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Imagine hopping on a bus with no driver, quietly cruising through one of Madrid’s most beautiful parks and not having to pay a single euro. Sounds like something from the future? Well, Madrid is already making it happen.

 

EMT Madrid (Empresa Municipal de Transportes de Madrid) has teamed up with a cutting-edge tech centre in Galicia to launch a fully electric, completely autonomous bus running through Casa de Campo. This small but mighty vehicle carries up to 12 people along a 1.8-kilometre circular route, stopping six times along the way. It runs Monday to Friday, from 12 noon to 5pm, and the best part? It’s completely free until October 24th.

 

Don’t worry though, although the bus has no driver behind the wheel, a professional always rides along just in case. Plus, it’s designed for maximum safety, moving slower than regular buses and packed with sensors that watch everything: from speed and turns to doors, ramps, and even pedestrians and cyclists nearby. It “decides” when to speed up, brake, or turn with clever tech you’d expect in a sci-fi movie.

 

Borja Carabante, Madrid’s Delegate for Urban Planning, Environment and Mobility, proudly introduced this futuristic ride during the European Mobility Week. This pilot project shows Madrid is serious about mixing innovation with sustainability, all the while giving the public a sneak peek at what’s coming next in city transport.

 

Made entirely in Spain, this bus operates at a high automation level, meaning it only needs a human step-in in rare situations. Last year, EMT Madrid tested similar technology close to Cibeles Square, and now it’s ready for the lush green trails of Casa de Campo.

 

So if you’re looking for a fun, free way to explore Madrid’s biggest park and experience a glimpse of tomorrow’s transport today, this driverless bus is your ticket. Get on board and enjoy the ride!

 

 

Image: Empresa Municipal de Transportes de Madrid