The question of how many cars a subway has is often raised by passengers when they notice differences in the length of platforms at different stations or see unusual trains. The answer to it is not as simple and unambiguous as it may seem at first glance, because it depends on many factors: the city, the year of construction of the line, the type of rolling stock used and even the time of day.
In the standard sense, for most major megacities of Russia, such as Moscow or St. Petersburg, the classical is considered to be the most popular. six-car. This is the length of the design of most deep stations in the Soviet era. However, modern requirements for carrying capacity and technical progress make their own adjustments, allowing the operation of trains of different lengths.
It is important to understand that the length of the platform is a tight limit. If the platform is built for 6 cars, then it is physically impossible to run a train of 8 cars on it without a large-scale reconstruction of the station. The number of cars is always a compromise between infrastructure and the desire to transport more people.
Standards for the length of platforms and rolling stock
The main limiting factor is the length of the station platform. In the classic Soviet metro construction project, which was implemented in Moscow, Leningrad, Novosibirsk and other cities, the station was built for a specific design composition. Most of the time, it was six-carThis ensures a balance between the carrying capacity and the cost of construction.
There are also stations designed for shorter trains, for example, four-car. Such solutions were found on land or in cities with lower passenger traffic. At the same time, modern projects, especially in new areas of Moscow and other megacities, immediately provide platforms for the development of new projects. eight-carThis significantly increases the capacity of the line.
Watch for markings on the platform floor: The yellow safety line shows where the landing zone ends for short trains at long stations.
The difference in the length of the cars also plays a role. Older models, such as the E or D, had a different body length compared to the modern Moscow or Neva. However, standardization of dimensions makes it relatively easy to replace old trains with new ones without changing the infrastructure, as long as the number of cars remains the same.
- 🚇 6 wagons The standard for the deep lines of old cities.
- 🚉 8 wagons - a modern standard for new lines and ground subway.
- 🚃 4 wagons It is rare, found on branches or in cities with a million people with less traffic.
Features of rolling stock in Moscow and St. Petersburg
The Moscow Metro, being one of the busiest in the world, is actively implementing new standards. Here you can find both classic six-car trains and new ones. octagonal. The transition to 8 cars allows to increase the carrying capacity of the line by 25-30% without changing the traffic interval, which is critical for rush hour.
In St. Petersburg, the situation is similar, but taking into account the specifics of the deep laying and the characteristics of the stations. The main park is also made up of six-car trains. However, when purchasing new models, such as "Neva" or upgraded versions "Moscow"The possibility of working in a longer coupling where the platform allows.
Interestingly, there are lines in Moscow where the length of the platforms varies. At some stations of the Filevskaya line or on the ground sections, longer platforms can be seen, which historically allowed experimenting with the length of trains. In contrast, deep stations of the ring line are strictly limited in size.
⚠️ Attention: When boarding a train at stations with different lengths of platforms, always pay attention to the signs “Get into this car”. At long stations, doors may be opened selectively if the composition is shorter than the platform.
The technical possibility of coupling wagons into a single traction unit allows flexible management of the length of the train. The driver sees on the dashboard information about the number of cars in the composition, and the system automatically adjusts the braking and acceleration modes.
Coupling design and train formation
The formation of the composition is a complex technical process. Metro cars are connected to each other by means of couplingThese systems provide not only mechanical communication, but also the transmission of electrical signals, air for pneumatics and even passage for passengers between cars.
There is a concept of "section." Trains are often formed from sections such as 2+2+2 or 3+3. This simplifies maintenance and repairs. If one car fails, it can be uncoupled and replaced without decommissioning the entire train. In modern models, such as "Moscow 2020"More advanced coupling systems are used.
How do the cars connect?
The coupling process occurs automatically when the cars are approaching at a minimum speed. The mechanisms capture each other, and the electrical contacts close, combining the control systems. Uncoupling is also done remotely from the driver's cab or manually using special levers in emergency situations.
Each car has its own number and type. The composition is necessarily present. head-car (with the driver's cab) and motor-carriage. The distribution of motor axes in composition determines the dynamics of acceleration. In the six-car train, the motor distribution scheme is strictly regulated to ensure uniform acceleration.
- 🔗 Auto-junction Provides fast connection without human involvement.
- ⚡ Electrical compatibility All cars in the composition must be of the same series or compatible modifications.
- 🚂 Headcar Always on the edges of the lineup, manages the entire coupling.
New models and increased carrying capacity
With the development of cities, the old standards no longer cope with passenger traffic. The answer was the emergence of new models of the subway. A prime example is a series. "Moscow"It replaced the outdated “Oka” and “Rusich”. These trains are designed to operate in 8 cars.
Increasing the number of cars is not the only solution. The new models have better acceleration and braking dynamics, which allows to reduce the intervals between trains. However, the physical limit of the tunnel capacity is reached sooner or later, and then lengthening It becomes the only way out.
In some cities, such as New York or London, trains can reach 10 or even 12 cars. This is possible thanks to the long platforms that were originally designed. In Russia, the trend is also towards increasing the length, especially on new radii and lines of the Moscow Central Diameters.
| City/Line | Typical number of wagons | Model of rolling stock | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moscow (Ring) | 6 | 81-740/741 "Rusich" | The deep-laying standard |
| Moscow (BCL, IDC) | 8 | "Moscow," "Oriolga." | Increased carrying capacity |
| St. Petersburg | 6 | "Neva," 81-710 | Classical scheme |
| Novosibirsk | 4-6 | 81-717/714 | Depends on the line section. |
Technical limitations and safety
You can’t just stick extra cars to an existing train. The alarm, centralization and locking system (SCB) on the line “knows” how long trains can walk on a particular site. If you run a long train on a section designed for a short one, this can lead to a emergency Or blocking traffic lights.
The braking system is also calculated for a specific mass. The eight-wagon train weighs much more than the six-wagon, and the braking distance it will have is different. The driver should be instructed about the length of his train as the stop point on the platform shifts.
⚠️ Attention: Never try to jump into another car on the move or hold the doors. In long trains (8 cars), the driver may not notice the passenger in the tail section when closing the doors due to limited visibility.
In addition, the power system of the contact or third rail must withstand the consumption currents of a longer composition, especially at the time of start-up, when the power consumption is maximum.
How to know the length of the train before landing
It is important for the passenger to know which part of the platform he should stand in, especially if he is in a hurry. Many stations are installed placardThe diagram of the opening of the doors and the length of the arriving train.
You can also navigate the markup on the floor of the platform. If the station is long and a short (6-car) train is suitable, the doors will open only in the central part. The landing site is usually marked with yellow lines or light indications on the floor.
☑️ How to quickly navigate the platform
In the mobile applications of the subway often has a function "Where is the car", which shows the scheme of opening the doors for the nearest train. This is especially useful at interchange hubs where you need to quickly move to the right end of the platform to connect with another train.
Development prospects: more or less?
The future of the metro is automation and increased carrying capacity. The trend to increase the number of cars to 8 or more will continue in cities with a million people. However, the implementation of systems train-driving (GoA 4) allows for shorter intervals, which in some cases is more effective than lengthening the composition.
On the other hand, for cities with a population of less than a million people, 4-car trains remain the optimal solution. They are more economical to operate and require less powerful infrastructure. The choice always depends on the passenger traffic.
The number of cars in the subway is not a random figure, but the result of an accurate engineering calculation that balances the demand of passengers and the capabilities of tunnels.
Technology is changing, new materials are emerging to facilitate construction, and more efficient engines are emerging. But the basic principle remains the same: safety and regularity are more important than the record length of the train.
Can I run a longer train than usual during rush hour?
No, it's not possible to do it quickly. The length of the train is determined by the length of the station platforms on the line. If at least one station has a short platform, you can not start an 8-car train - it simply will not fit and block adjacent paths or crash into the end of the tunnel. To change the length of the composition, the reconstruction of the stations is required.
Why are different cars of the same composition different temperatures?
It has to do with the air conditioning system. In head cars (where the driver's cab) the system may work differently than in intermediate cars. In addition, when passing a tunnel at high speed, a piston effect occurs, and the pressure / temperature can vary locally. In new compositions "Moscow" This problem is solved by a unified climate control system.
What happens if there are too many cars in the train?
The alarm system will not allow such a train to be sent to the line. Sensors on the way or in the depot will determine the dimensions and number of axles. If the parameters exceed the permissible for this area, the traffic lights will remain red, and the dispatcher will receive an alarm. This eliminates the human factor.
Are there two-floor trains in the subway?
In the classic subway, there are no two-storey trains due to the small diameter of the tunnels. The size of the rolling stock barely fits into the circumference of the tunnel. Two-storey solutions are used only in the ground metro or on diameters (MCD), where electric trains are used. "Oriolga"It is a different form of transportation, although integrated into the system.
How does a driver know how many cars he is carrying?
Information about the composition (number and number of cars) is entered into the onboard computer before leaving the depot. The system automatically reads the configuration through the control circuit and displays it on the screen in the cockpit. This is necessary for the correct operation of the brakes and safety system.