The Spanish capital is officially stepping into the future of public transport. On September 15, 2025, Madrid launched its first autonomous, fully electric bus—manufactured in Spain—on a pilot route through Casa de Campo, the city’s largest park. The project is not just a local milestone but a national first, reflecting the country’s ambitions to join the global race in autonomous mobility.

The 12-passenger minibus operates along a 1.8-kilometre circular route, connecting six designated stops. Commuters and curious passengers alike can ride for free from 12:00 to 17:00 on weekdays until October 24, coinciding with European Mobility Week, an annual initiative promoting sustainable transport across the continent.

The bus was developed by the Automotive Technology Centre of Galicia (CTAG) in partnership with Madrid’s Municipal Transport Company (EMT). While proudly designed and assembled in Spain, many of its key technologies—sensors, GPS systems, and camera arrays—reflect a blend of global innovation. The vehicle uses an advanced suite of lidar sensors, onboard cameras, and satellite navigation to detect obstacles, read the road, and map its surroundings in real time. Its battery-powered engine aligns with Madrid’s broader commitment to green transport and emission-free mobility.

Importantly, while the bus is fully autonomous, it is never alone: an operator is always onboard to monitor performance and take control if needed. This hybrid approach reassures riders while maintaining safety during the test phase.

For EMT, Madrid’s main public transport authority, this project is not about replacing drivers with machines. Instead, the driverless pilot aims to tackle practical challenges such as driver shortages, the rising costs of operations, and the need to serve high-demand areas more flexibly.

With public transport ridership steadily recovering after the pandemic, and cities worldwide searching for greener, more efficient mobility solutions, Madrid sees autonomous buses as part of the answer. The project also sends a strong signal about Spain’s willingness to innovate. Across Europe, cities like Paris, Helsinki, and Lyon have already experimented with driverless shuttles. By bringing its own domestically built bus onto the streets, Madrid positions Spain not just as a participant but a contender in the autonomous mobility race.

The pilot has already attracted curious commuters, tech enthusiasts, and families eager to try the “bus of the future.”

Feedback so far has been largely positive. Passengers describe the ride as smooth, steady, and surprisingly natural, noting that the vehicle feels less robotic and more dynamic than expected. EMT staff monitoring the service praised its reliability, pointing out that while the technology is still in testing, the vehicle performs well even in real-world conditions.

For many, the novelty of boarding a bus with no visible driver is itself an eye-opening experience, sparking conversations about the future of travel in cities.

Madrid’s driverless bus project is more than just a transport trial—it reflects wider global trends at the intersection of technology and urban travel.

Smart Mobility: Cities worldwide are seeking solutions that combine artificial intelligence, connectivity, and sustainability to make transport safer and more efficient.
Tourism and Travel Appeal: Autonomous buses may soon become an attraction in themselves, drawing curious travelers who want to experience cutting-edge mobility firsthand.
Sustainability: With Europe pushing aggressively toward emission-free transport, electric autonomous vehicles offer an environmentally friendly way forward.

For African cities, where public transport systems often struggle with congestion, costs, and efficiency, Madrid’s test may serve as inspiration. Lessons learned in Spain could one day influence transport solutions in Addis Ababa, Nairobi, or Lagos.

The pilot program will run until late October 2025, after which EMT and CTAG will evaluate the data, passenger feedback, and performance of the bus. If successful, Madrid could expand autonomous services to more routes in the future.

While still in its infancy, the project demonstrates how quickly the concept of driverless travel is moving from science fiction to everyday reality. For Madrid residents, hopping on an autonomous bus is no longer a futuristic dream—it’s already part of daily life.

The story is from: euronews

tech and travel

Madrid’s First Driverless Bus Hits the Road in Casa de Campo