If you regularly travel between Madrid and Alcalá de Henares, there’s good news ahead. A new Bus-HOV (High Occupancy Vehicle) lane on the A-2 motorway is set to begin operating in early 2026, promising faster, smoother journeys for thousands of commuters.
Unlike traditional express lanes, this one won’t have a physical barrier. Instead, the left-hand lane in each direction has been equipped with smart technology that dynamically changes its function throughout the day. During rush hour, it will be reserved for public transport, motorcycles, emergency vehicles, and cars carrying two or more occupants. The rest of the time, it will open to general traffic.
In the first phase, the Bus-HOV lane will run between Madrid and Torrejón de Ardoz, with expansion to Alcalá de Henares planned later. Special illuminated markers and overhead panels will signal when and where drivers can enter or exit, helping to keep the flow of traffic safe and predictable.
The new system will be monitored using license plate and occupancy detection cameras, so drivers using the lane alone or entering in restricted areas risk fines. But for those who qualify, the benefits are clear: an estimated 15,000 travelers a day will enjoy journeys around 25% faster, saving a combined 500,000 hours per year and cutting CO₂ emissions by about 900 tonnes annually.
Bus users will also see improvements. Many intercity routes—from Alcalá, Torrejón, Coslada, and other nearby towns—will take advantage of the new lane, offering faster and more direct connections to Avenida de América in Madrid.
For drivers, the message is simple: if you can share your car, it will pay off. Less time in traffic, lower fuel costs, and a smoother ride into the city. And for everyone, fewer jams on one of Madrid’s busiest roads means a small but real step toward cleaner, more efficient mobility.
Source: www.dgt.es