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Cars and TransportationEurope

Package delivery by subway?

03:49

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Markus Böhnisch
June 12, 2026

In the Spanish capital Madrid, a method is being tested that aims to ease traffic congestion. Online shopping is booming and cities are overwhelmed by a flood of packages.

Madrid is testing a new approach to urban logistics and sustainable delivery by shifting parcel transport underground. With e‑commerce growth driving up to 20% of city traffic, officials and delivery firms are exploring how the Madrid Metro can ease congestion and cut emissions.

Early-morning trains now carry hundreds of packages before commuters arrive, aiming to reduce delivery vehicles, traffic jams and air pollution in the Spanish capital. The pilot project is still small in scale, but transport experts see potential for expansion across more metro lines. If successful, the model could offer a template for other European cities seeking greener last-mile delivery solutions while keeping streets clear above ground.

This video summary was created by AI from the original DW script. It was edited by a journalist before publication.

Markus Böhnisch Reporter focusing on the Iberian Peninsula and topics related to sustainability
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