Madrid Begins Tests of New Automatic Trains for Metro Line 6. Madrid has launched tests of the first automatic trains for Metro Line 6. The project aims for full automation by 2027. The new trains promise increased capacity and reduced intervals between services.
A key stage in the modernization of Madrid's urban transport system has begun: tests have started on the first automated trains, which over the coming years will fully replace the old rolling stock on Metro Line 6. This is the busiest line in the capital, serving more than 400,000 passengers daily. The tests are taking place at the specialized CAF Track Test Center in Navarre, where the manufacturer is checking all systems before sending the trains to Madrid.
As part of the project, 48 new automated trains are planned to enter service by 2027. Each train consists of six carriages and is designed to carry up to 1,385 passengers, including 165 seats. Regional authorities have invested €531.2 million in upgrading the line, aiming not only to increase capacity but also to reduce intervals between trains to just two minutes. This is expected to significantly improve the situation on one of the city's main transport arteries.
The first two trains are undergoing comprehensive tests in Navarre, and starting in July, they will be transported to Madrid for further testing on actual metro lines. The remaining trains will be tested directly in the capital’s depots. Initially, the new trains will operate in manual mode on lines 10, 11, and 12, and after completing technological adaptation, they will switch to automated operation on line 6.
The new train sets feature not only automation. They are 20% more energy-efficient than previous models, can reach speeds up to 110 km/h, and, thanks to the absence of a driver's cab and through passages between carriages, provide 17% more space for passengers. Each train is equipped with areas for people with limited mobility, spots for bicycles and strollers, as well as modern information, air conditioning, video surveillance, and mobile device charging systems. An induction loop is being introduced for hearing aid users. The exterior of the trains retains the signature Madrid Metro colors: a white body and blue doors for better visibility.
Large-scale transport projects are becoming increasingly relevant for major Spanish cities. For example, in Catalonia, the authorities are focusing on developing new railway connections, as highlighted in the article about the revival of the Orbital line project— details on the region's plans to upgrade its infrastructure.
For reference: Line 6 of the Madrid Metro is a circular line connecting key city districts and intersecting with most other routes. Its full automation will not only improve comfort and safety but also reduce operating costs. According to RUSSPAIN, similar projects in other European capitals have already proven effective, and demand for automated transport in Spain continues to grow amid urbanization and rising passenger numbers.
