The Kyiv Metro has introduced designated areas for children, pets, and seating
The Kyiv Metro is testing a new method for organizing passengers during air raid alerts. At the “Syrets” station, the platform has been provisionally divided into four zones—for people with children, passengers with limited mobility, people with pets, and those who need a place to sit.
For now, this is just a pilot project, and the markings are for guidance only. If the approach proves successful, a similar system may be implemented at other stations in the Kyiv Metro.
The Kyiv Metro has decided to reorganize the space at stations that serve as shelters during air raid alerts. “Syrets” was the first station where the new system began to be tested. Special navigation stickers have been placed on the platform. They show passengers where it’s best to stand depending on their needs.
The space has been divided into four zones. Separate areas have been designated for people with children, passengers with limited mobility, people with pets, and those who need to sit. The idea is not to strictly segregate people into different parts of the platform. On the contrary, the metro system aims to make passengers’ experience during emergencies more comfortable and straightforward.
What zones have been established at the station
The first zone is designated for people with children. During a prolonged air raid alert, it can be difficult for parents to be among large crowds, so a separate, marked area is intended to help them find their bearings more quickly.
The second zone is for people with limited mobility. This refers to passengers who have difficulty moving around or standing for long periods. Designating such a zone can also help metro staff more quickly identify people who may need assistance.
The third zone is designated for people with animals. During alerts, passengers with pets come to the subway, so efforts are made to organize a separate space for them as well.
The fourth zone is for seating. It is designed to be comfortable for people who have difficulty standing for long periods while at the station.
Thus, the new markings are not only intended to help passengers find a more comfortable spot. They also enable metro staff to quickly identify where different categories of passengers are located and who might need assistance.
Is it mandatory to move to your designated zone?
No. Zoning is not mandatory. Metro staff will not force passengers to move to a specific spot or relocate them between zones. The stickers are primarily intended as recommendations.
This means that a person can choose a different spot if it’s more comfortable for them or if the situation on the platform requires it. At the same time, metro officials hope that passengers will be considerate of the needs of those around them. For example, if there is a person with a small child, a passenger with limited mobility, or a person with a service animal nearby, it is advisable not to take up all the available space and to leave room for others to stand comfortably.
Why This Measure Was Introduced
The Kyiv Metro has long served a purpose beyond mere transportation. During air raid alerts, stations are used as shelters, and the number of people there can increase rapidly. This is particularly noticeable during prolonged attacks, when passengers may remain at stations for several hours. In such conditions, it’s important not only to ensure safety but also to organize the space so that people can stay there comfortably for extended periods.
That is why the metro system has decided to test a zoning system. It is intended to make passengers’ stay more organized and, at the same time, help staff better navigate the situation. Metro officials note that the effectiveness of this approach will largely depend on the passengers themselves. If people follow the guidelines and are considerate of others’ needs, the space on the platform will be used more efficiently.
What Else Passengers Are Asked to Do
Separately, the Kyiv Metro has urged people not to bring bulky items to the stations. In particular, passengers are asked not to bring large tents or inflatable mattresses into the shelters. Such items take up a lot of space, and during large crowds, free space becomes especially important.
Metro officials explain that due to the increasing number of people using stations as shelters, it is necessary to leave enough space for everyone to move safely and be comfortably accommodated. Therefore, during an emergency, passengers are asked to consider not only their own comfort but also that of those around them.
Will such zones appear at other stations?
“Syrets” remains a pilot station for now. Here, they will assess how convenient and useful the new format proves to be. At the same time, similar solutions are already being developed for other stations in the Kyiv Metro. After evaluating the results of the pilot project, the city will announce whether this system will be expanded to other stations.
For now, passengers at “Syrets” are encouraged to follow the new stickers and, if possible, take seats according to their needs. However, the main rule remains unchanged—during an air raid alert, the metro station must remain a safe and accessible shelter for everyone. This was reported by the Kyiv Metro Municipal Enterprise.
Dmytro Roda, a Kyiv Metro train operator, shared how much he earns and what factors determine his salary. He has been working for the metro for 18 years, 15 of which he has spent driving trains. According to him, he currently earns 50,000–60,000 hryvnias per month.
