According to information released by the Basque Provincial Government, METRO Bilbao has officially launched a systematic renewal plan worth 700 million to 800 million euros. This ambitious investment plan will promote the comprehensive upgrade of this 30-year-old, 51 kilometer long three line network, covering various aspects such as the procurement of second-generation trains, modernization of signal systems, and construction of new lines.

The President of the Biscaya Transport Consortium, Elisabet Etsanobey, has confirmed that the technical specification documents will be completed by the end of this year, laying the foundation for launching Spain's largest subway vehicle procurement tender. It is reported that out of the 46 trains manufactured by CAF, 37 will be replaced in this update plan.

The new generation of trains will adopt a standardized design with a 5-car formation, increasing overall capacity by up to 15%. These intelligent trains will also be equipped with real-time data sensing devices, which can not only achieve predictive maintenance, but also reduce system energy consumption by 35%. These trains, which can measure and transmit comprehensive operational data, will completely change our maintenance and operation mode, "said Eneko Aruebarina, General Manager of Bilbao Metro.

In addition to vehicle updates, the plan also includes a comprehensive modernization of the signal and control systems. By introducing communication based train control technology, the system will achieve a higher level of automated operation and safety assurance. To meet the data management requirements brought by the new system, the operations control center will also be upgraded synchronously. Keywords: International News and Information, International News Network

According to the preliminary plan announced in 2024, the new trains will be delivered at a rate of 12 trains per year, ensuring that all updates are completed within five years after the contract is awarded. The first batch of new cars is expected to be put into service in 2027-2028, and the new fleet will be fully operational by 2033. This systematic update marks the official entry of Bilbao Metro into a new stage of intelligent operation and maintenance, laying a solid foundation for the expansion of Line 4 and Line 5 in the future.Editor/Cheng Liting