Metro stations

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The Московский Метрополитен [Moskovsky Metropoliten] or Moscow metro is by far the most intensively used metro network in the world. As of 2013, the system has an average daily ridership of 6,73 million passengers with the peak of 9,28 million. In 2004, the Moscow metro transported some 3,2 billion passengers. During rush hour a train arrives on the platform every 80 seconds. That’s why the metro is the most efficient and the fastest mean of transportation in the city. The network is also known for the architecture of its stations.

The metro stations

As of 2014, the Moscow Metro has 196 stations and its route length is 327.5 km. It may sound odd, but some Moscow metro stations are worth to be visited. Not to watch the thousands of travellers edging their way to work every day while they are sleeping or reading, but because of the enduring evidences of the evolution of the symbolism used by the Soviet Union throughout the years. Architecture, decorative arts and sculptures were integrated in a monumental project, especially in the stations in the city center.

Some stations like Ploshad Revolutsiy can't be called nice, but are worth to see, if only it was to understand how far the overwhelming idealisation of the realisations of the Soviet state could go, with at every corner huge statutes of  militant and victorious labourers and soldiers. But other stations like Novoslobodskaya, Kyivskaya and Komsomolskaya are more than just charming with their nicely elaborated arches, elegant arabesques and colourful mosaics.

The construction of the metro started in December 1932 and the first line between Sokolniky and Park Kultury opened on May 15, 1935. Two more lines were opened before World War II started. Even today, the metro is still in expansion. Between 2010 and 2015, 15 new stations have been opened.

It is said that Joseph Stalin (1878-1953) had a secret subterranean passage to the metro station from the Kremlin to the Chistye Prudy station.



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