The Madrid regional government announced that Line 6 of the Madrid Metro will operate 24 hours a day on weekends once its comprehensive automation is complete, according to an official statement from the regional administration. The circular route will run continuously from the start of Friday service through the end of Sunday operations.
Line 6 Automation and Weekend Service Details
According to the regional government, the extended schedule eliminates the usual Friday and Saturday early morning closures. Line 6 serves more than 430,000 passengers daily, making it the busiest route in the Metro network. The automation project stands as the largest transformation undertaken by Metro de Madrid to date. Regional officials stated that the upgrade will boost transport capacity, improve service regularity, and match real-time transit demand.
To support round-the-clock weekend operations, maintenance and conservation work currently performed on Friday and Saturday nights will shift to the night between Sunday and Monday, according to regional transit plans. The modernization initiative connects Line 6 with ten other Metro lines, five transport hubs, the Cercanías commuter rail network, and the Estación Sur de Autobuses.
Historical Context and Prior Schedule Extensions
While Metro de Madrid has previously extended operating hours for major public events, the permanent weekend service represents an unprecedented shift for the transit system. Previous schedule extensions occurred on an exceptional basis for specific gatherings, such as the 2010 Champions League final, the 2017 World Pride celebration, and multiple editions of the Mad Cool music festival, according to regional records.
Broader Regional Policy and Infrastructure Plans
During the same policy address, regional president Isabel Díaz Ayuso detailed additional infrastructure and social spending commitments. The regional government plans to invest substantial funds to extend Line 10 to Las Tablas, Móstoles, and Leganés, adding at least six new stations in the southeast. An additional investment is allocated to extend Line 1 with two new stations, alongside plans for a Line 11 extension from La Fortuna to Poza del Agua, with studies scheduled between 2027 and 2029 and construction running from 2030 to 2034.
The regional administration also reported that its financial aid program for families will expand to cover mothers up to age 35 who have a third child, providing up to a total of 14,500 euros per birth or adoption. Official figures show the program has supported families with an accumulated investment, with projections reaching additional beneficiaries and further investment by 2027.
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