Community of Madrid invests €6 million in accessibility with warning devices

Credit: Metro de Madrid

The Community of Madrid has announced a substantial investment of over €6 million, dedicated to installing state-of-the-art light and acoustic warning devices on all Metro train doors, with the aim of creating a more inclusive transportation experience.

The prototype of this innovative system, developed in collaboration with the Spanish Committee of Representatives of People with Disabilities (CERMI), has been deemed ready for deployment. The implementation of the new system is scheduled to commence in December 2023 on Metro Line 11.

Over the course of 2024, the cutting-edge signalling method will be rolled out to a total of 8,968 doors across 242 trains. These trains primarily operate on lines 1, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 of the Madrid underground, collectively representing 61.5% of the entire fleet of 393 trains. Subsequently, the initiative will be progressively extended to cover all cars within the Metro network.

The newly introduced warning system is designed to address the needs of passengers with visual and/or hearing impairments. Each door will feature a light and sound warning device located in the upper passenger area, providing crucial information about the opening and closing process. An optical element with bicolour LED technology (green/red) will be installed at each entrance, accompanied by a distinct sound signal for various states, including opening, open, pre-warning of closure and closing.

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These notifications will be visible and audible from both inside and outside the train. Furthermore, the duration and intensity of the signals will be dynamically adjusted to the door’s status, ensuring a unique and unmistakable visual and audible indication for each phase of the opening and closing process.

This initiative aligns with the broader commitment of the Community of Madrid to guarantee full accessibility throughout the Metro network for users of all abilities. As part of this commitment, plans are already underway to increase the number of fully inclusive stations from 70% to 84% by 2028.

The investment in these advanced warning devices represents a significant step forward in the realm of public transportation accessibility, demonstrating Madrid’s commitment to creating a more inclusive and accommodating environment for all commuters.