With the slogan “Madrid no se para” (Madrid continues), Regional President Isabel Ayuso presented a number of measures that will significantly improve public transport in her region and stimulate its use.
An important change is a reduction in prices to encourage many people as possible to use public transport. For example, the price of a season ticket for Zone C (outer periphery) is the same as for Zone B (periphery). Residents of 129 municipalities in the Madrid region would benefit from this price reduction.
Free public transport for people over 65
One of the PP showpieces in Madrid is making public transport free for all residents aged 65 and over. That will happen gradually with an annual price drop until public transport is completely free at the end of Ayuso’s tenure.
In addition, all season ticket holders can travel free of charge on weekends and public holidays within all public transport areas of the Madrid region.
Large-scale expansion of the metro network
Ayuso also continues to expand the Madrid metro network. Line 11 will extend a further 33 kilometers in five sections, connecting the south of the city with the north via an eastern section. Line 11 will also connect to Atocha train station, which many commuters use. Ultimately, this metro line will connect to Madrid-Barajas Airport, other commuter train stations, high-speed trains and major bus stations.
The extension of metro line 5, which has already started, will connect to Madrid airport. In addition, metro line 3 will also be expanded, with a connection to El Casar station in Getafe. This will create two lines (line 3 and line 12) that connect the towns south of Madrid with the centre.
Finally, there will be a whole new metro line (Madrid Nuevo Norte). Three stations will connect the Nuevo Norte urban project with Chamartín station, an important hub for commuter and high-speed trains.
A further €120million is being invested in the construction of three important large transfer stations in the current Conde de Casal, Legazpi and Valdebebas stations.
More trains, more frequent schedules
Not only will the infrastructure improve, but a new timetable should also make it possible to transport more passengers. With the purchase of 60 new trains over the next four years and the contracting of 300 drivers, the frequency of the timetable will increase significantly.
All municipalities in the Madrid region with more than 10,000 inhabitants will receive a 24-hour timetable. This will allow both visitors and night-shift workers easy access to Madrid city.
Stage for young performers
The improvements to public transport will also appeal to talent from the periphery of Madrid. Not only will accessibility improve, but travelling itself will become more attractive. Ayuso wants to designate locations within the metro network where musicians can play in a regulated manner. This also applies to young performers with a stage at metro stations for a musical performance or mini-theatre show.
Taxi ‘on demand’ for sparsely populated municipalities
In order to increase the accessibility of Madrid for the residents of the sparsely populated municipalities in the Sierra Norte, an ‘on demand’ taxi service will be introduced. Residents will be able to use this service at any time.
Free competition between Taxis and VTC
The regional government also wants full liberalisation of regular taxis and the so-called VTC (Vehículo de Turismo con Conductor – car with driver such as Uber). Ayuso wants to provide support to modernise and improve competition within the taxi market.
Finally, the regional board also wants to stimulate sustainable transport, such as the use of bicycles. For example, there will be more bicycle lanes. Furthermore, the current recreational walking and cycling network (Rutas Verdes) will also be expanded.
