CAF awarded €450 million order to supply 40 new six-car trains to Madrid Metro

Madrid, Spain (Metro Rail Today): Madrid Metro has taken a significant step towards modernizing its fleet by placing an order for 40 new six-car trains from CAF, totaling €450 million. These state-of-the-art trains are slated to serve on lines 6 and 8, effectively replacing some of the older rolling stock, particularly the series 5000 trains.

Line 6, a 23.5km circular route encompassing 28 stations, stands as the busiest artery within the Madrid Metro network. With a staggering 110 million passengers in 2023 alone, averaging 618,000 commuters on any given workday, Line 6's significance cannot be overstated. Similarly, Line 8, stretching 16km from Nuevos Ministerios in the city center to Aeropuerto T4 station at Madrid Barajas Airport, serves eight stations. Both lines are slated for conversion to automatic train operation (ATO), further enhancing efficiency and reliability.

The introduction of these new trains, featuring full-width gangways between cars, not only bolsters capacity on the network but also positions Madrid Metro to meet the anticipated surge in demand upon the completion of Line 11's extension to Conde de Casal. This strategic investment underscores Madrid Metro's commitment to providing seamless and efficient transportation solutions for residents and visitors alike.

In addition to procuring the trains, the contract with CAF includes provisions for technical assistance in fleet maintenance over the span of 10 years. This comprehensive support ensures that the new trains remain in optimal condition, contributing to the overall reliability and safety of Madrid Metro's operations.

As part of Madrid Metro's ongoing fleet renewal program, a further 40 six-car trains, valued at €518.4 million, are set to be ordered in the coming months. These trains will be deployed on Line 1, a 24km route connecting Pinar de Chamartín to Valdecarros, serving 33 stations. This expansion aligns with Madrid Metro's vision of providing efficient and accessible public transportation solutions to meet the evolving needs of the city's growing population.

The acquisition of 40 new trains from CAF represents a significant milestone in Madrid Metro's journey towards modernization and efficiency. By investing in cutting-edge technology and expanding its fleet capacity, Madrid Metro reaffirms its commitment to providing world-class transportation services for the residents and visitors of Madrid.