Bucharest Metro
Encyclopedia
The Bucharest Metro is an underground urban railway network that serves the capital of Romania
, Bucharest
. The network is run by Metrorex
. It is one of the most accessed systems of the Bucharest public transport network
with a ridership of 177.23 million passengers in 2010 (averaging out at 485,000 passengers per day). In total, the network is 69.25 km long and has 51 stations.
The earliest plans for a Bucharest Metro were drafted in the late 1930s, alongside the general plans for urban modernization of the city. In 1938, the local authorities assigned the task of planning and constructing the subway system to S.A. Metropolitanul, with work scheduled to start in March 1941. The outbreak of World War II
, followed by periods of political tensions culminating with the installation of communism
, put an end to the plans.
By 1970, the public transport system (ITB) was no longer adequate due to the fast pace of urban development, although the system was the fourth-largest in Europe. A commission was set up, and its conclusion pointed to the necessity of an underground transit system that would become the Bucharest Metro.
The network was not built in the same style as other Eastern European systems. Firstly, the design of the stations on the initial lines was simple, clean-cut modern, without excessive additions such as mosaics, awkward lighting sources or excessive decoration. The main function of the stations was speed of transit and practicality. Secondly, the trainsets themselves were all constructed in Romania and did not follow the Eastern European style of construction. Each station usually followed a colour theme (generally white - in Unirii 2
, Universitate, Victoriei 1
, Politehnica
, Lujerului
; but also light blue - in Obor
and Gara de Nord
; orange - in Tineretului
), and an open plan. No station was made to look exactly like any other. Despite this, many stations are rather dark, due to the policies of energy economy in the late 1980s, with later modernisations doing little to fix this problem. Bucharest
being one of the largest cities in the region, the network is larger than those of Prague
or Budapest
. When the planned new line-extensions are finished, they will increase the system length to more than 100 km, with about 80 stations.
The first line, M1, opened on November 16, 1979, running from Timpuri Noi to Semănătoarea (now Petrache Poenaru). It was 6.2 km long with 6 stations. Following this, more lines were opened:
Large stations which connect with other lines (such as Victoriei) have two terminals, and each terminal goes by a different name (Victoriei 1 and Victoriei 2). On the official network map, they are shown as two stations with a connection in between, even though, in practice (and in trip planners), they are really only one station with platforms at different levels. There is one exception: Gara de Nord 1 and Gara de Nord 2 are separate stations (although linked through a subterranean passage, the traveller is required to exit the station proper and pay for a new fare at the other station, thus leaving the system), passengers being required to change trains at Basarab.
Generally, the underground stations feature large interiors. The largest one, Piata Unirii
, is cathedral-like, with vast interior spaces, hosting retail outlets and fast-food restaurants and has an intricate network of underground corridors and passage ways.
n company which runs the Bucharest Metro. It is fully owned by the Romanian Government through the Ministry of Transportation. There were plans to merge the underground and overground transportation systems into one authority subordinated to the City of Bucharest
, however these plans did not come to fruition.
and Eroilor
stations.
There are two connections between the Metro network and the Romanian Railways network, one at IMGB (connecting to the Bucharest Belt Ring), the other at Ciurel (connecting via an underground passage to the Cotroceni-Militari industrial railway). The latter connection however is unused and mothballed. The metro network and the national rail network share the same gauge (1,435 mm) and loading gauge but not the same electrification system (the metro uses 750 V DC whereas the Romanian Railways use 25,000 V 50 Hz AC) making it possible for new metro cars to be transported cross country as unpowered railway cars.
The network is powered by a bottom-contact third rail
system except in works, depots and some tunnels where a catenary
system is employed.
There are 4 metro lines in operations, 1 more being auctioned off and another 2 in the planning phase:
In operation:
Under construction:
Planned:
Two more stations are planned and may be constructed on existing lines, both on M1. However, given the complexity of work required, and the limited benefits these stations would have it is unlikely that construction will begin in the near future:
See also List of Bucharest metro stations
The Bucharest Metro uses two types of trainsets:
The Astra trains used on the system are made up of various trainsets (rame) connected together. Each trainset is made up of two permanently-connected train-cars (B'B'-B'B' formation) that can only be run together. On lines M1 and M3, three trainsets (totaling six cars) are connected together, with a length of up to 120 meters, while in line M4, two trainsets run together (totaling four cars). M2 only uses Bombardier Trains. The ASTRA Arad rolling stock was built between 1976 and 1992, and is approaching the end of its service life, so it is currently being either refurbished or phased out.
The Bombardier trains are made up of six permanently connected cars, forming an open corridor for the entire length of the train (2'2'+Bo'Bo'+Bo'Bo'+Bo'Bo'+Bo'Bo'+2'2' formation).
The subway livery for Bucharest is either white with two yellow or red horizontal stripes below the window for ASTRA trains, or stainless steel with black and white for the Bombardier trains. All trains run on 750 V DC
a third rail
, or an overhead wire in maintenance areas where a third rail would not be safe. Maximum speed on the system is 80 km/h (50 mph), although plans are to increase it to 100 km/h (60 mph) on M5, a new line currently in planning stage.
(Romanian Railways), with the inductor placed on the inside of the rails rather than the outside. The color light signals have the following meaning:
The minimum distance between two trains is 90 seconds.
On the M2, the signaling system is now replaced by the ATP-System
. The signals between the stations remain completely dark, while the exit signals of the station are showing a red light and the letters ATP. In the next years, this system shall replace the classic signaling system also on the other lines.
Other issues are low coverage (sizeable areas of the city don't have any subway access at all and the distance between stations is very large) and at times large intervals between trains.
Metrorex
is also planning the following new lines and routes:
Public transport in Bucharest is heavily subsidized, and the subsidies will increase, as the City Council wants to reduce traffic jams, pollution and parking problems and promote public transport. Like the RATB, the metro can get crowded during morning and afternoon rush hours. The network uses a dual system, employing both magnetic stripe card
s, that are not valid for use on trams, buses or trolleys and a newer system with RFID contactless cards that are also valid on the RATB ground network.
The newer RFID card system is managed by RATB and RFID cards can only be obtained from RATB kiosks. The system is called Card ACTIV. RFID cards are given away free of charge, but only if one agrees to have one's personal data (name and personal numeric code) imprinted on the card. Along with the personal data, as one uses the transport system, cost and usage data is collected in a centralised database. RATB claims this data is used only for improving the transport system. Only the person with the name imprinted on the card may use that card if used in combination with a monthly pass. If the card is lost, the lost card can be canceled and the traveler, for a small fee, can obtain a new card with the remaining credit on it. Anonymous RFID cards can also be obtained for a small fee and they can be used by multiple travelers.
One must purchase a pass or credit to actually use the Card ACTIV on the underground or ground network. Also, these newer cards currently support for the metro network only monthly passes and a form of payment by trip, where travelers can buy credit (at RATB kiosks and online). The full cost of a trip - 2 RON
(€ 0.47) is then deducted from the card whenever entering the metro network, regardless of the number of times a traveler enters the metro network in a given time interval. Because of this limitation, the 10 trip older-style metro card (see below) remains the most cost-effective solution for the casual traveler.
The RFID cards can also be recharged online at the RATB Online website. At the website, a user can recharge the card's electronic wallet with an arbitrary amount of money, in increments of 1 RON
or extend the existing monthly passes, for both underground and surface transport.
Prices (as of August 2011):
Older-style metro cards are not linked with personal data or usage data in a central database and thus they guarantee anonymity of the travel. Because of that, however, if a metro card is lost or damaged, the traveler cannot be reimbursed for the unused trips.
station.
At rush hour, trains run at 6-7 minute intervals on lines 1, 3 and 4, and at 3-5 minute intervals on line 2. During the rest of the day, they run at 8 minute intervals on lines 1 and 3, 9 minute intervals on line 2 and 10 minute intervals on line 4.
Romania
Romania is a country located at the crossroads of Central and Southeastern Europe, on the Lower Danube, within and outside the Carpathian arch, bordering on the Black Sea...
, Bucharest
Bucharest
Bucharest is the capital municipality, cultural, industrial, and financial centre of Romania. It is the largest city in Romania, located in the southeast of the country, at , and lies on the banks of the Dâmbovița River....
. The network is run by Metrorex
Metrorex
Metrorex is the Romanian company which runs the Bucharest Metro. Metrorex is due to be merged with Bucharest's surface transport operator, RATB, to form the Bucharest Metropolitan Transport Corporation from mid-2007....
. It is one of the most accessed systems of the Bucharest public transport network
Transport in Bucharest
Bucharest has the largest transport network in Romania, and one of the largest in Europe. The Bucharest transport network is made up of a metro network and a surface transport network...
with a ridership of 177.23 million passengers in 2010 (averaging out at 485,000 passengers per day). In total, the network is 69.25 km long and has 51 stations.
History
The earliest plans for a Bucharest Metro were drafted in the late 1930s, alongside the general plans for urban modernization of the city. In 1938, the local authorities assigned the task of planning and constructing the subway system to S.A. Metropolitanul, with work scheduled to start in March 1941. The outbreak of World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
, followed by periods of political tensions culminating with the installation of communism
Communist Romania
Communist Romania was the period in Romanian history when that country was a Soviet-aligned communist state in the Eastern Bloc, with the dominant role of Romanian Communist Party enshrined in its successive constitutions...
, put an end to the plans.
By 1970, the public transport system (ITB) was no longer adequate due to the fast pace of urban development, although the system was the fourth-largest in Europe. A commission was set up, and its conclusion pointed to the necessity of an underground transit system that would become the Bucharest Metro.
The network was not built in the same style as other Eastern European systems. Firstly, the design of the stations on the initial lines was simple, clean-cut modern, without excessive additions such as mosaics, awkward lighting sources or excessive decoration. The main function of the stations was speed of transit and practicality. Secondly, the trainsets themselves were all constructed in Romania and did not follow the Eastern European style of construction. Each station usually followed a colour theme (generally white - in Unirii 2
Piata Unirii metro station
Piața Unirii is a major metro station in Bucharest. It is located in the southern part of the city centre, in Unirii Square and it is one of the busiest stations of the Bucharest Metro...
, Universitate, Victoriei 1
Piata Victoriei metro station
Piaţa Victoriei is a metro station in Piaţa Victoriei , central Bucharest. It is near the Victoria Palace, the headquarters of the Romanian government. This station actually consists of two stations and, along with Piaţa Unirii is one of the busiest metro stations in Bucharest...
, Politehnica
Politehnica metro station
Politehnica is a metro station in Bucharest. It is one of the three stations located near the campus of the Universitatea Politehnica Bucureşti ....
, Lujerului
Armata Poporului metro station
Lujerului metro station, previously known as Armata Poporului is a metro station in the Militari neighborhood of Bucharest. It is located at the intersection of Lujerului and Iuliu Maniu Avenues, close to the Lujerului road-tunnel, near the Cotroceni Freight Railway Terminal, the Lujerului Silo,...
; but also light blue - in Obor
Obor metro station
Obor is a metro station in Bucharest, located next to one of the largest open-air markets in Bucharest, Obor. The station was closed for over 10 months, until May 25, 2008, for refurbishment and in order to facilitate the building of a new overground passage for the tram.-References:...
and Gara de Nord
Gara de Nord
București Gara de Nord is the main railway station in Bucharest and the largest railway station in Romania...
; orange - in Tineretului
Tineretului metro station
Tineretului is a metro station in Bucharest, Romania. It was opened in 1986....
), and an open plan. No station was made to look exactly like any other. Despite this, many stations are rather dark, due to the policies of energy economy in the late 1980s, with later modernisations doing little to fix this problem. Bucharest
Bucharest
Bucharest is the capital municipality, cultural, industrial, and financial centre of Romania. It is the largest city in Romania, located in the southeast of the country, at , and lies on the banks of the Dâmbovița River....
being one of the largest cities in the region, the network is larger than those of Prague
Prague Metro
The Prague Metro is a subway, underground public transportation network in Prague, Czech Republic. It is the fastest means of transportation around the city and serves about one and a half million passengers a day, which makes it the seventh busiest metro system in Europe and the most-used in the...
or Budapest
Budapest Metro
The Budapest Metro is the rapid transit system in the Hungarian capital Budapest. It is the second-oldest underground metro system in the world after the London Underground. Its iconic Line 1, dating from 1896, was declared a World Heritage Site in 2002.-Lines:The Metro consists of three lines,...
. When the planned new line-extensions are finished, they will increase the system length to more than 100 km, with about 80 stations.
The first line, M1, opened on November 16, 1979, running from Timpuri Noi to Semănătoarea (now Petrache Poenaru). It was 6.2 km long with 6 stations. Following this, more lines were opened:
- December 1981: M1/M3 Timpuri Noi - Republica; 10.1 km, 6 stations
- August 1983: M3 Branch line Eroilor - Industriilor (now Preciziei) ; 8.63 km, 5 stations, Gorjului station added in 1991
- December 1984: M1 Semănătoarea (Petrache Poenaru) - Crângaşi; 0.97 km, 1 station
- January 1986: M2 Piaţa Unirii - Depoul IMGB (now Berceni) ; 9.96 km, 8 stations
- October 1987: M2 Piaţa Unirii - Pipera; 8.72 km, 6 stations
- December 1987: M1 Crângaşi - Gara de Nord 1; 2.83 km, 2 stations (Basarab added 1990)
- August 1989: M1 Gara de Nord 1 - Dristor 2; 7.8 km, 6 stations
- January 1990: M1/M3 Republica - Pantelimon; 1.43 km, 1 station (single track, operational on a special schedule)
- March 2000: M4 Gara de Nord 2 - 1 Mai; 3.6 km, 4 stations
- November 2008: M3 branch Nicolae Grigorescu 2 - Linia de centura (now Anghel Saligny), 4.75 km, 4 stations
- July 1st, 2011: M4 Jiului - Parc Bazilescu, 2 stations
Large stations which connect with other lines (such as Victoriei) have two terminals, and each terminal goes by a different name (Victoriei 1 and Victoriei 2). On the official network map, they are shown as two stations with a connection in between, even though, in practice (and in trip planners), they are really only one station with platforms at different levels. There is one exception: Gara de Nord 1 and Gara de Nord 2 are separate stations (although linked through a subterranean passage, the traveller is required to exit the station proper and pay for a new fare at the other station, thus leaving the system), passengers being required to change trains at Basarab.
Generally, the underground stations feature large interiors. The largest one, Piata Unirii
Piata Unirii metro station
Piața Unirii is a major metro station in Bucharest. It is located in the southern part of the city centre, in Unirii Square and it is one of the busiest stations of the Bucharest Metro...
, is cathedral-like, with vast interior spaces, hosting retail outlets and fast-food restaurants and has an intricate network of underground corridors and passage ways.
METROREX
Metrorex is the RomaniaRomania
Romania is a country located at the crossroads of Central and Southeastern Europe, on the Lower Danube, within and outside the Carpathian arch, bordering on the Black Sea...
n company which runs the Bucharest Metro. It is fully owned by the Romanian Government through the Ministry of Transportation. There were plans to merge the underground and overground transportation systems into one authority subordinated to the City of Bucharest
Bucharest
Bucharest is the capital municipality, cultural, industrial, and financial centre of Romania. It is the largest city in Romania, located in the southeast of the country, at , and lies on the banks of the Dâmbovița River....
, however these plans did not come to fruition.
Infrastructure and Network
As of 2010, the entire network runs underground, except for a short stretch between Dimitrie Leonida and Berceni stations on the southern end of M2 line. The network is served by four depots, 2 being located above ground (IMGB and Industriilor) and two underground (Ciurel and Pantelimon) and by additional smaller works at Gara de NordGara de Nord metro station
Gara de Nord is the name of two separate metro stations, situated near Gara de Nord train station in Bucharest and serving lines M1 and M4. The stations are not interconnected....
and Eroilor
Eroilor metro station
Eroilor is a metro station in Bucharest. It is located near the Cotroceni neighbourhood. Notable buildings in its vicinity are the Bucharest Opera house, the Bucharest Opera Business Center, the Bucharest Law School, the Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, the University Hospital of...
stations.
There are two connections between the Metro network and the Romanian Railways network, one at IMGB (connecting to the Bucharest Belt Ring), the other at Ciurel (connecting via an underground passage to the Cotroceni-Militari industrial railway). The latter connection however is unused and mothballed. The metro network and the national rail network share the same gauge (1,435 mm) and loading gauge but not the same electrification system (the metro uses 750 V DC whereas the Romanian Railways use 25,000 V 50 Hz AC) making it possible for new metro cars to be transported cross country as unpowered railway cars.
The network is powered by a bottom-contact third rail
Third rail
A third rail is a method of providing electric power to a railway train, through a semi-continuous rigid conductor placed alongside or between the rails of a railway track. It is used typically in a mass transit or rapid transit system, which has alignments in its own corridors, fully or almost...
system except in works, depots and some tunnels where a catenary
Overhead lines
Overhead lines or overhead wires are used to transmit electrical energy to trams, trolleybuses or trains at a distance from the energy supply point...
system is employed.
There are 4 metro lines in operations, 1 more being auctioned off and another 2 in the planning phase:
In operation:
- M1 Line: between DristorDristor metro stationDristor is a major metro station in Bucharest. Its name comes from Dristor street which used to be the road that led to Silistra , on which one of the exits is located. The part of the station at the end of metro line 1 is called Dristor 2; the other half of the station is Dristor 1, where trains...
and PantelimonPantelimon metro stationPantelimon is a metro station on Line M1 of the Bucharest Metro. It is situated adjacent to Sos. Pantelimon, and is the last station on Line M1 and was opened in 1990....
- the first line to open (in 1979). Is circular with a North-Eastern spur. Part of its tracks are shared with M3 (7 stations). - M2 Line: between PiperaPipera metro stationPipera is a metro station in Bucharest, located in the Pipera district. Opened in October 1987, it is the northern terminus of Line M2....
and Berceni opened in 1986, completed in 1988; Runs in a North-South direction, crossing the center. - M3 Line: between PrecizieiPreciziei metro stationPreciziei , formerly known as Industriilor is a terminus metro station in Bucharest. It is situated in the industrial park in the west of the city. Industrial facalities directly served by the metro station: Coca-Cola factory, Urbis. Other industrial facilities in the park can be reached by tram....
and Anghel Saligny opened in 1989, completed in 2008; Runs in an East-West direction, south of the center. Shares part of its tracks with M1 (7 stations). - M4 Line: between Gara de NordGara de Nord metro stationGara de Nord is the name of two separate metro stations, situated near Gara de Nord train station in Bucharest and serving lines M1 and M4. The stations are not interconnected....
and Parc BazilescuParc Bazilescu metro stationParc Bazilescu is a metro station in northern Bucharest, serving line M4. It was opened on July 1, 2011, as part of Stage II of M4 line. Currently it is the northern terminus of the M4 line....
opened in 2000, completed in 2011; Extension to Lac Străuleşti is planned to be opened in 2014.
Under construction:
- M5 Line: between Râul Doamnei and PantelimonPantelimon metro stationPantelimon is a metro station on Line M1 of the Bucharest Metro. It is situated adjacent to Sos. Pantelimon, and is the last station on Line M1 and was opened in 1990....
(construction began in 2011, to be entirely finished in 2020);
Planned:
- M6 Line: between Gara de NordGara de Nord metro stationGara de Nord is the name of two separate metro stations, situated near Gara de Nord train station in Bucharest and serving lines M1 and M4. The stations are not interconnected....
and Henri Coandă International AirportHenri Coanda International AirportHenri Coandă International Airport is Romania's busiest international airport, located northwest of the city of Bucharest, within Otopeni city limits. One of two airports serving the Romanian capital, the other being Băneasa, it is named after Romanian flight pioneer Henri Coandă, builder of...
Two more stations are planned and may be constructed on existing lines, both on M1. However, given the complexity of work required, and the limited benefits these stations would have it is unlikely that construction will begin in the near future:
- DorobanţiDorobantiDorobanţi is a neighborhood in Sector 1, Bucharest. The neighborhood is dominated by red brick buildings and glass buildings. Main intersections/squares are Perla, Dorobanţi Square, Lahovari, Charles de Gaulle and Quito Square. Main streets are Calea Dorobanţilor, Iancu de Hunedoara Avenue, Lascăr...
between Stefan cel Mare and Piaţa Victoriei; - GiuleştiGiulestiGiuleşti is a neighbourhood in northwestern Bucharest, in Sector 6. The Giuleşti Stadium, Giuleşti Theatre, Podul Grant are located in Giuleşti...
between CrângaşiCrângasiCrângaşi is one of the smallest neighbourhoods in the 6th Sector of Bucharest, Romania. It is situated on the west side of the city near the Dâmboviţa River, where it flows into Lacul Morii. Its name means "people living in a young forest". Nearby neighbourhoods include Giuleşti....
and Basarab.
See also List of Bucharest metro stations
Rolling stock
- BombardierBombardier TransportationBombardier Transportation is the rail equipment division of the Canadian firm, Bombardier Inc. Bombardier Transportation is one of the world's largest companies in the rail-equipment manufacturing and servicing industry. Its headquarters are in Berlin, Germany....
Movia 346MoviaMovia is a family of metro train built by Bombardier Transportation. The structure and body shell are fully customisable for the needs of each system that orders it. Unlike most traditional metro trains, they usually have full-width gangways between carriages, allowing passengers to walk the entire...
trainsets, built in 2002-2008 - Astra IVAAstra IVAAstra IVA is a family of metro train used by Bucharest Metro and built in Arad, Romania between 1976 and 1992.The trains used on the system are made up of various trainsets connected together...
modular cars, built in AradArad, RomaniaArad is the capital city of Arad County, in western Romania, in the Crişana region, on the river Mureş.An important industrial center and transportation hub, Arad is also the seat of a Romanian Orthodox archbishop and features two universities, a Romanian Orthodox theological seminary, a training...
between 1976 and 1992
The Astra trains used on the system are made up of various trainsets (rame) connected together. Each trainset is made up of two permanently-connected train-cars (B'B'-B'B' formation) that can only be run together. On lines M1 and M3, three trainsets (totaling six cars) are connected together, with a length of up to 120 meters, while in line M4, two trainsets run together (totaling four cars). M2 only uses Bombardier Trains. The ASTRA Arad rolling stock was built between 1976 and 1992, and is approaching the end of its service life, so it is currently being either refurbished or phased out.
The Bombardier trains are made up of six permanently connected cars, forming an open corridor for the entire length of the train (2'2'+Bo'Bo'+Bo'Bo'+Bo'Bo'+Bo'Bo'+2'2' formation).
The subway livery for Bucharest is either white with two yellow or red horizontal stripes below the window for ASTRA trains, or stainless steel with black and white for the Bombardier trains. All trains run on 750 V DC
Direct current
Direct current is the unidirectional flow of electric charge. Direct current is produced by such sources as batteries, thermocouples, solar cells, and commutator-type electric machines of the dynamo type. Direct current may flow in a conductor such as a wire, but can also flow through...
a third rail
Third rail
A third rail is a method of providing electric power to a railway train, through a semi-continuous rigid conductor placed alongside or between the rails of a railway track. It is used typically in a mass transit or rapid transit system, which has alignments in its own corridors, fully or almost...
, or an overhead wire in maintenance areas where a third rail would not be safe. Maximum speed on the system is 80 km/h (50 mph), although plans are to increase it to 100 km/h (60 mph) on M5, a new line currently in planning stage.
Signaling system
The signaling system used is similar to the PZB version used by the Căile Ferate RomâneCaile Ferate Române
Căile Ferate Române is the official designation of the state railway carrier of Romania. Romania has a railway network of of which are electrified and the total track length is . The network is significantly interconnected with other European railway networks, providing pan-European passenger...
(Romanian Railways), with the inductor placed on the inside of the rails rather than the outside. The color light signals have the following meaning:
- red: stop
- blinking red: automated signaling disabled, proceed with reduced speed (5–10 km/h) ready to stop at obstacles
- yellow: proceed, next signal is red
- blinking yellow: proceed with reduced speed (30 km/h, unless noted otherwise) on diverging track
- green: proceed, next signal is not red
- blinking green: proceed with allowed speed on diverging track
The minimum distance between two trains is 90 seconds.
On the M2, the signaling system is now replaced by the ATP-System
Automatic Train Protection
Automatic Train Protection in Great Britain refers to either of two implementations of a train protection system installed in some trains in order to help prevent collisions through a driver's failure to observe a signal or speed restriction...
. The signals between the stations remain completely dark, while the exit signals of the station are showing a red light and the letters ATP. In the next years, this system shall replace the classic signaling system also on the other lines.
Criticism
Although the Bucharest Metro is, on the whole, an efficient transportation system, there are several common criticisms of the network. One of these is the relatively poor signage and the lack of network maps on the system. Most stations do not have maps that cover the entire network, instead having only panels showing the names of stations on the current line or, in some cases, only showing a selected number of stations from the respective line. Additionally, many stations have poor signage showing correspondence passages and exits. For this reason, it is possible to get lost on the system or take the train in the opposite direction. This problem is currently being addressed, with a new system of information booths and network maps being introduced in various stations, starting with Dristor, Piaţa Unirii, Eroilor and Piaţa Victoriei.Other issues are low coverage (sizeable areas of the city don't have any subway access at all and the distance between stations is very large) and at times large intervals between trains.
Future development
The following extensions are in the process of being built:- An extension of Line M4 (opened in 2000 and currently running from Gara de Nord-1 Mai) to be opened from 1 Mai1 Mai metro station1 Mai is a metro station in northern Bucharest, serving line M4. It is situated in Chibrit or Clăbucet Square, at the intersection of Griviţa Way, Ion Mihalache Avenue and Bucureştii Noi Road....
to Laminorului via Pajura (2.67 km, 2 stations), in the city's north. The extension is to be completed by 2011. Also, the feasibility study for another extension of the line to Gara Progresul is in progress;
Metrorex
Metrorex
Metrorex is the Romanian company which runs the Bucharest Metro. Metrorex is due to be merged with Bucharest's surface transport operator, RATB, to form the Bucharest Metropolitan Transport Corporation from mid-2007....
is also planning the following new lines and routes:
- M5, which will run from GhenceaGhenceaGhencea is a district of the Romanian capital city Bucharest, which is home to the famous football team FC Steaua Bucureşti. It is also home to the rugby team Steaua Bucureşti Rugby.-Notable landmarks:*Stadionul Steaua, home stadium of Steaua Bucureşti...
/Drumul TabereiDrumul TabereiDrumul Taberei is a neighbourhood located in the south-west of Bucharest, Romania, roughly between Timişoara Avenue and Ghencea Avenue, neighboring Militari to the North, Panduri to the East and Ghencea and Rahova to the South and South-East.It is one of the few examples of successful urban...
district via EroilorEroilor metro stationEroilor is a metro station in Bucharest. It is located near the Cotroceni neighbourhood. Notable buildings in its vicinity are the Bucharest Opera house, the Bucharest Opera Business Center, the Bucharest Law School, the Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, the University Hospital of...
and Universitate to PantelimonPantelimon metro stationPantelimon is a metro station on Line M1 of the Bucharest Metro. It is situated adjacent to Sos. Pantelimon, and is the last station on Line M1 and was opened in 1990....
, the current terminus of M1. The line will have 19 stations, and will be around 18–19 km in length. It will intersect with all existing lines except M4. Line M5 is currently in its planning stage, tenders for construction were requested in February 2011. - M6, a line serving the two main airports of Bucharest: Henri Coandă International AirportHenri Coanda International AirportHenri Coandă International Airport is Romania's busiest international airport, located northwest of the city of Bucharest, within Otopeni city limits. One of two airports serving the Romanian capital, the other being Băneasa, it is named after Romanian flight pioneer Henri Coandă, builder of...
and Aurel Vlaicu International AirportAurel Vlaicu International Airport-Terminated destinations:-See also:*Aviation in Romania*Transport in Romania*Blue Air-External links:**...
. Henri Coandă, the country's largest airport, is currently served only by busses and CFRCaile Ferate RomâneCăile Ferate Române is the official designation of the state railway carrier of Romania. Romania has a railway network of of which are electrified and the total track length is . The network is significantly interconnected with other European railway networks, providing pan-European passenger...
trains, while Aurel Vlaicu is served by RATB busses and trams. The metro extension will be very convenient because both airports are located north of the city and hence a single metro extension could serve both of them, making transfer between the two airports very easy. This line would also serve the Piaţa Presei LibereCasa Presei LibereCasa Presei Libere is a building in northern Bucharest, Romania, the tallest in the city between 1956 and 2007.A horse race track was built in 1905 on the future site of Casa Presei Libere...
, Pajura, BăneasaBaneasaBăneasa is a borough in the north side of Bucharest, near the Băneasa Lake . Like all north-side districts of Bucharest, it is relatively sparsely populated, with large areas of parkland...
areas, as well as some northern Bucharest suburbs. Works were scheduled to start in 2007 and be complete in seven years. The cost of the line, which will have a length of 13.9 km and 14 stations, would be around €1 billion. - M7; tenders for construction are expected in March 2011. It is supposed to run 25 km from BragadiruBragadiruBragadiru is a town in the southwestern part of Ilfov County, Romania.-Demographics:According to the 2002 census, Bragadiru had a population of 8,165, of which 98.19% were Romanians, 1.45% were Roma, and 0.36% of other ethnic backgrounds....
to VoluntariVoluntariVoluntari is a town in Ilfov county, Romania. It is located at a distance of 1 km from the northern border of Bucharest and is thus frequently viewed as a suburb of Bucharest....
. - M8, the south half ring. Its route has not been fully planned yet, but will run through Piața Sudului and end at CrângașiCrângasiCrângaşi is one of the smallest neighbourhoods in the 6th Sector of Bucharest, Romania. It is situated on the west side of the city near the Dâmboviţa River, where it flows into Lacul Morii. Its name means "people living in a young forest". Nearby neighbourhoods include Giuleşti....
and DristorDristorDristor is a neighborhood located in the southeastern part of Bucharest. Nearby districts include Dudeşti, Vitan, Văcăreşti and Titan. The Dristor metro station is a major node of Bucharest Metro's network....
stations.
Tickets
Magnetic stripe card
A magnetic stripe card is a type of card capable of storing data by modifying the magnetism of tiny iron-based magnetic particles on a band of magnetic material on the card...
s, that are not valid for use on trams, buses or trolleys and a newer system with RFID contactless cards that are also valid on the RATB ground network.
Card Activ
From July 2006, the public transport in Bucharest was to be coordinated by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority - however, this was postponed indefinitely. The ticketing systems for ground and subway transportation are currently being unified, with a new RFID card system being deployed across the network, with the old cards slated to be discontinued.The newer RFID card system is managed by RATB and RFID cards can only be obtained from RATB kiosks. The system is called Card ACTIV. RFID cards are given away free of charge, but only if one agrees to have one's personal data (name and personal numeric code) imprinted on the card. Along with the personal data, as one uses the transport system, cost and usage data is collected in a centralised database. RATB claims this data is used only for improving the transport system. Only the person with the name imprinted on the card may use that card if used in combination with a monthly pass. If the card is lost, the lost card can be canceled and the traveler, for a small fee, can obtain a new card with the remaining credit on it. Anonymous RFID cards can also be obtained for a small fee and they can be used by multiple travelers.
One must purchase a pass or credit to actually use the Card ACTIV on the underground or ground network. Also, these newer cards currently support for the metro network only monthly passes and a form of payment by trip, where travelers can buy credit (at RATB kiosks and online). The full cost of a trip - 2 RON
Romanian leu
The leu is the currency of Romania. It is subdivided into 100 bani . The name of the currency means "lion". On 1 July 2005, Romania underwent a currency reform, switching from the previous leu to a new leu . 1 RON is equal to 10,000 ROL...
(€ 0.47) is then deducted from the card whenever entering the metro network, regardless of the number of times a traveler enters the metro network in a given time interval. Because of this limitation, the 10 trip older-style metro card (see below) remains the most cost-effective solution for the casual traveler.
The RFID cards can also be recharged online at the RATB Online website. At the website, a user can recharge the card's electronic wallet with an arbitrary amount of money, in increments of 1 RON
Romanian leu
The leu is the currency of Romania. It is subdivided into 100 bani . The name of the currency means "lion". On 1 July 2005, Romania underwent a currency reform, switching from the previous leu to a new leu . 1 RON is equal to 10,000 ROL...
or extend the existing monthly passes, for both underground and surface transport.
Magnetic stripe cards
Older style metro cards can be purchased at any metro station, except discounted passes, which can only be purchased at a limited number of stations.Prices (as of August 2011):
- 2 trip card - 4 RONRomanian leuThe leu is the currency of Romania. It is subdivided into 100 bani . The name of the currency means "lion". On 1 July 2005, Romania underwent a currency reform, switching from the previous leu to a new leu . 1 RON is equal to 10,000 ROL...
(€ 0.94) - 1 day card - 6 RON (€ 1.41)
- 10 trip card - 10 RON (€ 2.36)
- Unlimited monthly pass (full price) - 50 RON (€ 11.78)
- Monthly pass with 62 journeys - 35 RON (€ 8.24)
- Student monthly pass with 62 journeys (available for students in Romanian universities) - 17.5 RON (€ 4.12)
- Student unlimited monthly pass (available for students in Romanian universities) - 25.0 RON (€ 5.89)
- Free for senior citizens over 70 years of age
Older-style metro cards are not linked with personal data or usage data in a central database and thus they guarantee anonymity of the travel. Because of that, however, if a metro card is lost or damaged, the traveler cannot be reimbursed for the unused trips.
Hours of operation
Trains run from 5 AM to 11 PM, every day, Monday through Sunday. The last trains on M1, M2 and M3 wait for the transfer of the passengers between lines to complete, before leaving Piata UniriiPiata Unirii metro station
Piața Unirii is a major metro station in Bucharest. It is located in the southern part of the city centre, in Unirii Square and it is one of the busiest stations of the Bucharest Metro...
station.
At rush hour, trains run at 6-7 minute intervals on lines 1, 3 and 4, and at 3-5 minute intervals on line 2. During the rest of the day, they run at 8 minute intervals on lines 1 and 3, 9 minute intervals on line 2 and 10 minute intervals on line 4.
See also
- List of Bucharest metro stations
- List of metro systems
- Rapid transitRapid transitA rapid transit, underground, subway, elevated railway, metro or metropolitan railway system is an electric passenger railway in an urban area with a high capacity and frequency, and grade separation from other traffic. Rapid transit systems are typically located either in underground tunnels or on...
- Transport in BucharestTransport in BucharestBucharest has the largest transport network in Romania, and one of the largest in Europe. The Bucharest transport network is made up of a metro network and a surface transport network...
