At the beginning of 2026, a new Bus-VAO lane will start operating on the busy A-2 highway connecting Madrid and Alcalá de Henares. This lane is designed for public transport, vehicles with multiple passengers, motorcycles, and emergency services. Unlike traditional dedicated lanes, it will not have a physical barrier: traffic flow will be managed using advanced technology, allowing the lane’s status to switch based on real-time traffic conditions.
During peak hours, the left lane in each direction will become a Bus-VAO lane, while at other times it will be open to all drivers. This approach makes it possible to flexibly respond to changing traffic volumes and boost road capacity without major construction. The new section will stretch 19.2 kilometers, and the launch will unfold in stages: first extending to Torrejón de Ardoz, then to Alcalá de Henares.
Technology and control: How the new lane will work
To prevent violations, cameras will be installed to record license plates and count the number of passengers in each vehicle. Drivers who try to use the Bus-VAO lane without proper justification or enter it at the wrong place will be fined. In the first weeks after opening, the system will operate in test mode so motorists can adjust to the changes and re-route if necessary.
Bus-VAO entry and exit points will be equipped with light signals: green will allow movement, while yellow will prohibit it. Additionally, special road signs and electronic displays will provide real-time updates on the lane’s status. Heading toward Madrid, main access points will be located in Torrejón de Ardoz, Rejas, and Canillejas, with exits at Arturo Soria Street, Josefa Valcárcel Street, and near the Eisenhower interchange.
Impact on transport and the environment
The new Bus-VAO is expected to help around 15,000 people commute faster to and from the capital each day. Average travel time will drop by about a quarter—a crucial benefit for work and school commuters. Estimates suggest this could save up to half a million hours annually and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by nearly a thousand tons.
Public transport routes will also see changes: some buses will use the new lane directly, while others will remain on their usual routes to serve stopovers. On weekday mornings, roughly half of all trips from Alcalá de Henares, Torrejón de Ardoz, and nearby towns will use the Bus-VAO. On Friday evenings, when outbound traffic from Madrid spikes, the share of buses on the Bus-VAO will reach 50%.
A flexible system for a future metropolis
The introduction of a dynamic lane on the A-2 is an attempt to strike a balance between efficiency and cost savings. This approach could be applied to other major entry points into Spain’s big cities. For residents of Madrid’s eastern suburbs, it means not only shorter travel times but also more comfortable journeys, while for the city it brings less traffic congestion and environmental improvements.
