Evolution towards a Sustainable Public Transport in the City of Madrid

Abstract

This chapter is a vision of the path followed by EMT of Madrid, during 25 years, towards the sustainability, efficiency, and contribution to the air quality in the city, starting from a diesel fleet, until getting a fleet 100% of clean vehicles, mostly GNC, which is already a reality. It shows the evolution and the use, from the practical perspective of an operator, of all the technologies available at each moment (biodiesel, bioethanol, hydrogen, electricity, natural gas, hybridization, dualisation, start-stop, catalysis, etc.) in Madrid, in a fleet of more than 2000 buses, more than 200 lines, and more than 400 million passengers per year, which makes this case an international benchmark. In addition, EMT is currently at the end of the transition to gas vehicles (CNG) and the implementation of urban electric mobility from the double perspective of the mobile material and the associated infrastructure needed, an essential case study towards sustainable public transport.

Perception of Public Transport Megaprojects through a User Perspective

“…The relationship between transport and the environment is very closely linked, and this includes the development of transport infrastructure or the modernisation of transport facilities in such a way that transport itself becomes more environmentally friendly and environmentally aware. Challenges in implementing sustainable transport programmes and projects include the complexity of transport problems in the urban environment, conflicts of interest or lack of adequate resources (Fernandez-Sanchez et al, 2020). There is also a strong link between sustainable transport development and project management.…”

Megaprojects to Improve Public Transport from the User’ Perspective

“…The relationship between transport and the environment is very closely linked, and this includes the development of transport infrastructure or the modernisation of transport facilities in such a way that transport itself becomes more environmentally friendly and environmentally aware. Challenges in implementing sustainable transport programmes and projects include the complexity of transport problems in the urban environment, conflicts of interest or lack of adequate resources (Fernandez-Sanchez et al, 2020).…”