Bilbao Metro Fleet Renewal: Spain’s EUR 700M Rail Investment

Introduction

The Province of Bizkaia in the Basque Country (Euskadi) has announced a EUR 700–800 million investment to renew the Bilbao Metro fleet. Discussions will commence with the Bizkaia Transport Consortium (CTB) to launch the tender process before the end of the year, as announced on November 3, 2025, at Sarriko station, during an event commemorating the 30th anniversary of the Bilbao Metro’s inauguration.

Fleet Renewal Investment

The Provincial Council has prepared a financial plan to cover its 50% share of the investment. The project involves replacing the existing fleet with more modern units. Currently, the Bilbao Metro fleet includes 46 trains. It is anticipated that 37 new metro trains will be purchased to replace the existing 30-year-old fleet.

Technical Specifications and Procurement

A technical document detailing the specifications of the second generation of Metro Bilbao trains and communication systems will be finalized by the end of this year. Following this, the CTB council will initiate the procurement process for the new metro trains. The scope of the project also includes a contract for the modernization of signaling and communications systems across the three lines, which cover a total of 51 km.

Operational History

Since 1995, the existing fleet has traveled over 123 million kilometers, serving nearly 2.3 billion passenger journeys. This investment marks the beginning of a new era for public transport in the city.

Future Improvements

Elixabete Etxanobe, General Deputy of Bizkaia and President of both the CTB and Metro Bilbao, has publicly committed to renewing the metro with a second generation of trains. The goal is to maintain high safety standards while improving service quality, punctuality, frequency, and accessibility.

Conclusion

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The Province of Bizkaia is investing EUR 700–800 million to renew the Bilbao Metro fleet, with discussions underway to launch a tender process before the end of the year. The project includes acquiring 37 new trains and modernizing signaling and communications across the 51 km network. This follows a commitment to enhance passenger safety, service quality, punctuality, frequency, and accessibility.

Company Summary

Bilbao Metro: The operator of the Bilbao Metro system.

Bizkaia Transport Consortium (CTB): The public transport authority for the province of Bizkaia.

CAF: The manufacturer of the current fleet of 46 trains used by Bilbao Metro.