On 1 March, Moscow Metro’s Big Circle (Bolshaya
Koltsevaya) Line, designed to expand and modernize the subway system
and relieve traffic congestion on the Circle (Koltsevaya)
Line whilst also reducing traffic jams in Moscow, finally became fully
operational.
The Big Circle Line is 70 kilometers long, with 31
stations and three electric depots.
The line was built in
record time with the first section opening in 2018, followed by
several in 2021, including the longest metro section in Moscow’s
history – 21 km long with 10 stations.
“Unique design and engineering solutions allowed
the seamless integration of the subway circle line into the
unified city infrastructure. The Big Circle Line integrates all
existing and prospective radial lines of the subway and provides
interchanges to other modes of transport. Alternative routes were
created, including 47 connections to other lines, allowing
passengers to get from one point of the city to another, bypassing
the need to transfer to the center,” said Sergey Melikov, Head of
the International Relations Department of Big Circle Line. “Used architectural solutions are consistent with the
times: traditional, modern, simple, complex, serious, and ironic.”
All high-tech services of the Moscow Metro will be
available to passengers of the Line, including the most
convenient ways to pay. Each
turnstile on the Line accepts travel and bank cards, and two
turnstiles in each lobby will accept biometric payments. The Moscow Metro ticketing system
has
twice been recognized as the world’s smartest by the international
Transport Ticketing Award (2020, 2021).
The Big Circle Lane also features
trains that are comfortable and efficient for residents and
visitors like.
They have wide doors, passages between the cars, USB sockets for
charging, informational displays and air conditioners with an air
disinfection system.
Comfort is also enhanced with improved noise
insulation and adaptive lighting, which changes color temperature
depending on the time of day.
The Big Circle Line extends through 34 districts,
home to 3.3 million people – 30% of Moscow’s population. Moscow
Metro’s extensive network means that 1.2 million Muscovites now
have a new subway station within walking distance.
