2007 The consolidation
Throughout 2007 our young Association began to gain the acknowlegdment of numerous mass media sources which have placed us on the map by publishing articles and interviews in which we have been able to explain details of the association and its aims. Andén 1 has caught the attention of the newspapers -El País, El Mundo, Metro Directo, etc.-, radio stations -COPE, SER, Punto Radio, Onda Cero, etc.-, television channels -Telemadrid, Onda 6, etc.- and Internet -Madridiaro.es, etc-.
Our presence in media has been useful not only because of the information about us but also for publishing Andén 1's opinions about subjects related to the Madrilenian Metropolitan Underground Railroad. Last January we were invited to take part in a televised debate on Onda 6 about the delays in the underground due to various incidents. Andén 1 has demonstrated in this debate that we are able to maintain our independence and to make criticisms in a rational and constructive manner. Also El País published a column to our opinion on this topic.
The consolidation of Andén 1 would not have been possible without the controversy involving the new Metro map, strongly rejected by our association, which was released last April. In the media we have explained the reasons for our rejection and this has caused enormous repercussions. Almost immediatly, summaries of our press release were published in major newspapers; the calls from the media multiplied and the editors wanted to know "Who are these people from Andén 1?"
. Despite of all this, the maps were not removed as we requested. However, looking the bright side, all this has given an important boost to the association.
The press releases of Andén 1 not only have expressed criticism but also given explanations how our proposals can lead to improving both the underground network and the transport system as a whole. We have worked on proposals such as the creation of an integrated fee system for the Community of Madrid. Newspapers like ADN or Madridiario.es have published our proposals.
Andén 1 has also approached the administration. We have held several meetings with the Department of the Arts of the Autonomous Community of Madrid in order to collaborate with the project "Andén 0", which will teach the people of Madrid about the history of the Metro in two different places: the machine room of "Pacífico" and the old station of Chamberí. Also we maintain contact with the Heritage Deàrtment of the Madrid Metro and with Madrid Transport Consortium.
Throughout 2007, the Association and its patrimony have grown, thanks to the donations from members, supporters, specially the colllection of maps and books from Miguel Ángel Delgado, member of the Madrid’s Transport Consortium, and the donation from Metro of Madrid of the old signalling box from Sol station. This last donation has been possible thanks to the efforts of Carlos Mendoza, grandson of one of the founders of the Metropolitan.
In the association we have not forgotten the entertainment and cultural aspects which make Andén 1 meaningful. We have faithfully attended the inaugurations of the new sections constructed in the last extension plan, travelling on the first trains and attending some of the inaugural acts. Additionally, we have organized slide shows and periodic meetings where we have been able share impressions. An example of recreational activities is the astonishing visit to the facilities of the "Tranvía de Parla" (The Parla Tramway) last July, were we learned how this new transport system works. Also, we keep close links with the "Asociación de amigos de la EMT y del autobús"– Friends of the Municipal Transport Enterprise and of bus of Madrid -, with whom we share our forum space in Internet: Andén 2.
Meanwhile, on the one hand the Web space with which Andén 1 began to walk, has reached in November 70000 messages in the forum and 2500 images in the photo gallery, undoubtly, thanks to its 1064 registered users. On the other hand, the Association has already reached the number of 64 members, which, without any shape of doubt, and in the forthcoming months will hopefully increase.
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