Madrid Uses Transit System for Parcel Delivery to Cut Emissions

A new pilot program uses trains to deliver packages at off-peak hours, lowering emissions from trucks.

1 minute read

September 19, 2024, 9:00 AM PDT

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Sign for low emissions zone in downtown Madrid, Spain.

EduardoRM / Adobe Stock

The city of Madrid, Spain will use its transit system to deliver packages during off-peak hours as part of a pilot program aimed at reducing transportation emissions.

According to an article by  Ian Betteridge in Global Railway Review, “The project, undertaken in collaboration with courier company GLS Spain, will run for an initial three-month period. These trains will operate between 19:00 and 20:00 to avoid disruptions to regular passenger service. An estimated 700 parcels per day will be transported, with stops at key stations including Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Alcorcón Central, Hospital Severo Ochoa and El Bercial.”

A second phase of the project will introduce deliveries from outer areas to the central low-emissions zone (LEZ) using freight trains, as well as bikes and trolleys for last-mile segments.

The city, which is a major distribution hub for Southern Europe, is launching a Logistics Agency to better manage regional logistics infrastructure.

Monday, September 16, 2024 in Global Railway Review

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