Alstom to Deliver Madrid’s First Driverless Metro Line
Alstom has signed a contract with Metro de Madrid to upgrade the signalling system of Line 6, making it the first fully driverless metro line in Madrid.
Alstom has signed a contract with Metro de Madrid to upgrade the signalling system of Line 6, making it the first fully driverless metro line in Madrid.
This 23.5-kilometre circular line, with 28 stations, is the busiest in the network, serving nearly 400,000 passengers daily.
The project represents a major milestone in modernising Madrid’s urban transit system, enhancing reliability, efficiency, and safety for commuters.
The upgrade will transform Line 6 from semi-automatic (Grade of Automation 2) to fully autonomous operation (Grade of Automation 4). Alstom will deliver its Urbalis Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) system, a proven technology already in use on 190 metro lines worldwide.
The contract also includes the installation of a new Automatic Train Supervision (ATS) system to improve train monitoring and control.
The project will be carried out by Alstom’s Railway Signalling Excellence Centre in Madrid, a global leader in urban and mainline signalling technologies.
“We are grateful to Metro de Madrid for their trust in our team and in our Railway Signalling Excellence Centre in Madrid to execute this iconic project that will transform and modernise Madrid's metro system. This contract reinforces our commitment to enhance mobility for Madrid residents and visitors, by implementing state-of-the-art technology and continuous innovation. Together, we are paving the way for more sustainable and smart mobility solutions.”
The Urbalis CBTC system will bring significant benefits, including increased train frequency, improved reliability, and reduced energy consumption. These upgrades will help optimise service capacity while ensuring a safe and efficient passenger experience.
