Bucharest subway operator Metrorex announced that it would start the first stage of the project aimed at modernizing the metro stations’ access-control system next week.

At first, the access systems will be changed in three stations, namely Republica, Titan, and Nicolae Grigorescu. The work will be carried out in two phases, between April 19 and May 5.

The first phase, which targets the period April 19 – April 25, targets the following access points:

- Republica station – Access point A (Basarabiei boulevard). The travelers will be able to use the other three access points, namely access point B – Basarabiei boulevard, Titan-Sud train station, and access points C and D – Dudesti-Pantelimon road

- Titan station – Access point B (Nicolae Grigorescu boulevard, Liviu Rebreanu street). However, the access point A (Nicolae Grigorescu boulevard) will remain open

- Nicolae Grigorescu station – Access point A (Camil Ressu boulevard, Aleea Fuiorului). Those who want to use the subway will still be able to enter the station via the access point B (Camile Ressu boulevard, Nicolae Grigorescu boulevard)

In the second phase, which will be carried out between April 25 and May 5, Metrorex will change the access system at the other entries.

Modernizing the metro stations’ access system involves replacing the current turnstiles, which are more than 20 years old, with modern swing gates that will facilitate both the entry and evacuation of passengers in case of emergency situations, according to a statement from Metrorex.

The new access gates will have a magnetic stripe reader system, but also a reading system for contactless cards, which the travelers will be able to use after the modernization project is completed in all stations. Moreover, Metrorex will also install 139 automatic vending points for access cards, which can give change and also accept card payments.

The modernization project will be carried out in 41 stations.

Metrorex inaugurated two subway stations at the end of March, namely the Straulesti and Laminorului stations on line 4.

Irina Popescu, irina.popescu@romania-insider.com