Heating metro steps, checking heating on buses: How the public transport system is preparing for winter

The public transport system is making its final preparations for winter. The Moscow Metro has completed improvements ahead of the onset of cold weather. Surface vehicles are undergoing MOT tests.

Second doors and step heating

The metro administration has completed maintenance on entrance hall facades, underpasses, staircases, drain pipes, doors, and landings. A comfortable temperature will be maintained at all stations throughout the cold season with the help of 800 air and heat curtains. These devices are connected to the ventilation system and prevent the cold from penetrating the area by blowing out heated air. To keep stations clean and dry in adverse weather, specialists have overhauled the drains (covered with iron grating on the floor) which collect melted snow and rain water.

“While preparing the metro for rapid temperature changes, we focused on entrance hall roofs that should reliably protect buildings from wind and rain, drain pipes, and the rain and snow gratings,” Deputy Mayor and head of the Department for Transport and Road Infrastructure Development Maxim Liksutov said.

In all, the metro has repaired 15,900 square metres of roofs, 14,700 square metres of facades, 14,900 square metres of floors and passage walls, over 1,000 square metres of landings, and more than 1,000 square metres of staircases.

With the onset of low night temperatures, workers have begun installing second doors that will help to keep premises warm. In spring, these are removed for better ventilation. Over 3,800 doors will be installed before 19 October.

проветривались. До 19 октября в подземке установят более 3,8 тысячи таких дверей.

MOT tests and infrastructure  

The city ground-based transport – buses, trolleybuses, trams and electric buses, as well as snow removal cars and snow trams – is being prepared for the onset of cold weather as well. Specialists are checking heating systems, door sealing, vent windows, hatches, and the onboard systems responsible for the reliable operation of vehicles on urban routes.

“Every day, Moscow operates 6,500 buses, trolleybuses, trams and electric buses. The MOT tests held before the onset of the cold weather help to make travel more comfortable and safe,” Mr Liksutov explained.

Transport infrastructure, including overhead wiring and tram tracks, will also be prepared for adverse weather conditions. Specialists are checking switch electric heating systems, clearing accumulated debris and fallen leaves from railway track drainage systems, and laying stocks of anti-icing chemicals.

Drivers will be briefed on how to work in adverse weather.

Preparations for winter have begun at nine Moscow rail terminals – Belorussky, Kazansky, Kievsky, Kursky, Leningradsky, Paveletsky, Rizhsky, Savyolovsky, and Yaroslavsky. Air and heat curtains will be installed at entrances and platforms and all public areas of the station will be put in order. Central heating will be switched on in early October.