Lorraine Williamson
For almost 40 years, the warm, reassuring voice of María Jesús Álvarez, affectionately known as “Chusa,” has guided commuters through Madrid’s bustling metro system. However, now, at the age of 87, she is back in the recording studio, continuing her iconic role.
Recently, she recorded the new announcement for the extension of Line 3, marking the addition of the El Casar station in Getafe.
A voice that transcends technology
In an era where artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly replacing human voices in public transport systems worldwide, Madrid made a conscious decision to keep the human touch. Rather than opting for a synthetic voice, the city chose to bring back Chusa’s familiar tones, much to the delight of its passengers.
Her voice was first heard on Line 3 in May 1986, when she and her colleague, Javier Dotú, became the official voices of the Madrid Metro. Since then, their voices have become a staple for generations of commuters. Together, they provided critical travel information to millions, a part of daily life for many.
Social media buzz: Chusa’s return goes viral
The announcement of El Casar’s new station quickly gained traction on social media. Railway enthusiasts and Madrid locals were eager to confirm whether the voice was indeed Chusa’s. Many were stunned to hear it once more after nearly two decades, prompting a flood of recognition and appreciation online.
For regular metro riders, Chusa’s voice is more than just a utility; it’s a part of their daily routine, evoking a sense of nostalgia and comfort. Her recent return demonstrates the enduring power of human voices in an increasingly automated world.
From radio to metro
Chusa’s journey began far from the metro. Born in León, she moved to Madrid in 1961 and quickly made a name for herself in radio. After working for Radio Juventud and Radio Intercontinental, she spent 45 years at RTVE, Spain’s public broadcaster. In 1986, she became the voice of the Madrid Metro, alongside Dotú, a partnership that has lasted for decades.
A legal victory and cultural legacy
In 2001, Chusa and Dotú found themselves at the centre of a legal dispute with singer Manu Chao, who used their metro announcements in his song “Próxima estación: Esperanza” without permission. The case ended with a court ruling in favour of the duo, highlighting just how culturally valuable their voices had become.
No AI, just Chusa
Despite rumours circulating that the recent announcement was made using AI, Chusa confirmed in an interview with El País that she personally recorded the message. Her return to the studio proves her dedication to preserving the human touch, even as technology becomes more prevalent in everyday life.
A lasting legacy
Chusa’s return to the metro system has been met with widespread approval, especially on social media, where many praised her as a symbol of Madrid’s identity. In a digital age where voices are increasingly automated, her human warmth is a reminder of the personal connections that technology can’t replace.
For the people of Madrid, Chusa’s voice is more than a mere announcement. It’s a comforting presence, a piece of the city’s cultural fabric, and a reminder of a time when human voices, not algorithms, connected us all.