Plans for Madrid’s First Fully Driverless Metro Line

Plans for Madrid’s first fully driverless metro line mark a major advancement in Spanish rail infrastructure and urban mobility modernization. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

The Madrid Metro has signed consultancy agreements with Systra and Ardanuy Ingeniería to oversee the transformation of Line 6 into a GoA-4 automated system. This line, the most heavily used in the network, currently operates with partial automation and will soon become Spain’s first to run fully without drivers.

The two firms will jointly develop the technical and operational plans for implementing all subsystems required for driverless operation. Their scope includes functional architecture, performance specifications, and comprehensive safety protocols. In addition, they will supervise the entire project through completion.

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Plans Supported by Signaling and Rolling Stock Innovation

The modernization strategy builds on earlier deals. In January, Madrid Metro partnered with Alstom to install the Urbalis signaling system on Line 6. This advanced solution enables real-time automation and forms the backbone of the GoA-4 upgrade.

In April, CAF presented a full-scale mock-up of the upcoming driverless train model, based on its Inneo platform. The manufacturer is scheduled to deliver 80 new trainsets, with 75% of the procurement cost backed by financing from the European Investment Bank and Spain’s state-owned credit agency. The remaining cost will be covered through regional funding.

Plans Align with EU-Backed Urban Mobility Goals

The initiative aligns with broader European Union goals to promote sustainable, efficient public transportation in urban centers. By automating Line 6, Madrid aims to increase service frequency, reduce energy consumption, and minimize human error.

This transformation underscores Spain’s growing expertise in transport engineering, signaling technology, and public infrastructure innovation. Plans for similar upgrades on other lines may follow if the project proves successful.

The combined efforts of domestic manufacturers and global tech firms highlight Madrid’s commitment to becoming a leader in smart mobility. As implementation progresses, the capital is set to redefine how millions of passengers experience daily metro travel.

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