Madrid Metro cooling units are being deployed at 20 stations on Lines 1 and 5 to improve platform ventilation during hot weather. The measure is being used for the third summer in a row and will be paired with additional inspections of train air conditioning systems.

Madrid Metro cooling units cover Lines 1 and 5
Madrid Metro cooling units cover Lines 1 and 5

The equipment began operating on June 4⁠, earlier than in previous years, after warnings of rising temperatures. Regional authorities said the goal is to improve comfort for both passengers and Metro de Madrid employees.

The cooling units will run from 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. They will be activated when outside temperatures exceed 30 degrees Celsius or when Spain’s State Meteorological Agency, AEMET⁠ announces a heat wave.

Madrid Metro heat wave measures on Lines 1 and 5

On Line 1, the units will be installed at Sol, Chamartín, Alvarado, Iglesia, Antón Martín, Estación del Arte, Atocha, Puente de Vallecas, Buenos Aires, and Alto del Arenal.

On Line 5, the cooling systems will be used at Callao, Alonso Martínez, Gran Vía, Chueca, Ópera, Diego de León, Núñez de Balboa, La Latina, Puerta de Toledo, and Acacias.

In total, the 40 cooling units will be distributed across 20 metro stations on the two lines.

Additional train air conditioning inspections

Alongside the station measures, Metro de Madrid will increase regular checks of air conditioning equipment on all trains operating across the network during the summer months.

If a fault is detected on a specific train, that train will be sent for immediate repair. The problem is expected to be fixed within a maximum of one day.

Metro de Madrid will also disable automatic door opening on trains during this period to help keep carriage interiors cooler. Doors will open only when passengers activate them, reducing the loss of cooled air while trains are stopped at stations.