The Bilbao Metro project goes back over twenty-five years, when the Biscay Regional Government diagnosed, given the chaotic growth of the metropolitan area, not only a transport problem in the district but possible traffic collapse.
1971
The Biscay Regional Government, the Council of Bilbao and the Chamber of Commerce established the Biscay Communications Committee to analyse the transport problem in Gran Bilbao.
1974
The Committee, through its Communication Study and Co-ordination Office, performed an in-depth study known as "Co-ordinated Study for Public Urban Transport in Bilbao and it Area of Influence"
1976
Establishment of the Biscay Transport Consortium.
1977
A first "Construction Plan for the Bilbao Metropolitan Railway" is approved, which provided many statements requesting a more extensive and mainly underground network.
1978
The Ministry of Transport contracted the "Complementary Study on the Bilbao Metro Network". Work began coinciding with the transfer of responsibilities in relation to railways to the Basque General Council, which, therefore, assumed the co-direction of the Study.
1981
Work ends with the proposal for a reduced Metro Network, combined with an increase in suburban railway services and bus services, which does not receive the necessary approval to unlock the situation.
1983
The Department for Territorial Policy and Transport of the Basque Goverment, through its Study Service, performs a "Study on Public Transport in the Bajo Nervión Area" which finalises towards the end of the year.
1985
A complete revision of the original Construction Plan is performed and a new document is drafted.
1987
After a public information period, the Bilbao Metro Construction and Financing Plan is finally approved by the Basque Government.
1988
A Restricted International Competition is organised for the Architectural Design Project. Underground work begins at Erandio.
1989
Work begins in the Centre of Bilbao.
1993
On October 1st, the company, Metro Bilbao S.A., begins to operate.
