The Community of Madrid is going through a critical moment in which the increase in population, 13.45% in the last 5 years, is not matched by a growth in public services to meet such basic needs as daily transportation. Because of this, the Metro and buses are full, especially at peak hours, as an initial measure in early October were hired “pushers” and put more shuttle buses at key points such as Moncloa, now the president of the Community of Madrid, Isabel Diaz Ayuso presents the first 100% electric long-distance bus in Spain.
Officially presented in Leganés and incorporated to the 352 regular line that connects the capital with Tarancón, in the province of Cuenca. This innovative vehicle, developed by the Ruiz Group, a Madrid company that owns the iconic green buses of the periphery, has a real autonomy of 360 kilometers and capacity for 58 passengers, including preferential and adapted seats for people with reduced mobility.
Long-distance electric buses
The new electric bus will cover a route of 86 kilometers through several municipalities in the Community of Madrid, such as Rivas-Vaciamadrid, Arganda del Rey, Perales de Tajuña, Villarejo de Salvanés and Fuentidueña de Tajo, as well as Tarancón in Castilla-La Mancha. This is one of the interurban lines with the highest demand and is considered the first real experience of “zero emissions” in long-distance travel, outside the exclusively urban or metropolitan area. Battery recharging, optimized for daytime cycles, allows intensive use without interruptions.
In addition to electrification, the Community is preparing to launch the first autonomous on-demand bus, also 100% electric, to operate in the Leganés Technology Park next year.