Spain: The journalists have witnessed the six-car trainset of Series 10000 at the Cuatro Vientos depot in the Spanish capital.
In the nearest future, the rolling stock is reported to undergo a comprehensive testing programme directly on the Metro Madrid premises. The tests are intended to assess the performance characteristics, prove the train’s compatibility with the existing infrastructure and ensure the flawless operation of new signalling, communication and control systems.
The initial test runs will be carried out at night hours on Lines 10, 11 and 12 in semi-automatic GoA2 mode, with the participation of a driver. Once the route is completely equipped with the platform doors necessary for unattended operation, the Spanish manufacturer’s train will continue testing on Circular Line 6 in fully driverless mode, at the highest GoA4 level.
Head part of the driverless Inneo metro train for Madrid from CAF. Source: Comunidad de Madrid
Compared to CAF’s current six-car trains in service, the new-generation LRV has a 17% higher passenger capacity, rising from 1,200 to almost 1,400 people, including 165 seated. The improvement has been achieved through the increase of a car’s width from 2.8 to 2.9 m alongside the introduction of inter-car gangways and elimination of the driver’s cabs. In addition, the new rolling stock is 20% more energy-efficient, while the maximum speed is raised by 33% to 110 km/h.
Inside the driverless Inneo metro train for Madrid from CAF. Source: Comunidad de Madrid
All the new cars feature dedicated spaces for wheelchair users and two areas for bicycles and prams. There have also been installed modern acoustic and visual information systems. Similar to the previous CAF trains, the new LRVs are likewise fitted with air-conditioning and video-monitoring systems and charging points for mobile phones.
In 2024–2025, Madrid ordered 88 six-car Inneo metro trains worth €931 mln. A total of 48 vehicles will go to Circular Line 6, the busiest route in Madrid. The transition to the fully unattended operation is expected to increase the line’s capacity by 70%, with 30 services per hour provided at two-minute headways.
