Rivas Vaciamadrid Demands End to Metro Line 9B Transfers and Public Management
Rivas Vaciamadrid, February 26 – The Plenary Session of the Rivas Vaciamadrid City Council, in Madrid, Spain, on Thursday formally demanded that the Community of Madrid eliminate all transfers on Metro Line 9B. Additionally, the Council called for the public management of the line starting in 2030, when the current management and operation contract with TFM expires.
The motion, presented by the PSOE and supported by the IU-MM-VQ municipal group, specifically targets the elimination of the transfer at Puerta de Arganda, which affects approximately 10,000 daily Metro users in Rivas. The Council also sought assurances that the new station planned for the line, Ahijones/Berrocales, would not disrupt service or create further inconvenience for Rivas residents.
Concerns Over New Station and Concession Extension
Tender documents for the new station, published on January 26, indicate the regional government’s proposed model: the establishment of a new transfer at Ahijones/Berrocales. This would require users to change trains, as not all trains would continue to Rivas and Arganda. The documents also leave open the possibility of the current operating model continuing.
It is noteworthy that the concession to TFM was initially set to expire in 2029. However, in December 2024, the regional government extended the concession contract until July 14, 2030, citing losses incurred by the company due to reduced passenger numbers during the pandemic.
Legal Action and Historical Grievances
The Rivas City Council has once again appealed to the Superior Court of Justice of Madrid (TSJM) regarding the tender for the new station. The Council argues that the proposed model is detrimental to Rivas residents who rely on this transport for work, studies, and care-related travel. The Council had previously appealed against the two preceding tenders, both of which were declared void, and the court admitted their complaints on both occasions.
The motion also highlights a history of issues with Metro Line 9B over the past 27 years, characterized by frequent incidents, delays, and insufficient service frequency. This has occurred despite the significant population growth in Rivas, which now boasts 105,000 inhabitants.
Support for Sahrawi Republic’s 50th Anniversary
In a separate action, the Plenary Session also approved a motion of institutional support for the 50th Anniversary of the proclamation of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic. This motion, presented by the IU-MM-VQ municipal group, emphasizes the struggle and resilience of the Sahrawi people in defending their inalienable right to self-determination.
The motion recalls that until half a century ago, before its occupation by Morocco, Western Sahara was Spain’s 53rd province, and its inhabitants held full Spanish citizenship. While the Spanish government has not fully assumed its historical responsibility, civil society has forged a strong and extensive network of solidarity with the Sahrawi people.
This solidarity is crucial for the survival of the refugee camps in Tindouf, Algeria, and the Rivas community has consistently demonstrated deep and lasting ties to the Sahrawi cause. Indeed, Rivas is known in the camps as the ‘sixth wilaya,’ referring to the settlements in the area. The solidarity of Rivas with the Sahara has consistently been channeled through the Rivas Sahel association via numerous humanitarian aid projects. During Thursday’s session, Abdulah Arabi, the Frente Polisario delegate in Madrid, also addressed the council.
