FERNANDO MEDINA
Madrid
Sunday, October 13 2019 - 01:21
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Sun is undoubtedly the heart of the Madrid Metro. Since its opening, in 1919, this station became a true insignia, not only because of its location in the center of the capital, but because the first line - Four Caminos-Sol - was born from the historic square. Therefore, it is not surprising that, after 100 years, Sol has become the busiest station of all the existing 309. Last year it was used by 70.9 million people. An average of 194,000 users passed through its corridors, which is equivalent to the entire population of the city of Almería.
The increase of travelers throughout its history has made its structure metamorphose to provide the best service to travelers and find it as wide as we do today : nine accesses, 11 escalators, seven elevators, 35 toll barriers in the hallways and four other steps for people with reduced mobility.
In the beginning, users had to make long lines to enter. Historical notes indicate that the passengers, the first years, lined up from Sol to the church of San Luis, 150 meters away. The elevators began operating ten years later, in 1920, and to use them, a fee had to be paid.
Currently, the circulation is constant and the movement of people is noticeable even before 06.00, at which time the station opens. From 05.00 in the surroundings of each access you can observe users waiting for the opening of the service. Office workers, athletes and young people who leave the discos and bars after enjoying a night of partying are the first passengers to enter the platforms. Because of the constant flow of people, the station is a true magnet for regulated and illegal commerce.
In the first group are dozens of stores that are located near the entrance. The sale of clothes and souvenirs, restaurants and mobile phone shops are the most benefited. Other businesses such as travel agencies and lottery points also benefit from this select geographical situation. Paco has been selling lottery at Sol for 20 years and has seen how the station and the square have grown to become the reference point of Madrid. He is still surprised how hundreds arrive daily "to take pictures" with the Madrid Metro sign. "It's another attraction, everyone knows that the Metro was born in this place," he says while offering luck to passersby.
Juan Robalino sells sports shirts in a store in Preciados and his business has benefited from the many events that take place in the Plaza. One of the last, the Champions League final, last June. Liverpool and Tottenham fans clustered at the entrance of the subway to encourage their team. "Everyone came to Sol. The square was packed and photos of the fans in the mouth of the Metro were repeated all night of the final," he recalls.
This type of event is also taken advantage of by the manteros, who state without shame that the subway exits are strategic to sell everything: t-shirts, glasses, perfumes, bags and scarves. «It is the best place to sell our merchandise. There are many people and especially tourists, ”says Moham, a Senegalese mantero.
And although it seems that the commercial and artistic movement only moves near the entrances, musical, cultural and even artistic events are also organized in the underground corridors. This happens especially after 2 pm, when the traffic is greater. Break dance groups and musicians are placed in the halls and give real shows to travelers on lines 1, 2, 3 and those who use the Cercanías train, which also has a station at these facilities.
Johao is one of these urban artists who for two hours seize a piece of the station to dance with his group of friends. To the rhythm of hip-hop he uses the floor of the station to do his somersaults and dance steps. «The season is perfect, especially in the cold season. For the dance we usually wear light clothes and if we go to the surface we would freeze. In addition, people like to see something entertaining while doing transfers.
A few meters from him, every two days goes Julian, a young man who plays the guitar and delights users with romantic music. Although he says he tries to rotate through all subway stations, Sol's is his favorite, as there are "more people" and he achieves "more tips" from users. «I like coming here because there are literally rivers of people. It is very unlikely that they will not leave you any currency or ticket ».
In the underground there are also very traditional shops , such as coffee shops. Ana has been working in one for a year and says that the business does not stop. In fact, their business hours are from 06.00 to 24.00. At that time they sell hundreds of coffees and cold snacks. "In the peak hours and in the mornings people stop to buy a soda or something to snack on."
For this huge station to work, the coordinated and constant work of more than 230 people is needed, including agents, clerks, customer service personnel, machinists and cleaning workers. The latter, in fact, work day and night shifts to keep the station in perfect condition. In fact, the constant traffic of people forces them to keep no liquid residue on the ground for more than five minutes, according to María, one of the cleaning workers: «The floor must always be clean, because with the passage of so many people , a drop of water can cause a serious fall ».
The security of this station is also maximum. In fact, it is the only one that has its own protection plan in case of emergencies such as fires, floods or bomb threats. For the rest of the stops there is a general plan. Among the measures that are dedicated exclusively to Sol is the surveillance of the facilities through more than 60 security cameras. In addition, there is a strategic contingent with the Police, Firemen and Samur every afternoon, according to Óscar González de la Riva, responsible for the oldest Metro lines.
These security devices remain throughout the afternoon, night and early morning. Specifically until after 1.30, time at which the last meter passes. After that, the platforms are desolate and silence prevails for the first time in the day. The doors close and maintenance and preparation work begins for the next day at the station that (almost) never sleeps.
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