Vending

Madrid Metro continues modernization project

Photo: Mistervlad - stock.adobe.com

February 25, 2026

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Madrid regional authorities have launched the second phase of a technology modernization program for the metro network, a rapid transit system serving the metropolitan area of Spain's capital city.

The program will allocate more than €14 million (US$15.3 million) to install 145 new ticket vending machines and replace 266 access gates across 20 stations, according to a report in the trade publication Railway Pro.

The project builds on an earlier phase that replaced 415 access gates and 196 ticket machines and is now more than 75% complete. Installation work has already begun at Ventas station, where new smart turnstiles are being introduced.

The upgraded access gates are designed to be more compact and user-friendly, featuring screens that display ticket validation information through text and graphics, along with acoustic signals and LED lighting. The new ticket machines include improved accessibility features such as easier payment systems, natural language interfaces, large 42-inch screens and inductive loops for passengers with hearing impairments.

They offer a new function that allows users to select tickets based on tourist attractions rather than specific stations, and include video cameras to enable future remote assistance via video calls.

The new equipment incorporates Internet of Things technology to improve maintenance and operational efficiency and was developed following an analysis of passenger needs. The second phase of the modernization program is partially funded through European support, with 40% of the investment co-financed by the Madrid Community's 2021–2027 European Regional Development Fund program.