What HEATED bus stops look like in different regions of Russia (PHOTOS)
Life in Russian cities doesn’t stop, even during extremely cold winters. Whether it’s -30°C (-22°F), -40°C (-40°F) or even -50°C (-58°F; and such low temperatures do occur!), people continue going to work and school. Naturally, most prefer to use public transport, as maintaining a car in winter takes a lot of effort. Here’s what heated bus stops look like in cold cities.
1. Norilsk
Norilsk is the second most populous city above the Arctic Circle in the world, with over 175,000 people living and working there. The city already has more than 100 heated bus stops, as it is quite large. The pavilions are equipped with video surveillance, free city Wi-Fi and heated benches.
2. Salekhard
In this city in Yamal, 51 heated bus stops have been installed so far for the nearly 50,000 people who live there. The stops consist of two parts: an outdoor section used during the warm season and a closed, heated section. Inside the heated section, a comfortable temperature of around +10°C (50°F) is maintained.
3. Labytnangi
Salekhard’s closest neighbor is the northern city of Labytnangi, home to over 30,000 people. Inside the heated pavilions there, you’ll even find a coffee machine. Over the past few years, 300 heated bus stops have appeared in Yamal.
4. Surgut
Nearly 430,000 people live in this city in the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug. The climate there is harsh, with long, cold winters and Surgut has more than 140 heated bus stops, which are regularly updated. Modern stops are even equipped with infrared heating to prevent the glass from freezing and cracking.
5. Yakutsk
In the largest city on permafrost (which is home to about 400,000 residents), heated bus stops are simply essential. Yakutsk currently has around 60 heated pavilions. The new stops are equipped with video surveillance systems, monitors for tracking bus arrivals, air recirculators and phone charging sockets.
6. Noyabrsk
Bright yellow-and-black bus stops can be seen in the northern city of Noyabrsk (which has over 100,000 residents). The pavilions consist of an open and a closed section. Inside, there are benches, heaters, sockets and transport schedule displays. The city already has three dozen such stops.
7. Usinsk
In this small city in the Komi Republic (31,000 people), several heated pavilions have been installed. Inside, everything you need to wait for your bus is provided: heating, USB charging ports, lighting and an access ramp for strollers. In summer, they also offer shelter from the heat.