The Moscow Metro is celebrating its 90th year of operation, marking a significant milestone for one of the world’s most extensive and enduring urban transit systems. Since its inauguration in 1935, the metro has grown to encompass over 550 kilometers of track and 302 stations, serving an average of 8 million passenger trips on weekdays.
Maksim Liksutov, Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Transport and Industry, reflected on the occasion, stating, “The opening of the Metro in 1935 was a historic event for our capital and the entire country. Even then, decades ago, the workers and builders set the highest standards for passenger service. Today, in line with the goals set by Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin, we continue to uphold that standard.”
Liksutov also acknowledged the dedication of the metro’s workforce: “More than 65,000 people are currently employed by the Moscow Metro. They not only help serve millions of passengers every day but also work hard to earn the continued trust of Muscovites, so that each journey leaves a positive impression. I want to thank every employee for their dedication and wish them continued success.”
Initially launched with a single 11.5-kilometer line and 13 stations, the Moscow Metro has experienced continuous expansion over the past nine decades. In 2024 alone, the system transported an impressive 2.7 billion passengers.
Modernization has been a core focus. Today, over 75% of trains are newly developed models, featuring automated speed control, open gangways, and enhanced safety systems. These advancements enable high-frequency operations, with train intervals as short as 90 seconds during peak hours.
The Moscow Metro has also embraced digital ticketing solutions, including smart cards, virtual ticket options, and biometric payments, which now account for the majority of daily trips. These technological integrations aim to streamline passenger flow and improve accessibility for commuters.
To commemorate the anniversary, the city has organized a series of events and exhibitions. These public displays highlight the metro’s rich history and evolution, featuring restored early-generation trains and archival materials that document the network’s extensive development.
As one of the world’s most heavily utilized metro systems, the Moscow Metro continues to be a central pillar of urban transportation, embodying the broader trends in infrastructure investment, technological integration, and mass transit development over the last century.
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