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BUCURESTI

Romania

System
Romania's capital Bucharest lies in the southern part of the country, about 70 km from the Bulgarian border and 225 km from the Black Sea. The city has about 2.3 million inhabitants. The first line (M1) of the Bucharest Metro opened in 1979 between Timpuri Noi and Semanatoarea, in 1981 the eastern extension to Republica opened. Two years later, in 1983, also the western branch to Industriilor began operating. As part of a future circular line this line was extended to Cringasi (1984) and finally to Gara de Nord (North Station) in 1987. In 1991, Pantelimon station opened at the nearby depot. At that time also line M2 (north-south, 18.7 km) began operating, in 1986 along the southern section, Piata Unirii - I.M.G.B, and one year later also along the northern section, Piata Unirii - Pipera. The third line (M3) was actually designed to become a circle line, but it was initially operated together with the first line. The section between Gara de Nord and Dristor was opened in 1989. Currently M3 operates along the Eroilor - Industriilor branch whereas M1 serves the Republica branch and the northern circle. Line M4 from Gara de Nord via Basarab to 1 Mai (Ion Mihalache) opened on 1 March 2000 (3.7 km). Basarab is a 4-track station with M1-tracks between the M4-tracks, allowing confortable transfer between the two lines. M1+M3 = 40 km, 27 stations M2 = 18.7 km, 14 stations M4 = 3.7 km, 4 stations Total (2004): 62,4 km, 45 stations (average distance between stations - 1.5 km). Trains 251 2-car units in operation. Maximum length 3 units coupled to form a 6-car train (129 m platforms). 750 V d.c., third rail. Built in Romania by ASTRA Vagoane Arad. In 2000, 108 new metro cars (Movia) were ordered from Bombardier (Sweden) which will be delivered in 2001/2002 for Line M2. These 18 six-car trains (3.1 m wide) will allow free movement between coaches (more).
History
16-Nov-1979: M1/M3 Timpuri Noi - Semanatoarea; 8.63 km, 6 stations 28-Dec-1981: M1/M3 Timpuri Noi - Republica; 10.1 km, 6 stations 19-Aug-1983: M1/M3 Branch line Eroilor - Industriilor; 8.63 km, 5 stations, Gorjului station added in 1991 22-Dec-1984: M1/M3 Semanatoarea - Crângasi; 0.97 km, 1 station 24-Jan-1986: M2 Piata Unirii 2 - Depoul I.M.G.B; 9.96 km, 8 stations 25-Oct-1987: M2 Piata Unirii 2 - Pipera; 8.72 km, 6 stations 25-Dec-1987: M1/M3 Crângasi - Gara de Nord 1; 2.83 km, 2 stations 17-Aug-1989: M1/M3 Gara de Nord 1 - Dristor 2; 7.8 km, 6 stations 15-Jan-1990: M1/M3 Republica - Pantelimon; 1.43 km, 1 station 1-Mar-2000: M4 Gara de Nord 2 - 1 Mai; 3.6 km, 4 stations
Projects
- Two extensions are under construction: a) A south-eastern branch of the first line from N. Grigorescu to Linia de Centura (4.7 km, 2004?) b) A northern branch for line 4 from 1 Mai to Laromet (3.1 km, 2 stations). Eventually this line might run through the city centre (Izvor - M1, Eroii Revoltiei - M2) to Gara Progresul. - There are also long-term plans for line 5 from the south-west (Drumul Taberei) to the north-east (Colentina) through Eroilor, Universitate and Obor, plus an eastern branch from Universitate towards Pantelimon via Iancului. - According to the new project approved by the General Council of Bucharest on 9 June 2006, the Airport line would be a branch of the current M4. It would diverge from M4 at station 1 Mai, head east with stations Pajura, Expozitiei, Gara Baneasa (Baneasa railway station), then north on the previously proposed alignment with stations cartier Baneasa, Aeroport "Aurel Vlaicu" (Aurel Vlaicu Airport - former Baneasa airport), Baneasa Institut, Baneasa Meteo, Privighetorilor, Padina, Centura Otopeni, Otopeni Sud, Otopeni centru, Otopeni Nord, Aeroportul "Henry Coanda" and depoul Otopeni (Otopeni depot). Map with planned extensions
Practical Info
- OPERATION The Bucharest Metro operates from 5:00 to 23:30, every 8-16 minutes off-peak and every 4-5 min. during rush hours. The Metro is run by Metrorex RA and carries some 250 million passengers a year. - FARES (2008) 2-trip-ticket (2 calatorii) - 2.20 lei (RON) 10-trip-ticket ( 10 calatorii) - 8.00 lei (RON) 1-day-ticket (1 zi) - 4.00 lei (RON) View 1999 10-trip ticket
Links
Metrorex (Official Site) Metroul (Official Site) Metro constructor Scanned map provided by Mr. Sandman (130K) Scanned metro ticket (10 rides) Map including light rail line Map as displayed in stations (thanks to Rosstek)
Photos
I.M.G.B. Depou Station on M2: All pictures © Christopher Rivituso

Thanks to Mihai Pitigoi, Andrzej Brzozowski and Alex Riabov!