Bilbao metro

Bilbao metro is a rapid transit system serving the city of Bilbao and the wider Biscay province within the Basque Country of Spain. Inaugurated in 1995, it is a cornerstone of the region's modern public transport network, renowned for its distinctive Foster-designed station entrances known as "Fosteritos". The system is operated by Metro Bilbao S.A., a public company owned by the Basque Government and the Provincial Council of Biscay.

History

The origins of the metro are linked to broader urban renewal projects following the decline of Bilbao's traditional industrial sectors. Initial studies for an underground railway began in the 1970s, with the Basque Government formally approving the project in 1987. Construction commenced in 1988, led by the engineering firm Sener and financed primarily by the European Investment Bank and regional institutions. The first line, Line 1, opened on 11 November 1995, connecting Plentzia to Etxebarri. A second line, Line 2, was inaugurated in 2002, extending service to the left bank of the Nervión River. The system's integration with existing FEVE commuter rail services in 2017 created the third line, Line 3.

Network

The network consists of three lines spanning approximately 50 kilometers and serving 48 stations, primarily underground in the city center. Line 1 runs north-south from Plentzia and Urduliz through the city center to Etxebarri. Line 2 shares the central trunk from Basauri to Kabiezes, diverging at San Ignazio to serve the left bank municipalities of Barakaldo and Sestao. Line 3 operates on a separate route between Kukullaga and Matiko, utilizing converted FEVE tracks. Key interchange stations include Sarriko, San Mamés near the San Mamés Stadium, and Abando adjacent to the Abando Indalecio Prieto railway station.

Rolling stock

The fleet is composed of electric multiple units operating on metre-gauge track with 750 V DC overhead electrification. Series 500 trains, built by CAF and Alstom, were introduced for the initial 1995 opening. The newer Series 550 and 600 units, also manufactured by CAF, feature improved accessibility and regenerative braking. All trains are maintained at the Txorierri depot. The distinctive livery of red, white, and grey was designed by the Basque artist Juan Luis Goenaga.

Operations

Metro Bilbao S.A. operates the system, with services typically running from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM, extended during special events at venues like the Bilbao Exhibition Centre or San Mamés Stadium. The network uses an integrated Barik card ticketing system, compatible with other operators like Euskotren and Bilbobus. Security is managed in collaboration with the Ertzaintza, the Basque police force. Annual ridership has grown steadily, exceeding 87 million journeys in 2023, making it one of Spain's most used metro systems per capita.

Future expansion

Several extensions are planned or under study as part of the Basque Government's strategic mobility plans. A southern extension of Line 3 from Kukullaga to the Basurto Hospital and the University of the Basque Country campus in Leioa is a priority project. Studies are also evaluating a potential new line connecting the Bilbao Airport to the city center and the feasibility of extending services further into the Greater Bilbao metropolitan area, including towns in the Txorierri valley.

Category:Rapid transit in Spain Category:Transport in Bilbao Category:1995 establishments in Spain