Bucharest subway limits the spread of coronavirus with innovative measures to prevent overcrowding

The underground transport in the Romanian capital runs at the maximum train capacity

Over 600,000 people use the subway in Bucharest every day. Especially during the rush hour many stations get crowded as people prefer to take the subway to avoid the overground traffic.

Now, during the coronavirus outbreak, the Bucharest subway operator, Metrorex, took precautionary measures. Effective 8 March, the simultaneous arrival of trains at the platforms of stations with a high flux of people is banned during the peak travel hours.

Metrorex took this step to avoid the crowding of stations and limit the spread of the virus. In addition, the staff driving the trains was increased to reduce the return times of trains back to the end of the lines.    

The subway runs at the maximum train capacity

At the same time, Metrorex has put the maximum number of trains into use and waiting times were reduced to between 2 and 4 minutes on the most crowded lines. To further limit the spread of the Covid-19, all subway trains undergo additional disinfection of the pole grips and the door opening buttons.

The transport company has also requested the contracted cleaning companies to intensify the cleaning of the public and technical zones inside the subway stations. The workplaces of the staff at the ticket counters, who handle banknotes, have been provided with antibacterial gel dispensers.   

All passengers are recommended to follow hygiene rules throughout their subway travel. The operator has already spread posters in stations with information detailing protection measures against the coronavirus outbreak.

Buchrest Municipality informed also that the Bucharest Transport Company (STB), which operates the city’s overground public transport, will also put additional vehicles in operation to avoid crowding.