Public transportation systems across major Russian cities are bracing for the New Year’s Eve celebrations with adjusted schedules and safety measures, ensuring revelers have access to travel during the festivities. Major cities including Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Kazan have announced their plans and timelines for metro and public transport operations over the holiday period.
Starting with Moscow, where the metro, Moscow Central Circle (MCC), and above-ground transport will be free on New Year’s Eve, authorities have established extensive measures for public safety. Beginning at 8 PM on December 31st until 6 AM on January 1st, all metro lines, the MCC, and the most popular bus routes—approximately 140 different services—will operate continuously. The Department of Transport emphasized their commitment to ensuring safe and enjoyable travel, advising passengers to cooperate with potential security checks along the way.
According to the press service of the Moscow mayor, "...all significant routes will function as usual during the night of celebrations, and all 18 regular night routes will also remain operational." To bolster visibility and festive spirit, buildings, bridges, and metro stations across Moscow will be luminously illuminated, showcasing the city’s festive décor. Pictured illuminated structures are part of the city's efforts to create vibrancy during this special occasion.
Meanwhile, St. Petersburg's metro will transition to around-the-clock service during this festive period, starting from December 31st at 8 PM until January 1st at 6 AM. This change also accounts for new safety measures, with certain vestibules closed for passenger entry. Specific locations such as "Prospect Veterans" and "Leninsky Prospect" will have restricted access to their vestibules, promoting safer travel. Notably, the vestibule at "Nevsky Prospect" will only permit entry, creating clear guidelines for passengers hoping to ring in the New Year.
Citywide, the local administration has clarified, "Public transport will operate on shortened holiday schedules from December 29 until January 8.” Trams and trolleybuses will also run until 2 AM on New Year’s night, catering to late-night festivities. This flexibility aims to accommodate the festive atmosphere and enable celebrants to commute with ease.
Turning to Kazan, plans have also been laid out to facilitate holiday travel. The Kazan metro will operate until midnight on New Year’s Eve, with tram and trolleybus services running until 2 AM. The city has ensured thorough service with ten trolleybuses and six trams ready to respond to late-night transportation needs. Residents have also been informed about the availability of city buses extending their hours the full night of the celebration.
Notably, there will be no New Year’s fireworks this year, but residents may enjoy homemade displays at designated locations. This control appears to streamline the festivities and maintain safety, allowing guests to find suitable venues for celebrations.
Authorities have communicated preparations for the heightened public transport demand, assuring residents all systems will be running efficiently. At the same time, Moscow’s Red Square will remain closed from 6 PM on December 31 until 8 AM on January 1. Although the Square will be off-limits, the GUM skating rink will continue operating as per its schedule, providing alternative festive activities.
With regard to safety, the Moscow Department of Transport has put heavy emphasis on passenger safety during this festive time. The service shared, "Security measures will be stepped up across all transportation hubs, and we encourage passengers to be prepared for possible inspections and checks.” This proactive approach highlights travel agencies' readiness to maintain public safety throughout the celebrations.
Overall, as Russian cities gear up for New Year’s Eve festivities, local authorities are focused on ensuring accessible, safe, and efficient transport for the citizens. With strategic scheduling and heightened security, cities are poised to welcome the New Year's celebrations enthusiastically, reflecting the joyous spirit characteristic of this holiday.