A gesture of solidarity in difficult times
This Friday, the city of Burgos witnessed an unprecedented act of solidarity. A convoy made up of 40 buses from the EMT of Madrid travelled along the A-1 towards the Burgos capital, in response to a fire that left much of its municipal fleet out of service. This joint effort between both cities aims to ensure public transport while normality is restored.
Despite the commitment and goodwill, the journey was not without difficulties. The buses, powered by gas and decorated with the slogan ‘Madrid with Burgos’, advanced in a convoy under the escort of the Civil Guard. However, the conditions of the route forced the vehicles to limit their speed: in some sections, such as the Somosierra pass, they had to travel at just 15 km/h. This measure was necessary to protect the engines during the demanding journey.
The operation included not only the buses; up to 45 volunteer drivers from Burgos also participated, who travelled to Madrid for specific training before the return. Additionally, cranes and mobile technical assistance were provided to address any eventualities during the trip.
During a ceremony prior to the start of the journey, both the Mayor of Madrid, José Luis Martínez-Almeida, and the Burgos mayor, Cristina Ayala, expressed their mutual gratitude. Almeida described this operation as “particular and uncommon,” emphasising the unusual nature of the convoy travelling under such conditions. For her part, Ayala repeatedly thanked the support received from Madrid and highlighted how this gesture will allow the public transport network to remain operational while it is reorganised after the disaster.
The buses are expected to arrive in Burgos between 14:00 and 15:00 hours. Once there, they will be incorporated into the municipal garages to begin service as soon as possible. According to information from the local City Council, these vehicles will be fully operational in approximately a week.
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