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Madrid Moves to Automate EMT Depots After Public Trial of Level‑4 Shuttle

City prioritizes depot automation following a pilot that validates Level‑4 autonomous tech in real traffic.

Overview

  • Mayor José Luis Martínez‑Almeida announced plans for 12‑meter buses to maneuver autonomously inside EMT operational centers to boost safety, streamline logistics and enable smart charging.
  • The Casa de Campo pilot, running since September 15 and set to conclude October 24, has carried about 2,655 riders on a 1.8‑km loop operating weekdays from noon to 5 p.m.
  • User feedback collected by CTAG reports an average satisfaction score of 8.4/10, with most riders recommending the service and viewing replication in low‑complexity environments as viable.
  • The Spain‑made, 100% electric shuttle operates at Level 4 with LiDAR, cameras and onboard computing, yet a safety supervisor remains onboard per European rules and may use a joystick in exceptional situations.
  • EMT Madrid and CTAG say the pilot validates autonomous driving in open traffic, while a separate region‑funded Leganés trial is planned from 2026 using a Karsan bus operated by Grupo Ruiz for up to 52 passengers over two years.