The first of a new generation of women drivers began work on Sunday, according to a statement from the Moscow Department of Transportation.
The Russian Ministry of Labor ordered women to ride on the network a year ago, and now the first group has successfully completed a training program and entered the workforce. Of the 25 women who started the course, 12 completed it and became managers, according to the department.
“Next year, at least 50 new employees will join the ranks of our female managers,” the statement said. “We are very proud that transport in Moscow is an area that is accessible to people regardless of gender!”
The new drivers will work on the Filevskaya line, one of the most modern on the Metro network.
According to the Moscow mayor’s office, women were allowed to ride trains on the network from 1936, but a ban on hiring new female drivers was introduced in the early 1980s.
“This is explained by the protection of women against difficult burdens and unfavorable working conditions,” he said.
The Department of Transportation said the work used to involve ‘heavy physical exertion’, but many processes are now automated.
Kristina Vakulenko (31) was one of the first women to enter the program.
“Now we are being trained to work on the new Moscow trains – they are modern, so working conditions are much better than before,” Vakulenko, whose husband is also a metro driver, told state-run TASS news agency . in May. “I can not compare myself, but my husband says that the difference from the old model is very noticeable.”
Vakulenko said the training program was “difficult”, but pointed out that drivers get 48 days off annually.
Special uniforms have been developed for female drivers, who may choose between a skirt or trousers.
About 36% of the Moscow Metro’s total staff of 62,000 employees are female, according to the statement.
The Metro, which began operations in the 1930s, is known for its spectacular architecture, and taking the subway is likened to traveling through a national heritage site.