Passenger Experience Transformed in Barcelona’s Metro Stations

Barcelona Metro is inaugurating 15 stations with the commissioning of Barcelona Metro Line 9 linking Zona Universitaria Station with Terminal 1 at El Prat Airport. Line 9 connects the airport with the eastern areas of the city, and also has stations close to various public services such as the university, hospitals, tourist attractions, Camp Nou Stadium and the Fira de Barcelona tradeshow facilities in l’Hospitalet.

Infraestructures de la Generalitat de Catalunya provided and installed intelligent vertical and horizontal transportation equipment for the new metro stations, contributing to make the new line one of the most efficient in the world, addressing the mobility of passengers inside the stations with the same care as between stations. The new stations are prepared to take on large influxes of people, with close to 30 million passengers estimated to travel annually along this route. In addition, these innovative entrances have been adapted for people with reduced mobility.

ThyssenKrupp was selected by Infraestructures de la Generalitat de Catalunya to provide, install and service of the new units. All elevators and escalators feature an intelligent, machine learning control system enabling real-time information on any situation of the stations. This control system learns in accordance with rush hours, arrival of the trains and the number of passengers in order to optimize the movement of elevators. It therefore contributes to increased service quality and reduced energy consumption.

ThyssenKrupp supports cities around the world with innovative solutions meeting the requirements of urbanization, making them the best ever places to live. “We want to jointly address the challenges of urbanization with our customers,” says Dr. Oliver Tietze, head of the elevator business in Europe and Africa. “It is essential to find new solutions for inner-city transport which save time and reduce the consumption of energy and environmental resources.”

“We are proud to have contributed to this important project,” says Jorge Estévez, CEO of thyssenkrupp Elevator in Spain, “by providing cutting-edge technology for the entrances to this line, which at some points circulates at a depth of 90 meters.”