Construction began in 1952.[8] Tbilisi was one of the few cities in the former USSR where work on the Metro system started before the population reached one million people. A population of over a million people was one of the main requirements for Soviet cities to build a metro system.
Metro Tbilisi
During the 1990s, most of the Soviet-era station names were changed, although financial difficulties after the breakup of the Soviet Union hit the Metro particularly hard in its infrastructure, operations, and extensions. In the early-mid 1990s, the Tbilisi metro was usually not working due to the lack of electricity.[9] Until recently, the Metro had been underfunded and operated in severe difficulties due to poor electrical supply. It had also become infamous for widespread petty crime, like pickpocketing and mugging.[citation needed] In addition, there have been several incidents at metro stations in recent years. On 9 October 1997, a former policeman blew himself up at Didube station. On 14 February 2000, a teenager threw a homemade hand grenade into a metro station, injuring several people. In March 2004, several people were poisoned by an unidentified gas while using the Metro. However, crime has reduced as a result of security and administration reforms in the system from 2004 to 2005. Other services have also significantly improved.
The Tbilisi Metro system is undergoing a major rehabilitation effort, including the reconstruction of the stations as well as the modernization of trains and other facilities. The city's 2006 budget allocated 16 million lari for this project. Former President of Georgia Mikheil Saakashvili promised to make the Metro a most prestigious public transport system, and charged the Director General of Tbilisi Metro, Zurab Kikalishvili, in late 2005, to bring the metro up to European standards by 2007. In 2005 began the renovation process of subway trains. As part of the modernization, the soviet-era rolling stock was overhauled, old parts were replaced with new ones, the interior of the car was changed and the exterior was given a different look. Additionally, the driver cab was equipped with a modern control panel.[10]In subsequent years, however, the upgrade process slowed significantly, and as of July 2010, the Tbilisi metro rail was still far from its target standard. Some renovated metro stations had to be repaired again soon due to deficient planning and poor quality of the renovation. The renovation process of the system continues unfortunately slowly and there are several stations under renovation. As of 2023[update] Tbilisi City Hall purchased 10 4-car trains for Tbilisi Metro from Metrowagonmash,[11] which will meet European standards.
The noise problem on the Tbilisi Metro can be attributed to various factors. The most significant cause is the aging infrastructure, as many sections of the metro system were constructed decades ago and have not undergone significant renovations or soundproofing measures. The trains themselves, the 81-717/14's and Ezh3's, produce high noise levels in relativity to modern rolling stock due to their outdated design and lack of noise reduction features. Additionally, the higher-speed operation of the trains with the rolling stock's non-asynchronous motors, combined with the confined space of the underground tunnels, amplifies the noise and creates a discomforting environment for passengers. The amplification is further increased by the interior shell of the tunnels, which are covered in concrete. [13]
The impact of excessive noise on the Tbilisi Metro has been a matter of concern for both commuters and metro authorities. Prolonged exposure to loud noise can lead to various health issues, including hearing loss, stress, and sleep disturbances. [14] Furthermore, the noise problem creates an unpleasant travel experience and reduces the overall quality of the metro system. To tackle the noise issue directly at its source, the Mayors Office has invested in the procurement of new trains with advanced noise reduction technology. These modern trains are designed to minimize noise emissions and provide a quieter and more comfortable journey for passengers. The Metro easily reaches over 90db,[15] which is a dangerous level for human health. Despite noise being a very frequent complaint from many commuters, leadership has not yet released any statement regarding a plan to combat the issue.
In 2019, the complete rehabilitation of power lines and ventilation systems in the metro began. With the replacement of the 450-kilometer (280 mi) power cable, 32 new fans will be installed. The Asian Development Bank has allocated $15 million for this project.[16]
The government of Tbilisi, through partial funding from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, spent more than 48 million Euros on purchasing 44, new, modern metro cars or 10 train sets in February 2023 from Metrowagonmash, bringing the system's outdated rolling stock up to date. Moreover, the depot and the connecting tunnel will be rehabilitated as a part of the project to support the new trains. This is the first major rolling stock update for the network since it began operation more than 50 years ago.[17]
The Tbilisi Metro uses a flat-fare system of 1 lari per journey. Tokens are no longer used, and riders must purchase for 2 lari a Metromoney Card (a stored value card available at metro stations), onto which they can add fares. The card allows riders to re-enter the system for 90 minutes upon leaving it at no charge.[24]
In October 2018, the Prime Minister of Georgia, Mamuka Bakhtadze announced during the Georgian Dream conference that 7 new stations will form a new line connecting central Tbilisi with the southeastern outskirts of the city and Tbilisi Shota Rustaveli Airport. According to the plan, the new overground line will run from Samgori metro station to the Lilo market in the east of the city, and was planned to be opened in 2020. As of present day, the project has not been started. The new metro line was planned to use Light Rail Vehicles running at 10 minute intervals for both directions. The mayor Kakha Kaladze added, that the line is planned to be extended to Rustavi, a major city 30 km away from the capital. Although, this remains a plan up until the overground line is open.[27]
In October 2022, EBRD worked with the Tbilisi Mayor's Office to start and fund a project to renovate the above ground infrastructure of 11 Metro stations, adapting them to be wheelchair accessible.[28]Along with this plan, 4 Metro stations are to have new entrances constructed. Over 50 million euros were approved for this project.[29]A tender for the project was announced in July 2023.[30] The winning tender, approved by city hall officials, will commence works in multiple different areas, from internal station infrastructure such as electricity systems and fire-repellant system,[31] to improvements in the passenger experience, in the form of accessibility. 3 escalators at Station Square (Tbilisi Metro) will be completely replaced, along with 36 other escalators that will be modernized to save energy.[32] Along with all the other plans in the metro reform project, the expected date of completion is 2029.[33]
Provision of a sovereign loan of up to EUR 75 million to Georgia (in two tranches), expected to be co-financed by the EBRD and the Green Climate Fund (the "GCF"). The loan will be on-lent to the city of Tbilisi (the "city") for the benefit of the Tbilisi Transport Company Ltd (the "company"), a municipal company, which operates buses, the metro system and cable cars in Tbilisi.
The investment will improve the reliability, safety and efficiency of public transport through the acquisition of approximately 40 modern metro cars (10 train sets) for the company to replace existing, outdated rolling stock, as well as rehabilitation of metro depot and a tunnel.
The Project is categorised B under the 2014 Environmental and Social Policy. An independent Environmental and Social Due Diligence ("ESDD") included an Environmental and Social analysis of the proposed investment under Tranche 1 as well as a review of the existing corporate environmental, social, health and safety management systems and the capacity of the Company to manage risks associated with the proposed Project in line with the EBRD Performance Requirements ("PRs"). Tranche 2 of the Project, which covers the construction of the new metro depot and rehabilitation of the metro tunnel will be subject of a separate ESDD and Management Approval.
The Project will bring substantial environmental and public health benefits through modernisation of the metro car fleet. It will increase accessibility and mobility for all user groups and improve overall quality, safety and efficiency of urban transportation.
The Tbilisi Metro has two operative lines that cover a total of 26.4 km. It serves a total of 23 stations. It is open from 6 a.m. to midnight every day of the week, without exception. The frequency of the trains varies from 2 minutes (during rush hours) to 5 or 6 minutes when the demand is lower. The basic cost for one ticket is 1 Laris per journey. Tickets are good for 90 minutes after their initial validation. For those who use the metro regularly, a Metromoney Card is a good option.
As was almost logical for a city of its size, the many architects and engineers that worked on the studies concluded that the best solution would be a metro system. Thus, construction began in 1952, and the metro was opened to the public several years later.
The newly built metro was inaugurated on January 11th, 1966. It only had 5 stations at the time. From then, it has been slowly expanding, adding new stations to the system every now and then. Today, this metro system has a total of 26.4 km, with 23 stations. Expansion projects are proposed and considered frequently, so this system will keep on growing.
The Tbilisi metro system has two lines and 23 stations distributed along its 26.4 km of track. It carries about 600,000 people every day throughout the city, an impressive feat considering the network is this small.
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