All new Moscow metro stations will have elevators for passengers with limited mobility and transparent safety barriers along the platforms, said Nikolai Shumakov, chief architect of the Metrogiprotrans design institute.
"In every new station, no matter how deep it is, we will definitely make a system of elevators for handicapped passengers. First to the level of the ticketing hall, then to the platform," Shumakov told reporters last week.
Shumakov also promised "transparent barriers along the edge of the platform" to protect passengers from falling onto the tracks. He said there are about a hundred cases of passengers falling onto the tracks every year.
Shumakov said the elevators that have already been installed in new stations are operating effectively. He also emphasized that installing elevators in stations located deep underground is costly and technically complex.
"Our proposal is to install the elevator in the area of the escalator. We hope that idea will find support," he said.
Shumakov said that safety barriers will be installed only in new stations, but elevators will be added to old stations as well.
(Vedomosti, RIA-Novosti)