Metro Ligero Oeste partners with Alstom for overhaul of Madrid tram fleet
Posted: 31 October 2024 | Global Railway Review | No comments yet
Alstom and Metro Ligero Oeste will begin an overhaul of key tram systems in January 2025, with work continuing through 2029 to enhance safety and service reliability for Madrid commuters.
Credit: Alstom
Metro Ligero Oeste (MLO), a key public transport operator in Madrid, has announced that it has entered into a strategic contract with Alstom for a mid-life overhaul of its 27 Citadis trams. This partnership aims to enhance operational safety, reliability and efficiency for MLO’s tram fleet, which has served Madrid since 2007.
The comprehensive maintenance contract will address critical systems such as the braking system, bogies, circuit breakers, vehicle couplings, inter-car shock absorbers and the emergency brake control unit. This extensive project will be managed in two phases, set to begin in January 2025 and expected to conclude by 2029.
Alstom, a longstanding partner of MLO, will conduct the engineering, testing and final adjustments from its Pinto industrial site near Madrid. The contract underscores a mutual commitment to delivering high-quality, sustainable transport solutions to Madrid’s residents, ensuring both safety and reliability remain top priorities.
“This agreement with Alstom Spain reaffirms our confidence in a key partner for the proper performance of our service; and it is a guarantee of optimisation of the efficiency of maintenance processes, as well as a key commitment to the safety and continuity of the services we provide to our passengers,” said Pablo Escoda, general manager of Metro Ligero Oeste.
“We thank Metro Ligero Oeste for renewing its confidence in Alstom Spain. Our entire team, from our centres in Madrid, provides industrial and technological support to operators and passengers to build sustainable, safe, smart and inclusive mobility,” said Leopoldo Maestu, Manager Director Alstom in Spain.
Alstom has supported MLO with tram maintenance and materials supply for 17 years. This new agreement strengthens that partnership, aligning with Alstom’s broader mission to support sustainable urban mobility.
NEW REPORT FROM GLOBAL RAILWAY REVIEW: Track Insight – Track Maintenance | Transforming Track Maintenance Through Technology
Our latest expert-led Track Insight explores how industry leaders are revolutionising the future of track maintenance through cutting-edge innovation and real-world strategies.
From automation and robotics now streamlining inspections and repairs, to predictive maintenance powered by IoT sensors and advanced analytics, the rail sector is entering a new era of precision and efficiency. Companies like Goldschmidt, Bentley Systems, and MxV Rail are leading the charge, redefining how infrastructure is managed with AI, machine learning, and digital twins to reduce downtime and extend asset life.
In this new data-rich landscape, organisations such as Amtrak and the Rail Accident Investigation Branch are demonstrating how to turn vast streams of information—from track geometry to environmental monitoring into actionable intelligence for safer, smarter networks.
Download this insightful, practical guide for FREE and see how your operations can evolve – READ FOR FREE NOW!
