Connections in Madrid’s metro system have been significantly improved through the installation of lifts at the Príncipe Pío station. The new infrastructure helps link the station to other parts of the metro and Madrid’s wider public transport network. Accessibility for all users was central to the lifts’ design and their introduction makes it easier for everyone to travel in the city on public transport.
- 29 May 2019
The main objective of the project is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by making Metro de Madrid attractive to new users who would otherwise choose more polluting means of transport. Furthermore, it achieves significant added value by providing universal accessibility to Príncipe Pío station for groups with reduced mobility, including those with physical, visual or hearing disabilities, pregnant women, and people on the move with prams, suitcases or bicycles.
Prior to completion of this project, Príncipe Pío lacked a direct link by lifts to the neighbouring Ramal spur line and lines 6 and 10 of the metro. This increased travel times and discouraged passengers from using the service, especially those with limited mobility. The new lifts solve the problem by connecting the Paseo de la Florida ticket hall – which provides access to the Opera-Norte branch line – to the central platforms of lines 6 and 10. The changes mean people no longer have to leave the metro to complete their journeys.
Innovative design
The glass-fronted lifts incorporate innovative elements so a wide range of passengers can use them. Each lift can carry eight people and is easily accessible. They include buttons with Braille engraving and induction loops for hearing aids. The lifts cater are wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs, heavy luggage, bicycles and prams. In addition, a tactile, visual pavement was included to provide a colour contrast at the lift entrances and exits.
Reducing emissions
The operation of these two new lifts is expected to reduce CO2 emissions by 1 683 tonnes every year, thereby contributing to the fight against climate change as people switch from more polluting modes of transport.
Energy efficient technologies, such as low-consumption LED lights, were incorporated into each of them, which reduce energy consumption by 20 % compared with lifts in other metro stations.
The annual passenger demand at Príncipe Pío station is around 16 million. There are about 50 000 daily visits to the station on working days; and 25 000 on Sundays and public holidays. As well as providing links to other parts of the metro, the station connects to the wider public transport network, including the Príncipe Pío interchange railway station. Passengers using this station have access to 13 municipal bus routes, 27 intercity bus lines and several long-distance bus routes. They can connect to three suburban rail lines and a park-and-ride facility.
Total investment and EU funding
Total investment for the project “Installation of two lifts in Príncipe Pío Station in the Metro de Madrid Network” is EUR 543 388, with the EU’s European Regional Development Fund contributing EUR 224 540 through the “Madrid ERDF” Operational Programme for the 2014-2020 programming period. The investment falls under the priority “Low-carbon economy”.