Like in a parking lot: Urbanist suggests floor markings in Kyiv metro for shelters during air raids

During air raid alerts, Kyiv residents who go down to the metro for safety often face the problem of chaotic space occupation. As a result, the underground's actual capacity as a shelter differs significantly from the official figures of state construction norms. This was stated by Vitaliy Selyk, Head of the Kyiv Urbanism Council, on the RBC-Ukraine podcast "TSE BAZA", emphasizing the importance of rational underground space utilization to save citizens.

The problem of chaotic placement and private "dachas" underground

According to the expert, city authorities and the metro operate with huge numbers of people who could potentially take shelter at the stations. However, in practice, the situation is completely different due to the lack of clear spatial organization. Citizens arrive with their own beds, folding tents, fence off areas, and set up small private zones. Trying to create a comfortable environment in a stressful situation, people take up much more space than required for basic accommodation, which significantly reduces the total station capacity.

Pandemic and parking lot experience as a solution for the metro

According to Vitaliy Selyk, the city authorities could effectively use the experience of quarantine restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic. The urbanist proposes applying special visual markings on platforms and corridors, similar to parking lot markings or social distancing lines in queues. Such a system would help clearly zone the space, designating resting places and pathways for citizens, ensuring a balance between personal comfort and the maximum shelter capacity.

Reaction of relevant agencies and prospects for change

Despite the obviousness of the problem, the management of the Kyiv City State Administration's Transport Infrastructure Department and Kyiv Metro Communal Enterprise are in no hurry to implement real infrastructural solutions. At this stage, officials' reactions are limited to acknowledging the problem and making verbal appeals through loudspeakers to respect each other's personal space and use less area. Experts insist on the need for a systemic approach and the development of clear rules at the city administration level.