Madrid retires the last diesel bus: now, all are sustainable

The first week of 2023 has seen a milestone in urban transport in Madrid. The train has been withdrawn from service the last diesel-powered bus. In this way, all EMT buses in Madrid are now sustainable. Currently, the majority of buses are powered by CNG, which have lower polluting emissions, but also by electric vehicles.

A total, sound 1.915 buses powered by CNG and another 180 with electric traction train. Another 150 electric buses are expected to be incorporated into public service. Ten hydrogen fuel cell units are also expected to enter service, which will strengthen the fleet with zero-emission units.

75 years of EMT

The history of EMT dates back 75 years, so 2023 is a good time to open a new stage in the Madrid public transport company. Throughout its history, EMT has had 5.009 diesel buses, which have now completely disappeared from the company's offering.

The last buses that were purchased with diesel engines date back to 2012 and They have been gradually replaced by CNG models.These have been joined by electric buses, which will increase in number over the coming years.

On-demand bus? Could this be the solution to mobility in rural areas?

Rural Spain could improve communications between its villages thanks to an on-demand electric bus service.

Electrified future

It is expected that 25% of the EMT fleet becomes electric. To this end, the EMT headquarters, which is located in La Elipa, is undergoing several modifications to accommodate the necessary infrastructure for charging the batteries.

It will be installed a solar panel park and all the infrastructure to provide charging for buses. This is expected to be achieved with an investment of 534 million euros by 2025. To this amount must be added the 77,34 million euros contributed in 2021.

Hay several small electric buses, the so-called Gulliver buses, circulate through the streets of the city centre. In addition, there are 0 lines that already use zero-emission buses. Little by little, the sustainability of Madrid's urban transport will grow and the aim is to make it as harmless as possible.