Category: Moscow Metro

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

The Moscow Metro continues its planned modernization of its track infrastructure. New lines and upgraded sections are increasingly using continuous welded rails—so-called "velvet tracks"—which provide increased comfort and reliability for trains.

Today, the metro already has almost 400 km of continuous track. New lines are being built with long tracks, while existing lines are gradually replacing the connecting tracks as part of an infrastructure upgrade program.

The main advantages of continuous welded rail tracks for passengers are:

Increased travel comfort: trains run smoother and are virtually silent; increased safety and reliability: the absence of joints reduces rail wear and increases the stability of the track structure; increased speed due to improved track conditions.

A key role in the creation of continuous track is played by aluminothermic welding technology, which allows rails to be joined into a single continuous structure.

In 2024, four new stations on the Troitskaya metro line opened. Nearly 20 kilometers of continuous welded track were laid in both directions on this section. Overall, over 50 kilometers of continuous welded rails and 160,000 reinforced concrete half-ties were used on the existing section of the line from Novomoskovskaya to ZIL, along with hundreds of kilometers of cable lines for train control systems.

"To make trains run even smoother and quieter, we're modernizing the existing infrastructure. We're installing continuous welded rails on all new and many existing metro lines. We continue to make passenger travel more comfortable and safe, as instructed by Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin," said Maxim Liksutov, Deputy Mayor for Transport and Industry.

Comprehensive infrastructure modernization—updating rails, developing automation and telemetry systems, and upgrading rolling stock—has resulted in one of the best performance indicators in Europe: the average speed of trains on the Moscow metro, including stops, is 41 km/h, with a maximum permitted speed of up to 80 km/h.

The leaders in average travel speed were the Kalininskaya, Nekrasovskaya and Troitskaya lines.

The development of continuous welded rail tracks is part of the capital's transportation development strategy through 2030. This strategy includes completing the Troitskaya Line, opening the Rublevo-Arkhangelskaya and Biryulevskaya Lines, and commissioning new electric train depots.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Moscow continues to implement cutting-edge transportation technologies. Maxim Liksutov, Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Transport and Industry, announced that 20 three-section Vityaz-Moscow trams will be retrofitted with an energy storage system. This will allow them to operate on sections without overhead wires.

Autonomous driving technology was previously successfully implemented on the single-section "Lvenok-Moscow" trams, which already operate on routes T1 and No. 5. Autonomous solutions are now being scaled up to accommodate larger-capacity rolling stock.

What will change:

On sections without overhead lines, both single-section and three-section trams will be able to operate. The high-capacity Vityaz-Moscow trams will operate on Moscow's T1 and T2 tram diameters. The load on the infrastructure will be reduced: up to 40% of the energy consumed will be recovered through a recuperation system.

"Following Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin's instructions, we continue to implement modern technological solutions in public transport. The three-section Vityaz-Moscow trams will be able to travel over 4 km autonomously thanks to a new energy storage system. The Moscow Tram Diameter T1 has already proven its effectiveness, and the launch of more spacious trams will further improve travel comfort for tens of thousands of passengers," noted Maxim Liksutov, Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Transport and Industry.

The technology has already been tested in practice: one three-section "Vityaz-Moscow" tram has been operating reliably in autonomous mode since 2024.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

The capital has launched a new season of the "Music in the Metro" project—one of the largest cultural formats integrated into the city's transportation system. Artists from various genres are once again performing for passengers at metro stations, the Moscow Central Diameters (MCD), and other public transportation facilities.

Today, the project brings together over 400 musicians—vocalists, instrumentalists, and ensembles. Both emerging performers and established artists can be heard at the "Music in the Metro" venues. This year, interest in the project grew significantly: over two thousand applications were submitted—a third more than last season. As usual, participants were selected by a professional jury based on in-person auditions.

Over the years, the project has come a long way: while the first season featured around 30 musicians and performances took place at just three venues, today concerts are held at 40 locations. These include metro stations, including the Big Circle Line, MCD facilities, the Moscow Transport Pavilion, the Severnye Vorota International Bus Station, and, during the warmer months, the Northern and Southern River Terminals.

Last year, the project became a key location in the large-scale celebratory program celebrating the 90th anniversary of the Moscow Metro, attracting the attention of renowned performers. In 2026, when "Music in the Metro" turns 10, passengers will also be treated to special concerts by popular musicians.

At the same time, the "Art in the Metro" project is developing in the capital, bringing together artists, sculptors, and illustrators. Since 2024, more than 300 artists have participated. Eleven spaces at metro stations are available, and a permanent exhibition space has been opened in the passageway between Sokolniki stations on the Big Circle and Sokolnicheskaya lines.

"The 'Music in the Metro' project has grown from 30 participants in the first season to over 400 musicians today, and the number of venues has increased more than 13-fold. At the request of Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin, the capital's transport complex continues to develop creative initiatives in the city's infrastructure," noted Maxim Liksutov, Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Transport and Industry.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Moscow — Despite heavy snowfall, Moscow's public transportation continues to operate as usual. All services have been switched to enhanced operations to ensure passenger comfort and safety.

Particular attention is paid to the smooth operation of the Moscow Metro. Metro employees work around the clock to clear snow from tracks leading to depots and rails in open areas. The condition of the track infrastructure directly affects the stability, comfort, and safety of travel for more than 8 million passengers daily.

A range of measures are being taken to combat snowfall. Specialized equipment equipped with powerful brushes and compressed air systems is deployed on tracks, switches, and in the contact rail area. These machines are capable of clearing snow drifts up to 0.65 meters high. In areas where the use of equipment is impossible, snow removal is carried out manually—over 600 employees are involved in the work at the 23 metro depots alone. Special chemical treatments are applied to specific areas to prevent the formation of ice.

In total, over 3,000 employees and specialized equipment have been deployed to clear snow near metro stations, depot parking tracks, tram stops, and bus stations. Platforms and adjacent areas are being cleared on the Moscow Central Diameters. City services are also clearing bus stops and turnaround areas for buses and electric buses.

The rolling stock is fully prepared for operation in adverse weather conditions. All trams, buses, and electric buses undergo mandatory technical inspections before entering service. Drivers have received additional training on operating vehicles in snowy conditions.

"In accordance with Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin's instructions, we ensure comfortable and safe travel in any weather. Maintaining the road infrastructure is our key priority. By creating significant reserve capacity, the capital's public transportation is always ready to accommodate additional passengers. Dispatch services monitor route operations and weather changes in real time, and city services are clearing snow, prioritizing transport," noted Maxim Liksutov, Deputy Mayor of Moscow in the Moscow Government for Transport and Industry.

The operation of urban transport and infrastructure is under constant control.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

During the operation of MTD:

🔹 Modern Lvenok-Moscow trams have made over 23,000 trips.

🔹 The total mileage along the route was 617 thousand km.

🔹 Daily peak passenger traffic increased to 78,000 trips, which is 1.5 times higher than our forecasts.

T1 operates according to the standards of an above-ground street metro: minimal intervals, convenient transfers to the metro and the Moscow Central Diameters (MCD), and a smooth ride of autonomous cars. This approach allows city residents and visitors to save time during travel.

"The First Moscow Tram Diameter has become the most popular tram route. In two months, Muscovites have taken over 3.8 million trips on it. This result demonstrates that the diametric tram route format, with its minimal intervals and modern trams, is extremely convenient for passengers. At the direction of Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin, we continue to develop the tram network and integrate it into the city's unified transport ecosystem to make trips even faster and more comfortable," noted Maxim Liksutov, Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Transport and Industry.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

In anticipation of the New Year 2026, at the direction of Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin, the Department of Transport and the Moscow Metro State Unitary Enterprise completed the festive decoration program for the city's transportation system. The complex of events is aimed at creating a festive atmosphere for passengers and covers the metro, ground-level public transportation, and service facilities.

Over 150 artificial Christmas trees have been installed at more than 40 metro stations, 15 MCC stations, eight MCD stations, and five bus stations across the metro and railway stations. Neon signs and garlands have been placed on the facades and in the entrance halls of six metro stations (Chistye Prudy, Ploshchad Revolyutsii, Baumanskaya, Arbatskaya, Taganskaya, and Rizhskaya) and the Kutuzovskaya station on the Moscow Central Circle. Thematic light installations have been installed at Krasnye Vorota (light arch), Semyonovskaya (the "Gifts" installation), and in the escalator gallery of Vorobyovy Gory station (100 suspended elements). 24 themed trains (Rusich, Oka, Moscow-2019, Moscow-2020, and Numbered trains) have been launched on 11 metro lines.

Moreover, the facades of the metro administrative building at Prospekt Mira station, the Varshavskoye electric depot, and the Advanced Development Center in the Kuntsevo district were decorated.

A total of 230 ground transportation vehicles will be decorated in festive style, including 50 electric buses, 60 Vityaz-Moscow trams, and, for the first time, two autonomous Lvenok-Moscow trams on routes T1 and 5. Over 600 festive posters have been placed at bus stops throughout the city, and 115 buses have received themed wraps. The Okhotny Ryad metro stop on Tverskaya Street has been decorated especially.

"Following Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin's instructions, we're gradually decorating public transportation and infrastructure for the New Year. We're placing installations at metro stations and city landmarks. The decorations create a unified New Year's space and create a festive atmosphere for passengers," noted Maxim Liksutov, Deputy Mayor for Transport.