Heavier traffic and an increase in Metro and EMT riders on the initial day of resumed work and school in Madrid
In the bustling city of Madrid, traffic congestion and Metro disruptions marred the first working day after schools resumed.
On Monday, a total of 510,372 passengers used the Metro network during the morning peak hour, marking a 16 percent increase compared to the previous Monday. This surge in passengers was particularly noticeable on Line 6, where 56 buses from the special service were running, catering to a demand of over 70 percent.
However, the increased demand on the Metro network was not the only cause of traffic woes. Notable increases in vehicle presence were observed on the A-1, A-2, A-4, A-5, A-6, and A-42, as well as on the M-40.
Within the city, problematic areas included Francisco Silvela, Joaquín Costa, Raimundo, Fernández Villaverde, Alberto Aguilera, Genova Street, Castellana Avenue, Lima and Cuzco squares. The main traffic jams on the fourth beltway occurred between Vallecas and Coslada, in the direction of the A-2, and from Somosaguas to the tunnels of El Pardo, in the direction of the A-1.
Long queues were observed in Moncloa, the head of the line where the service suspension began. Diversions in the Plaza de Conde de Casal, around the Bernabeu, and in the Avenida de América caused more complicated traffic. Several incidents on the M-30, including a disabled vehicle in the Pío XII area, another in the north junction, and congestion around the Avenue of the Enlightenment, further exacerbated the situation.
EMT, the public transport operator, offered free bus rides on the first day of school, resulting in a 15 percent increase in passengers. Despite these efforts, many users found themselves disoriented due to the closure of Line 6 of Metro and the Circular in its east section.
Amidst the chaos, the Minister of Transport, Raquel Sánchez Jiménez, criticised the lack of planning and lashed out at the press. Regional deputy Javier Guardiola described the traffic situation as chaos on social media.
Three major works are underway in Madrid, affecting traffic: the A-5 tunnel, the north zone of Paseo de la Castellana, and the greening of the M-30 at Puente de Ventas. Despite these complications, traffic in Madrid was 2 percent lower than on a typical day.
As the city navigates these challenges, it remains hopeful for smoother commutes in the days to come.
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