Restrictions on entry to be introduced in Kyiv subway from June 1

An increase in passenger traffic is expected in the subway from Monday.

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On the first day when the subway was relaunched, the flow of passengers numbered 310,000 / Photo from UNIAN

Deputy Director of Kyiv Metropoliten (Metro) Natalia Makohon says restrictions on entry will be introduced in the capital's subway from Monday, June 1, so that passengers could observe social distancing amid easing of the coronavirus quarantine.

An increase in passenger traffic is expected in the subway from Monday, she told Ukraine 24 TV channel, as reported by the Novoe Vremya news outlet on May 29.

On May 25, the first day when the subway was relaunched, the flow of passengers numbered 310,000 people, whereas it increased to 540,000 passengers on Thursday, May 28, she said.

"The number of people in the subway has been growing. We are preparing for the relaunch of public transportation in Kyiv region. So, there will be more passengers... Accordingly, limits could be introduced at the entrance to the subway to stretch the passenger flow to ensure social distancing," she said.

Makohon noted that the restrictions would be introduced in case of a significant increase in passenger traffic to be coupled with an inability to observe social distancing.

Subway stations are expected to operate with one or two front doors open instead of three. There is nothing new in this approach as the system operates in such mode after mass events, concerts, and football matches.

As UNIAN reported earlier, the Kyiv subway was allowed to reopen on May 25 as part of the easing of the coronavirus quarantine. The subway services were halted on March 18 over the spread of the coronavirus.

Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko earlier suggested that entry to certain subway stations be limited during peak hours.