Transport Metropolità de Barcelona (TMB) has tendered the purchase of 35 new trains to increase frequencies and transport capacity, with an investment of 330 million euros. Of the 35 trains, 22 will be incorporated into the central section of L9 and the remaining 13 will reinforce conventional lines. With these new units, peak hour frequencies will be below 3 and a half minutes on all lines. On lines 1 and 5, the busiest ones, the frequency will be even higher: on the blue line, one train every two minutes and 15 seconds, and on the red line, every 2 minutes and 38 seconds.
The first trains are expected to arrive during 2029. The new trains will be more accessible and sustainable, with an eco-designed approach, recyclable materials, and improved energy consumption. The tender also requires the adoption of condition-based maintenance (CBM) to reduce costs, and compliance with the latest regulations in cybersecurity, passenger information, and comfort.
The investment of 330 million euros will be borne by the Autoritat del Transport Metropolità, with 51% from the Generalitat de Catalunya, 25% from the Ajuntament de Barcelona, and 24% from the Àrea Metropolitana de Barcelona. The tender process now begins with more attractive conditions for companies, including the possibility of integrated offers to manufacture all the trains.
The 13 trains destined for conventional lines will be distributed as follows: 4 for L1, 3 for L2, 5 for L3, and 1 for L4. Line 5 will indirectly receive new trains when those from line 3 are transferred to the blue line. These improvements will reduce peak hour frequencies on L1 (2:38), L5 (2:15), L2 (2:50), L3 (3:20), and L4 (3:26), absorbing the projected increase in demand and improving passenger comfort.
Lines 1 and 5, which account for over 50% of conventional metro journeys, will benefit the most. The 2.4% increase in validations recorded in 2025, reaching 479.9 million, makes this purchase necessary to meet demand.
Of the 35 trains, 22 are intended for the central section of L9. The new units will be assigned to line 2, and 22 of the current line 2 trains will move to L9, as they are of the same series as those operating on the automatic lines.
