To carry out these new improvements, Metro de Madrid will suspend service on Line 6 (Circular) on August 22 and 23 in order to advance the modernization and comprehensive automation of the subway’s busiest line. The suspension will directly affect thesection between the Sainz de Baranda and Laguna stations, halting train service on a key route in the southern part of the capital on Saturday and Sunday.
Affected Stations and Track Work
The closure will force the suspension of service at key transfer and transit stations in the southern arc, including Conde de Casal, Pacífico, Méndez Álvaro, Arganzuela-Planetario, Legazpi, Usera, Oporto, and Carpetana.
During the two days without service, technical crews will carry out infrastructure upgrades, adjust signaling systems, and make progress on installing the supports for future automatic platform doors. According to the Madrid City Council, these are complex operations that cannot be performed while passengers are present or trains are running regularly.
Free buses as an alternative mode of transportation
To minimize the impact on passengers and ensure connectivity in the affected districts, the Madrid Regional Transportation Consortium (CRTM), in coordination with the EMT, will set up a special replacement bus service:
- Surface route: Buses will follow a route parallel to that of the subway line, making stops near each of the closed stations between Sainz de Baranda and Laguna.
- Free Service: Access to the buses on this special service will be completely free for passengers, ensuring there are no additional charges for their regular commutes.
- Service and Frequency: The EMT will deploy a continuous fleet with increased service frequency to accommodate the typical weekend passenger volume.
Train service on the southern section of the Circular Line will resume as normal early Monday morning, coinciding with the network’s regular opening hours.