Over 1,600 train cars with climate control systems to undergo pre-summer checks

Thanks to the train modernisation strategy, one-third of the trains in the Moscow metro are now equipped with climate control systems and 1,681 train cars have air conditioners.

“Ahead of the summer season, maintenance staff will check air conditioning systems in trains, temperature control sensors at stations and ventilation shaft equipment,” said Maxim Liksutov, Deputy Moscow Mayor and Head of the Department of Transport and Road Infrastructure Development. “This will help ensure maximum comfort for riders.”

Air conditioning in trains will be checked

According to the deputy mayor, the metro maintenance service is regularly testing climate control systems in trains. If a fault is detected, the train stays at the depot until the problem is fixed. If a breakdown occurs en route, passengers can report it to the Moscow Transport Contact Centre by calling 8 (495) 539 5454. They can also use emergency call buttons at stations and report the number of the train car with a broken air conditioner.

Special temperature sensors have been installed at the 30 hottest metro stations, making it possible to control the temperature in online mode. Ventilators will help cool platforms and entrance halls by bringing fresh air in through ventilation shafts. To ensure better ventilation of underground premises during the summer, internal entrance doors will be removed.

Cleanups with sawdust will make rides easier for allergy-prone passengers

During the intensive blooming season, wet cleaning will be performed more often. This will help reduce the concentration of allergens at the stations and in the train cars. Both wet cleaning equipment and manual cleanups with moistened sawdust will be used. This technology has been coordinated with the Moscow Main Centre for Sanitary and Epidemiological Supervision. Moistened sawdust prevents the spread of dust in the air. This sort of cleaning is ecologically friendly and safe.

According to Mr Liksutov, train cars will get cleaned each time they return to their depots. Not only the handrails and the seats, but also the floor and the walls will be thoroughly cleaned.

“Wet cleaning and disinfection of metro trains, using traditional disinfectants, is carried out daily,” the deputy mayor explained. “Manual cleanups are used for the seats and the inside of train cars, and on the outside they are cleaned by a special cleaning machine.”

Earlier, air conditioners in surface transit were checked ahead of the summer. Buses will get extra cleanups during peak allergy seasons.