with 40 new units and an investment of €450 million.

Among them, Rodrigo explained that, by not having a cab and with the widening of the gauge of the trains, they increase their passenger capacity by up to 17%, reaching 1,385 passengers per train. Another of the improvements introduced by these models, which are being manufactured by CAF at its Zaragoza and Beasain centres, is that they will optimise transit time by increasing the speed by up to 33%, which will enable a train frequency of two minutes and a reduction in waiting times at stations.

In addition, they have six cars and intercommunicated corridors and will be 20% more energy efficient than the current ones on Line 6 (Laguna-Lucero). They will also improve accessibility as they will have greater colour contrast and new features such as hearing loop, a system that facilitates the perception of the public address system for people with hearing aids.

The Regional Minister recalled that "this acquisition by Metro de Madrid is the first one by the Madrid underground since 2008 and its entry into service will mean the withdrawal of the oldest models from the network, such as the 5000 series". The contract also includes the development and implementation of a programme to optimise their life cycle, which involves advice and technical assistance for their conservation for a period of 10 years.

This operation guarantees an increase in the travel capacity of the full underground network, the ability to meet the demand for the future extension of Line 11 to Conde de Casal and a more efficient redistribution of the company's current resources. The second phase of this project, which will be carried out in the coming months, will involve the purchase of a further 40 units to be assigned to L1, between Pinar de Chamartín and Valdecarros, with an estimated investment of €500 million.