Once upon a time there was a city choked by traffic, where delivery vans competed for every inch of asphalt with cars and pedestrians. Then, someone had a brilliant idea: why not use the subway to transport packages? And so the project was born Last Mille of Metro Madrid, a truly beautiful story of innovation.
The regional president Isabel Díaz Ayuso announced this revolution during the Debate on the State of the Region, unveiling a plan that promises to change the face of the urban logistics. Not in the distant future, but now: a change that is already taking shape under the streets of Madrid. Do you want to know how it works and what impact it will have on the daily lives of Madrileños?
The Madrid Metro reinvents itself
Metro Madrid is about to write a new chapter in its century-old history. Always a symbol of public transport in the Spanish capital, it is now preparing to become a key player in urban logistics. The Last Mille Project It's not just an innovation, it's a paradigm shift in how goods move around cities.
The idea is simple but ingenious: use the Madrid Metro's vast underground network to transport parcels and goods, thus easing surface traffic. This is not a small-scale experiment: the current goal is to move 5.000 packages per day, a volume that could already show a small observable impact on traffic congestion and air pollution.
But how will it actually work? Outside of rush hour, the subway trains will transform into real express couriers, transporting goods from one end of the city to the other in record time and without encountering traffic lights or traffic jams.
A two-phase plan
The Última Milla project is not a leap into the unknown, but a well-structured plan that will proceed in phases. The first, already underway, features Line 12 MetroSur. A dedicated train transports approximately 700 parcels per day between 19pm and 00pm, a timetable designed not to interfere with the normal flow of passengers.
Four stations – Alcorcón Central, Severo Ochoa Hospital, El Bercial e Leganés Central – act as collection points. Here, Metro Madrid employees monitor the load before handing it over to the courier company GLS Spain, which takes care of the last stretch to the final destination.
The second stage, scheduled for the last quarter of 2024, will focus on transporting goods from the outskirts of Madrid to the city's low-emission zone. A fast train, before the start of passenger service, will bring approximately 400 packages to the Embajadores station. From here, the parcels will be distributed using environmentally friendly means such as bicycles or on foot.
The impact on the city
I like to think about how this project could transform Madrid. Imagine less congested streets, cleaner air, faster and more efficient deliveries. The impact could be huge, not only in terms of logistics, but also in the quality of life for citizens.
This innovative approach to urban logistics could provide a model for other cities struggling with traffic and pollution. If the project is successful, we could see other metropolises follow Metro Madrid's example, creatively rethinking their infrastructure.
Possible difficulties
Of course, such an ambitious project is not without its challenges. Coordinating freight and passenger transport will require careful planning and impeccable management. Additionally, some stations and trains will need to be adapted to effectively handle the loading and unloading of goods.
However, the opportunities are enormous. In addition to the environmental and decongestion benefits, Última Milla could create new jobs and stimulate innovation in the urban logistics sector. It could also make Madrid a model of smart city, attracting investment and talent in the field of urban technologies.
The future of urban logistics is taking shape beneath the streets of Madrid. As Metro trains begin to transport packages alongside passengers, we are witnessing a transformation that could redefine the very concept of a modern city. Will we see underground stations used only as warehouses? Who knows. The potential is enormous. The Spanish capital is showing the world that with a little creativity and courage, existing infrastructure can be reimagined to meet the challenges of the 21st century. Are you ready for this underground revolution? Ándale, ándale.
