Everyday Life in the Moscow Metro
A lot has changed since the first stations of the Moscow metro were opened in 1935. Over the decades, World War II, perestroika and the collapse of the U.S.S.R. have all radically changed life for Muscovites.
One thing has remained constant, however: The importance of the metro in residents’ lives. It's more than just a mode of transportation — it is a meeting point, sightseeing destination, cultural masterpiece and museum of architecture.
Today, millions of people take the metro every day, and it is constantly expanding with new lines and stations added to the map all the time.
Here's a look at everyday life inside the modern-day Moscow metro:
One thing has remained constant, however: The importance of the metro in residents’ lives. It's more than just a mode of transportation — it is a meeting point, sightseeing destination, cultural masterpiece and museum of architecture.
Today, millions of people take the metro every day, and it is constantly expanding with new lines and stations added to the map all the time.
Here's a look at everyday life inside the modern-day Moscow metro:
Among the grand arches, decorative ceiling moldings and large chandeliers of the "people's palace," you can spot police officers on their daily shifts.
Violetta Nadbitova / MT
City authorities predict that 9.8 million passengers per day will use the metro system, the Moscow Central Ring and the newly opened Moscow Central Diameters by 2020.
Violetta Nadbitova / MT
Russia's capital is huge, and so is its metro. With 14 lines and 232 underground stations, sometimes it's easy to get lost.
Violetta Nadbitova / MT
Each station has a unique design that sets it apart from the rest. Incredible stained-glass windows at some stations make it seem less like an underground transport system and more like a museum. Some residents have gotten used to this beauty, however.
Violetta Nadbitova / MT
With thousands of people passing the station inspectors every day, any chance they get to talk to passengers or help them with directions helps break up the monotony.
Violetta Nadbitova / MT
In past eras, Muscovites couldn’t help but feel watched by the many statues scattered throughout the metro system. Today, surveillance cameras do the watching.
Violetta Nadbitova / MT
More than 50,000 workers keep the metro running every day.
Violetta Nadbitova / MT
More than a year ago, the underground stalls where Muscovites used to buy newspapers, chewing gum or socks were closed down. But soon, these shops began to make a comeback.
Violetta Nadbitova / MT
