The authorities in Bilbao have announced a major investment program for the Bilbao Metro, this is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Bilbao Invests €736 Million in New Trains and CBTC System for Metro
Photo: Wikipedia

A total of €736 million will be allocated, with approximately €600 million designated for updating the rolling stock. Thirty-seven five-car trains will be purchased.

Canada Invests in VIA Rail: Purchase of 40 Locomotives and 300 Passenger Cars After 2030

The delivery of the new trains is scheduled for 2027-2028, with completion expected by 2033.

The new trains are expected to be 12.5% more spacious and 35% more energy-efficient, leading to annual savings of around €1.5 million.

The implementation of digital systems will also improve maintenance and passenger information, including details on train occupancy.

Additionally, €130 million will be invested in deploying the CBTC radio-based train control system.

This system aims to reduce train intervals and enhance the reliability of the transport process.

The remaining €6 million will be allocated for modernizing the metro’s control center.

In 2021, Bilbao Metro tested the CBTC system from CAF Signalling in combination with the LTE radio network from Teltronic.

Bilbao Metro has a Y-shaped structure with two lines of narrow gauge, covering a total length of 44 kilometers.

The annual ridership is nearly 100 million passengers.

Photo: Wikipedia

Rail business, industry, and railway technology news from Railway Supply that you might have missed:

Hitachi Rail to Supply New Battery Trams to Florence: Deliveries Begin in 2026

Find the latest news of the railway industry in Eastern Europe, the former Soviet Union and the rest of the world on our page on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, read Railway Supply magazine online.

Place your ads on webportal and in Railway Supply magazine. Detailed information is in Railway Supply media kit