The Community of Madrid has taken a significant step towards modernizing its public transport network with the presentation of the first of 48 new autonomous trains destined for Metro Line 6. These trains, which will begin operating throughout 2027, will transform the so-called Circular line into the network's first line with fully automatic driving.
Regional president Isabel Díaz Ayuso highlighted during the presentation that "Metro de Madrid continues to grow in step with this vibrant, dynamic, modern region, and the autonomous trains for Line 6 are already here." The regional government will begin circulation tests for this new fleet this summer, which represents an investment of over 531 million euros. The goal is to increase transport capacity by up to 70% and reduce train headways to two minutes, positioning Madrid's subway among the most advanced in the world.
The first train, manufactured by CAF, has completed its production and industrial validation phases. It will now undergo a comprehensive program of checks under real operating conditions at Metro facilities to assess its performance, integration with the infrastructure, and the proper functioning of the new signaling, communication, and control systems.
These initial tests, to be conducted over the coming months on lines 10, 11, and 12 during nighttime hours and initially operated by a driver, will allow for the analysis of parameters related to safety, reliability, dynamic performance, comfort, and the interoperability of the entire railway system. Later, once the ongoing works on L6 itself are completed, the examinations will be carried out in automatic mode.
The new fleet will consist of 48 six-car trains, exceeding 109 meters in length and capable of carrying up to 1,385 passengers, a 17% increase compared to current models. These trains feature spacious aisles, the absence of a traditional driving cabin, a top speed increased by 33% to 110 km/h, and energy efficiency that reduces consumption by 20%.
While tests are underway, the manufacturing of the remaining units continues. The Community of Madrid is also installing platform screen doors at all 28 stations of L6 and training staff to adapt to the new operational model. President Díaz Ayuso explained that the redistribution of drivers to other lines will be reinforced, ensuring work-life balance and without eliminating any jobs.
This initiative complements the ongoing efforts to modernize and expand the Metro network, including the renovation of stations such as Ventas, Santiago Bernabéu, and Avenida de América, and enhancements to accessibility with new elevators and escalators. Concurrently, line extensions continue, including L11, L5 to the airport, and L3.
The platform adaptation works at the 28 stations of L6, with an investment of 8 million euros, will be carried out during nighttime hours over the next ten months. These works include comprehensive pavement renewal with more resistant materials, installation of tactile paving for visually impaired individuals, and correction of the level difference between the train and the platform to improve accessibility and accommodate future automatic doors. Stainless steel and safety glass screens will also be installed at platform ends.
