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Madrid activates a special bus operation for viewing the eclipse this Wednesday
The Community of Madrid will reinforce public transport this Wednesday, 12 August, in anticipation of the large number of journeys expected for the total solar eclipse. The operation will focus particularly on the A-1, M-607, A-6 and A-2 corridors, which lead to many of the municipalities with the best conditions for observing the phenomenon.
The Consorcio Regional de Transportes will have reserve buses at the main interchanges, standby drivers and information staff to adapt the service to demand in real time. Plaza de Castilla, Moncloa and Avenida de América will be three of the operation’s key points.
In the A-1 corridor, lines 191 and 193, which connect Madrid with towns such as Buitrago del Lozoya, La Cabrera, Venturada and other municipalities in the Sierra Norte, may be reinforced. Possible increases are also planned for lines 222, 223, 227, 256 and 275 to respond to journeys towards Alcalá de Henares, Meco and other points in the eastern part of the region.
The M-607 will also be one of the main mobility routes. Lines 725 and 726, which link Madrid with Miraflores de la Sierra, Guadalix and Navalafuente, may increase their service, while line 691 towards Puerto de Navacerrada will be reinforced in the A-6 corridor. Lines 681, 682, 683 and 684 are also among those that may receive additional buses.
One of the special services will be line 275, for which a direct connection has been prepared from Alcalá de Henares to Los Santos de la Humosa to make it easier to reach the observation point organised in this municipality. Several night lines will also be ready for possible reinforcements, including the N104, N202, N602, N603, N702 and N904.
The most difficult moment will come after the eclipse. The authorities expect thousands of people to leave the observation sites at virtually the same time, so the operation will remain alert to demand in order to deploy additional vehicles and prevent the main return points from becoming saturated. Monitoring will be carried out from CITRAM in coordination with Traffic, security forces, Protección Civil and the town councils.
The regional government recommends planning the journey in advance and using public transport whenever possible. With exceptional numbers expected in the Sierra Norte and other parts of the region, travelling by bus may avoid parking problems and reduce pressure on roads that this Wednesday will face one of the summer’s busiest afternoons.