The future of public transport In Madrid is at a key decision point. In a context where economic and sustainable mobility has become a priority for millions of Madrid residents, The Community of Madrid announced its intention to maintain a 60% bonus in the price of Madrid public transport subscriptions for 2025. However, this measure depends on the central government confirming its economic participation, as it has done in the last two years. The desire to continue this aid, which benefited seven million users in 2024, would make it possible to reduce family expenses and encourage the use of public transport.
The Minister of Economy and Finance of the Community of Madrid, Rocio Albertexpressed the intention to continue to maintain the additional 30% subsidy from the Community, which, added to the 30% provided by the central government, reaches a reduction of 60%. However, this initiative is on hold until the National Executive confirms whether it will extend its contribution, which is expected to happen before the end of the year. In the meantime, the Community remains resolute in its commitment to making public transport accessible, especially in times of inflation and rising costs of living. However, if the Ministry of Transport decides not to continue supporting this measure, the bonus would be affected, which would generate an economic impact for regular users of Madrid’s public transport. The subsidy applied since 2023 to the price of Madrid transport, and which includes everything from monthly subscriptions to multi-journey tickets, has allowed citizens to make considerable savings, especially at a time when the price of fuel and the cost of life do not allow to increase. From now on, the future of this policy is in the hands of the central government, which will have to decide before the end of the year whether or not it supports this initiative.
What will happen to the price of transport in Madrid
Since February 2023, Madrilenians have benefited from a bonus system for travel by public transport, which includes a 60% reduction for monthly subscriptions and 50% for multi-journey tickets. A measure in which the State finances 30% and the Community contributes an additional 30%. This reduction allows public transport users to benefit from an affordable and accessible service, excluding single and tourist tickets, which are excluded from this bonus. In additioncertain titles such as Carte Bleue benefit from a special 30% discount.
This joint effort has enabled millions of people in the Community to save monthly on their transport expenses. Savings are estimated at around 30 million euros per month, A figure which reflects the positive impact of this aid on family budgets. The measure, extended until 2024, encouraged the use of public transport, thereby reducing traffic and pollution in the region.
What do we expect from 2025?
The continuity of these bonuses in 2025 depends on the decision of the central government. According to Rocío Albert, the Community of Madrid is committed to continuing its 30% subsidyas long as the Department of Transportation maintains its. This decision is crucial to maintain current prices for monthly passes and multi-ride tickets. If the government decides not to contribute 30%, the Community of Madrid may not be able to maintain the total reduction of 60%, which would result in an increase in the price of transport.
Furthermore, the Minister of Transport, Óscar Puente, alluded to the possibility of ending free travel on Cercanías and Media Distancia trains, which would also affect regular travelers who travel outside the metropolitan area. The current measure, which covers these trips for frequent users, It could end on December 31, if state support is not renewed.
Impact on the citizens of Madrid
The decision to maintain or not the subsidy on the price of public transport in Madrid can have a big impact on the lives of citizens. With the cost of living increasing, transportation discounts represent a significant financial relief. The possibility of a reduction in bonuses worries many users, as it would lead to an immediate increase in the cost of daily travel, which would have an impact on the family budget after the last two years when traveling was cheaper.
On the other hand, the reduction or elimination of this aid could have a negative effect on the mobility and sustainability of the city. The 60% bonus encouraged citizens to opt for public transport, reduce traffic on the roads and reduce pollution. Without this incentive, more people could opt for private vehicles, which could reverse some of the progress made on sustainability.
