MADRID Metro has joined e-Media Group and Urbaser in a new venture that is to install TV screens across the network by the end of 2002. Costing Pts7bn and expected to create over 300 jobs, the Canal Metro Madrid project will see 1200 42in plasma screens installed on platforms and in stations, plus 5200 smaller 15 in screens fitted to metro rolling stock.
It is hoped that 50% of metro passengers will have access to the system by the end of 2001, when installation should have been completed in the trains and stations of Lines 1, 2, 6 and 8. Other routes will follow in 2002, including the MetroSur line in the southern suburbs now under construction (RG 5.00 p274).
CMM is expected to broadcast 15000hours of programming a year, transmitted via Madrid Metro’s optic fibre communications network which should reach 227·4 km once MetroSur and the extension to Line 8 are complete. In addition to train service information, news and weather, the system will broadcast programmes on topics including nature, travel, the arts and sport, updated at least twice a day.
