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Underground by Journeys Application Online: Jobs & Career Info

Originally called Underground Station, the retail off chute known as Underground by Journeys presents excellent opportunities to find entry-level mall-based employment. More than 100 locations routinely hire high school, college-age, and career professionals alike to fill available jobs.

Facts About Working at Underground By Journeys

Hiring Age : 16 years old (How old do you have to be to work at Underground By Journeys?)

Available Positions: Sales Associate, Assistant Manager, Store Manager

Printable Application : No. Search Job Openings or visit official site .

Underground by Journeys Job Opportunities

Merchandise lines sold in stores largely follow popular fashion trends set by American youth. Most of the footwear and apparel available to customers includes brand-name items. Locations reside in shopping centers, with target clientele including men and women between the ages of 25 and 35. Mostly operating in big cities, the footwear chain enjoys diverse customer bases in addition to offering varied product lines. Applicants looking for Underground by Journeys jobs should possess familiarity with renowned shoe and outerwear fashion houses and demonstrate excellent interpersonal abilities. Hiring personnel may overlook lack of relevant experience in favor of bright and extroverted personality traits, as customer retention ranks high among overall operational goals.

Underground by Journeys stores maintain fast paces and place customer needs at the forefront of daily responsibilities. Regardless of status, employees greet patrons, provide product recommendations, organize shelves, and stock out merchandise. While entry-level associates work directly with the general public more often than managers, individuals in supervisory or administrative roles must engage customers to ensure satisfaction with products and services, as well. New-hires receive intensive training regarding operational procedures, effective sales techniques, and behavioral expectations. Workers also receive ongoing training, especially as associates move up in rank with the company. Career opportunities remain most abundant at the store level; however, driven employees with college degrees and related backgrounds may find work at the company corporate offices in Nashville, TN.

Underground by Journeys Employment and Salary Information

The retail chain formerly known as Underground Station sets the minimum age for employment consideration at 16 years old, which caters to younger employment hopefuls in search of entry-level jobs. Work available includes paid training and store environments conducive to personal growth and individuality. Underground by Journeys routinely rewards proactive and energetic associates with advancement opportunities into senior roles. Refer to the following list of positions to learn more about the most widely available job titles:

Sales Associate

• Sales associate jobs involves customer service, cashiering, stock, and general organization duties.
• The shoe retailer strictly offers sales associate positions as part-time opportunities.
• With experience and proven abilities to serve customers and perform daily tasks to company expectations, workers may advance into managerial careers.
• Lifting, bending, stooping, reaching, and standing take place commonly throughout any given shift.
• Some basic math and computer skills may aid in the use of electronic cash registers to process sales transactions.
• No real experience proves necessary for hiring consideration; however, recruitment officials may favor individuals with related backgrounds.
• Average hourly pay hovers at minimum wage and rises to $9.00 or $10.00 over time.
• Highly motivated and passionate employees showing dedication to the company and sincere enjoyment of daily responsibilities often make ideal managers.
• Workers promoted from sales associate ranks start as managers-in-training.
• The full-time position involves leading sales teams, organizing operational procedure, and working alongside store managers to ensure profitability and customer satisfaction.
• Managers-in-training often receive keys to perform opening and closing responsibilities, as well.
• Hourly pay starts out around $9.00 and floats into the $13.00 to $14.00 range with experience gained.
• Store managers also work full-time hours. Job responsibilities include supervising and directing entry-level associates as well as setting sales goals, marketing promotions, coordinating shipments, and processing payroll.
• Most store managers enjoy salary options between $30,000 and $50,000 a year.

Tips For Applying

Heading into the application process, prospective associates should allot between 10 and 50 minutes to complete the hiring form, regardless of position desired. Exact length of time needed to fill out each data field required on the employment document usually varies by position, with managerial jobs requiring more background information than entry-level sales positions for consideration. Complete the application form to the best of known abilities and provide as much information as possible. Tailoring the documents to reflect experience in customer service or sales may greatly improve odds of hiring.

Application Status

The hiring process for sales associate positions usually lasts about a week. Candidates waiting on callbacks from management to schedule interviews typically hear back within a day or two regarding submitted applications. Job seekers may take initiative and visit Underground by Journeys stores or call the appropriate personnel to expedite the process. Management regularly rewards motivated individuals with on-the-spot interviews.

Benefits of Working at Underground by Journeys

Both part-time and full-time employees enjoy sound work benefits. Upon hire, associates receive 40% discounts on merchandise, paid training, and competitive pay. Additional job benefits, such as:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance options
• 401(k) retirement plans
• Emergency assistance funds
• Employee stock purchase plans and paid vacation packages
• Remain readily available.

However, employment status, time spent with the company, and job title generally dictate work benefits eligibility.

Supplemental Details on Underground by Journeys

In order to better serve customers, the fashionable shoe store formerly known as Underground Station provides live online chat capabilities. Patrons with issues regarding pricing, shipment, or products in stock may fill out a brief questionnaire through the company website and submit the form to speak directly with a customer service representative via online chatroom. The function allows shoppers to save a digital transcript of the conversation for personal records.

Vilma Palacios says:

My name is Vilma. Am a ethical, responsible, organized and willing to learn. Am Available now.

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Careers with journeys, jun 24, 2022 • knowledge.

Do you have the Journeys Attitude? Journeys is looking for fun, hard-working and sales-oriented people who love shoes. The stores offer a high-energy, customer service focused vibe. Our employees are passionate and energetic about what they do and it shows. We embrace individuality and celebrate self-expression. One of the best things about working for Journeys is that we promote from within. The vast majority of our Home Office employees started in one of our stores. Work for Journeys, get some experience and who knows where your CAREER may take you. You can browse career opportunities and apply online here: Careers at Journeys  

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Underground Station Application & Careers

Underground by Journeys is a popular American retail footwear and accessory chain formerly known as Underground Station. Underground by Journeys is a mall-based retail footwear store that caters to 20 to 35 year old women and men.

Underground by Journeys in one of the Journeys brands. Journeys’ stores are high energy and customer focused. The company strives to have a passionate, energetic, diverse and inclusive vibe that embraces individuality and self-expression.

Journeys focuses on 12 core values. It strives to drive sales with every action, celebrate and reward success, serve employees and customers, encourage individuality and embrace diversity, conduct business with integrity, and embrace and promote youth culture. It prides itself on operating with discipline, aspiring to endless improvement, having irreverent fun and having a caring family

Journeys has an attitude rather than a corporate culture. The Journeys attitude is to work hard, play hard and reward success. The company is always looking for hard working and fun loving employees who hold the same core values.

It focuses on promoting from within so employees always have advancement opportunities. Most of the Home Office employees started out in one of the stores and many of its store managers started out as sales associates or managers in training.

Underground by Journeys Careers

Underground by Journeys hires full and part time employees for a variety of positions at its stores. Retail employees work as sales associates, managers in training, store managers, district managers in training, and district managers. Successful district managers have the opportunity to become a regional vice president.

How old do you have to be to work at Underground by Journeys? Check the age requirement for the state you are applying in . You must be at least 14 years old to work in the United States, but many states have states have a minimum working age of 16 or 18. Some states allow minors over the age of 14 to work with a work permit.

Underground by Journeys pay varies by position. Entry level positions pay at or above minimum wage while managers have higher salaries. Minimum wage varies by state but is generally $7.00 to $9.00 per hour.

Work hours vary by location and shopping centers. Most shopping malls are open from 10:00am to 9:00 pm Monday through Saturdays and open at 11:00am and close at 6:00pm on Sundays.

The company offers many rewards and benefits. Full time employees receive more benefits than part time employees including retirement, insurance, and paid time off. All employees receive perks such as 40% off on al purchases, and cell phone discounts.

Job Descriptions & Salaries  

Sales Associates

Most sales associates work part time and do a variety of tasks in the stores. They are responsible for meeting and exceeding sales goals while providing fun, full-service shopping to customers. Sales Associates are expected to stay on top of current fashion trends. Additional duties include helping with receiving and shipping merchandise and maintaining the store and stock room.  

Assistant Manager

Assistant managers help managers with the day to day store operations. They are responsible for ensuring that employees meet and exceed sales goals and are on top of current fashion trends. They are also responsible for directing and motivating employees and holding staff accountable.

Some Assistant Managers also help the Store Manager recruit, train and develop employees, coach and supervise employees and manage all aspects of the store when the Store Manager isn’t there.  

Store Manager

Store Managers are responsible for supervising the store operations and crew. They hire, train and develop employees and ensure the staff are meeting their goals. They are also responsible for resolving customer issues and act as a role model to the store staff and Assistant managers. Managers are required to work at least 45 hours per week and must work nights and weekends.

Underground by Journeys Interview Questions

Use these questions to prepare for your interview.

Why should we hire you? This is one of the most commonly asked interview questions around. Take some time to learn about the job and the company. Focus on your strengths and experiences that align with the company’s goals and culture.

Tell me about yourself. This is your chance to highlight your background and experiences. Don’t just talk about your hobbies and interests. Focus on things that are pertinent to the job. For example, talk about your background in sales if you are applying for a Sales Associate position.

What are your goals? Use this opportunity to talk about your short term and your long term goals. Focus on goals that are related to the position. For example, if you are applying for Manager in Training position, a good goal would be “I am looking for a training program that will prepare me for a successful career in management.”

What attracted you to this job? This is where it pays to do a little homework about the store ahead of time. Talk about why you are interested in the job, but focus on things that are important to the store. For instance, say something like “I am looking for a rewarding job with a company that values self expression and rewards success.”

How do you handle working in a fast paced environment? Talk about any challenges you have when things get hectic, but focus on your solutions instead of your challenges. For example, say that you engaging the customer in small talk about their favorite bands to help you remain genuinely friendly when it’s busy.

Advice for the Application Process

The Underground by Journeys application process is designed to help match you to the ideal position. You can find Underground by Journeys Jobs online and apply for them online.

Journeys values individualism and self expression. Be yourself, but be sure to look your best whether you are going to an interview or asking for an application. Choose something that is in style but avoid clothing with anything offensive on it. Sporting your favorite team is risky try sporting your favorite brand instead. Bonus points if it happens to be one that the store carries. Be sure you are well groomed.

To prepare for the interview, jot down some notes about your experience and strengths that you can refer to during the interview. Also bring any questions you have about the job to the interview so you remember to ask them.

If your interview goes well, the hiring manger might let you know if you are hired on the spot but sometimes they need to complete all of their scheduled interviews before extending a job offer. Be prepared to accept the position if it is offered to you or to wait if you need to. After the interview, thank them for considering you ask them how you can follow up on the hiring process.

How to apply for Underground by Journeys job online? Follow the links below, to find an Underground by Journeys job application online, obtain a printable application for Underground by Journeys, and to apply for jobs at Underground by Journeys. Also See: Powerhouse Gym: Visit the job application for Powerhouse Gym to apply today. Gold’s Gym: Gold’s Gym offers opportunities for both, beginners and experienced roles. World Gym: World Gym offers opportunities for both, beginners and experienced roles. Champs Sports: See our guide for careers at Champs Sports. Kids Foot Locker: Use the Kids Foot Locker job application to apply here.

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Company Links

http://www.journeys.com/careers/

http://www.journeys.com/careers/workforus

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Underground By Journeys Job Application Form & Apply Online 2024

January 9, 2024 admin Fashion Retail Jobs 0

• 1 Underground By Journeys Job Application Form PDF
• 2 Underground By Journeys Jobs
• 3 Underground By Journeys Job Application Process
• 4 How to Apply Online at Underground By Journeys
• 5 Underground By Journeys Interview
• 6 Underground By Journeys Interview Q&A
• 7 Underground By Journeys Minimum Hiring Age
• 8 Frequently Asked Questions

Are you a fan of the trendy footwear and apparel retailer Underground By Journeys? Are you looking for an opportunity to join their team and be a part of the underground culture? Look no further, as we’ve got you covered with all the information you need to know about the Underground By Journeys job application process. In this blog post, we will walk you through the steps of applying for a job at Underground By Journeys, including how to fill out the job application form online or in PDF format. We’ll also give you insight into the interview process, including common interview questions and answers, as well as the minimum hiring age. Stay tuned as we answer frequently asked questions and provide you with valuable tips for securing a job with Underground By Journeys. Whether you’re a sneakerhead, a fashion enthusiast, or someone with a passion for retail, this post will help you navigate the job application process at Underground By Journeys.

Underground By Journeys Job Application Form PDF

If you’re interested in applying for a job at Underground By Journeys, you may be wondering where to find their job application form. Thankfully, Underground By Journeys provides a downloadable PDF version of their job application form on their official website, making it easy for potential applicants to access and fill out the form at their convenience.

By offering a PDF version of their job application form, Underground By Journeys allows applicants to complete the form offline and at their own pace. This can be especially helpful for those who prefer to take their time and carefully fill out the application without the pressure of an online submission deadline.

Once you have downloaded the job application form PDF from the Underground By Journeys website, you can simply print it out, complete it by hand, and then submit it to the desired location as specified in the job listing. This provides a convenient and accessible option for individuals who may not have consistent access to the internet or prefer a more traditional method of application.

Overall, having a PDF version of the job application form for Underground By Journeys allows for a seamless and flexible application process, catering to the needs of a diverse range of job seekers.

Underground by Journeys Job Application Form

The application form for employment consists of 2 pages.

• On the first page, you are expected to write about your personal details and work experience.
• On the second page, you should list the names and contact details of two business or professional references.
• Then explain your level of education and training.
• Check the referral source.
• Answer additional personal inquiries and indicate whether you have permission to work.
• Read the Applicant Statement, date the page, and sign the page.

Underground By Journeys Jobs

If you’re a fan of alternative fashion and have a passion for footwear, you might be interested in working at Underground By Journeys. With their edgy styles and dedication to customer satisfaction, it’s no wonder why they are a sought-after employer. The company offers a variety of job opportunities, from store associates to management positions. Whether you’re looking for a part-time gig or a long-term career, Underground By Journeys has something for you.

One of the benefits of working at Underground By Journeys is the opportunity for growth and development. Employees have the chance to advance within the company, learning valuable skills along the way. The company also values creativity and individuality, making it an ideal workplace for those with avant-garde fashion sense. In addition to the potential for career advancement, employees also receive competitive pay and benefits.

Applying for a job at Underground By Journeys is a simple process. Interested candidates can visit the company’s website to view current job openings and complete an online application. Once the application is submitted, qualified candidates will be contacted for an interview. During the interview process, applicants can expect to discuss their experience, employment history, and fashion knowledge.

Overall, working at Underground By Journeys provides a unique opportunity to be part of a cutting-edge fashion retailer. With opportunities for growth, competitive compensation, and a fun, creative work environment, it’s no wonder why so many individuals are eager to join the Underground By Journeys team.

Underground By Journeys Job Application Process

When it comes to applying for a job at Underground By Journeys, the application process is fairly straightforward and can be done online. To start the process, you will need to visit the Underground By Journeys website and navigate to the careers section. Here, you will find a list of available positions that you can apply for.

Once you have found a job that interests you, you can click on the job title to learn more about the requirements and responsibilities. If you feel that you are a good fit for the position, you can proceed to fill out the online application form. This form will ask for your personal information, work history, and education background.

After submitting your application, it will be reviewed by the hiring team at Underground By Journeys. If they determine that you meet the qualifications for the position, you may be contacted for an interview. The interview process will give you the opportunity to discuss your skills and experience in more detail, and to learn more about the company and the specific job.

If the interview goes well and you are selected for the position, you will be informed of the next steps in the hiring process. This may include completing additional paperwork, undergoing a background check, and obtaining any necessary certifications or training.

How to Apply Online at Underground By Journeys

Are you interested in joining the team at Underground By Journeys? Applying for a job online is easy and convenient. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process.

First, navigate to the Underground By Journeys website and click on the Careers tab. This will take you to a page where you can search for available positions and begin the application process.

Once you’ve found a job that interests you, click on the job title to read the full description and requirements. If you decide to apply, click the Apply Now button to start your online application.

Next, you’ll be prompted to create an account on the Underground By Journeys job portal. This will allow you to save your application and track its progress. You’ll need to provide your personal information, education and work history, and answer some job-related questions.

Underground By Journeys Interview

Are you getting ready for an interview at Underground By Journeys ? Congratulations, you’re one step closer to potentially landing a job with this popular footwear retailer. To help you prepare, we’ve put together a list of commonly asked interview questions and some tips on how to best answer them.

One of the most frequently asked questions at Underground By Journeys interviews is why you want to work for the company. Be sure to research the company’s values, culture, and history before your interview so you can confidently explain why you’re excited about the opportunity to work there.

Another common question is about your experience and skills. Take the time to review your resume and think about specific examples of times when you’ve excelled in a retail or customer service setting. Use the

tag to organize your thoughts in a clear and concise manner.

During the interview, you may also be asked situational questions, such as how you would handle a difficult customer or a disagreement with a coworker. Use the

tag to create a chart to showcase your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.

Underground By Journeys Interview Q&A

Are you preparing for an interview with Underground By Journeys? Here are some commonly asked questions and tips to help you ace your interview!

Q: What should I wear to the interview?

A: For an interview at Underground By Journeys, it’s best to dress in business casual attire. This means a nice blouse or button-down shirt, slacks or a skirt, and closed-toe shoes. Avoid wearing anything too casual or too formal.

Q: What kind of questions can I expect?

A: You can expect to be asked about your previous work experience, your knowledge of the company, and how you handle customer service situations. Be prepared to provide specific examples of your skills and experiences.

Q: How should I prepare for the interview?

A: Research the company and understand their values and culture. Practice answering common interview questions and come prepared with questions of your own to ask the interviewer. Be sure to also review the job description and think about how your skills align with the role.

Q: What qualities is Underground By Journeys looking for in candidates?

A: Underground By Journeys looks for candidates who are customer-focused, team players, and have a strong work ethic. They value individuals who are passionate about their products and are able to provide excellent customer service.

By preparing for these questions and following these tips, you’ll be ready to impress during your Underground By Journeys interview. Good luck!

Underground By Journeys Minimum Hiring Age

When considering applying for a job at Underground By Journeys, it’s important to be aware of the minimum hiring age requirements. The company values safety and compliance with labor laws, so they have strict guidelines regarding the minimum age for employment.

For most positions at Underground By Journeys, the minimum hiring age is 16 years old . This means that individuals who are 16 years of age and older are eligible to apply for various roles within the company, including sales associates and store team members.

It’s important to note that some positions at Underground By Journeys may have higher age requirements due to the nature of the job or specific legal regulations. For example, managerial or supervisory roles may require candidates to be at least 18 years old due to the responsibilities and duties associated with these positions.

Overall, it’s essential for individuals interested in joining the Underground By Journeys team to carefully review the specific job requirements and age restrictions for their desired position before submitting an application.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the minimum hiring age requirements for Underground By Journeys? The minimum hiring age for employment at Underground By Journeys is typically 16 years old, although this can vary depending on local labor laws and store policies. It is recommended to check with your local Underground By Journeys store for specific age requirements.

How can I apply for a job at Underground By Journeys? To apply for a job at Underground By Journeys, you can visit their official website and search for current job openings. Alternatively, you can visit a store location and inquire about job opportunities and the application process. Online applications are often preferred, but it’s always a good idea to follow up in person.

What is the job application process like at Underground By Journeys? The job application process at Underground By Journeys typically involves filling out an online application form, submitting a resume and cover letter, and possibly participating in one or more interviews. It’s important to take your time and thoroughly complete the application, as well as prepare for potential interviews.

What should I expect during an interview at Underground By Journeys? During an interview at Underground By Journeys, you may be asked about your previous work experience, customer service skills, availability, and why you want to work for the company. It’s a good idea to research the company and come prepared with thoughtful answers to common interview questions.

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The Adventures of Phileas Fiona

Travel + public health + street art.

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Day 9: Going Underground! Exploring Moscow by Metro

Most city tours focus on what’s above ground – the buildings, the monuments, the parks – but one of the best ways to see Moscow is by Metro.

You can join a guided tour but it’s easy enough to follow your own route, admittedly without the narrative. However, a key advantage is not having to wait for 20 people to have their photo taken in front of a mural (and then get in the way of your attempt at the perfect shot).

The Metro system carries, according to my Red Square Walking Tour guide, 6 million people every day: the population of a small country, she said.

That’s a busy system and, at rush hour, as the sea of people surges around you, it’s a very believable statement.

Top tip – in these circumstances, look for a woman in her 50s or early 60s and get behind her, because she will know how to get through the crowd quickly and easily. Well, quickly in comparison with your efforts.

Obviously, don’t do the Moscow Metro exploration during the commuting times.

Travelling by Metro in Moscow is easy. The introduction of English language place names, alongside the original Cyrillic, makes navigation easier.

With most of the Metro journeys also having announcements in English you can also use the time to attempt to learn Russian letters and pronunciations.

I now know that a C is pronounced as a S, in Russian Smolensk begins with an C. Double CC creates a ‘sh’ as in Russia.

I’ve missed a couple of stops as I’ve been concentrating on the Metro Maps and confirming how to spell in Russian ‘-skaya’ as in Smolenskaya and Tverskaya.

The brown circle line, legend has it, is apparently the result of Stalin putting a coffee cup down on the plans. Nobody dared to query the brown ring on the documents so the circle line, and as a brown line on the map came into being.

Do I believe it? I don’t know but it’s certainly a great story.

Most of the Metro system was developed after the 1930s and key stations are decorated with communist or World War 2 victory themes.it makes for some remarkable sights.

Travelling by Metro is cheap… 55R (approx 70p) per journey whether that’s one stop or ten with three changes.

For tourists, the best option is a three day pass at 438R ( approx £5-6). You can buy this in any Metro station from the ticket offices.

If the staff do not speak English, they will direct you to the information desk. Here another member of staff will find out what you want and write a note for their colleagues.

Travelling in Moscow really is much easier than it used to be.

*Featured Photo: Komsomolskaya Station

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We enjoyed our visit to Moscow in De ember last year very much and hope to return soon too!

It’s a fab city. So much to see.

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2018 Primetime Emmy & James Beard Award Winner

In Transit: Notes from the Underground

Jun 06 2018.

Spend some time in one of Moscow’s finest museums.

Subterranean commuting might not be anyone’s idea of a good time, but even in a city packing the war-games treasures and priceless bejeweled eggs of the Kremlin Armoury and the colossal Soviet pavilions of the VDNKh , the Metro holds up as one of Moscow’s finest museums. Just avoid rush hour.

The Metro is stunning and provides an unrivaled insight into the city’s psyche, past and present, but it also happens to be the best way to get around. Moscow has Uber, and the Russian version called Yandex Taxi , but also some nasty traffic. Metro trains come around every 90 seconds or so, at a more than 99 percent on-time rate. It’s also reasonably priced, with a single ride at 55 cents (and cheaper in bulk). From history to tickets to rules — official and not — here’s what you need to know to get started.

A Brief Introduction Buying Tickets Know Before You Go (Down) Rules An Easy Tour

A Brief Introduction

Moscow’s Metro was a long time coming. Plans for rapid transit to relieve the city’s beleaguered tram system date back to the Imperial era, but a couple of wars and a revolution held up its development. Stalin revived it as part of his grand plan to modernize the Soviet Union in the 1920s and 30s. The first lines and tunnels were constructed with help from engineers from the London Underground, although Stalin’s secret police decided that they had learned too much about Moscow’s layout and had them arrested on espionage charges and deported.

The beauty of its stations (if not its trains) is well-documented, and certainly no accident. In its illustrious first phases and particularly after the Second World War, the greatest architects of Soviet era were recruited to create gleaming temples celebrating the Revolution, the USSR, and the war triumph. No two stations are exactly alike, and each of the classic showpieces has a theme. There are world-famous shrines to Futurist architecture, a celebration of electricity, tributes to individuals and regions of the former Soviet Union. Each marble slab, mosaic tile, or light fixture was placed with intent, all in service to a station’s aesthetic; each element, f rom the smallest brass ear of corn to a large blood-spattered sword on a World War II mural, is an essential part of the whole.

The Metro is a monument to the Soviet propaganda project it was intended to be when it opened in 1935 with the slogan “Building a Palace for the People”. It brought the grand interiors of Imperial Russia to ordinary Muscovites, celebrated the Soviet Union’s past achievements while promising its citizens a bright Soviet future, and of course, it was a show-piece for the world to witness the might and sophistication of life in the Soviet Union.

It may be a museum, but it’s no relic. U p to nine million people use it daily, more than the London Underground and New York Subway combined. (Along with, at one time, about 20 stray dogs that learned to commute on the Metro.)

In its 80+ year history, the Metro has expanded in phases and fits and starts, in step with the fortunes of Moscow and Russia. Now, partly in preparation for the World Cup 2018, it’s also modernizing. New trains allow passengers to walk the entire length of the train without having to change carriages. The system is becoming more visitor-friendly. (There are helpful stickers on the floor marking out the best selfie spots .) But there’s a price to modernity: it’s phasing out one of its beloved institutions, the escalator attendants. Often they are middle-aged or elderly women—“ escalator grandmas ” in news accounts—who have held the post for decades, sitting in their tiny kiosks, scolding commuters for bad escalator etiquette or even bad posture, or telling jokes . They are slated to be replaced, when at all, by members of the escalator maintenance staff.

For all its achievements, the Metro lags behind Moscow’s above-ground growth, as Russia’s capital sprawls ever outwards, generating some of the world’s worst traffic jams . But since 2011, the Metro has been in the middle of an ambitious and long-overdue enlargement; 60 new stations are opening by 2020. If all goes to plan, the 2011-2020 period will have brought 125 miles of new tracks and over 100 new stations — a 40 percent increase — the fastest and largest expansion phase in any period in the Metro’s history.

Facts: 14 lines Opening hours: 5 a.m-1 a.m. Rush hour(s): 8-10 a.m, 4-8 p.m. Single ride: 55₽ (about 85 cents) Wi-Fi network-wide

Buying Tickets

• Ticket machines have a button to switch to English.
• You can buy specific numbers of rides: 1, 2, 5, 11, 20, or 60. Hold up fingers to show how many rides you want to buy.
• There is also a 90-minute ticket , which gets you 1 trip on the metro plus an unlimited number of transfers on other transport (bus, tram, etc) within 90 minutes.
• Or, you can buy day tickets with unlimited rides: one day (218₽/ US$4), three days (415₽/US$7) or seven days (830₽/US$15). Check the rates here to stay up-to-date.
• If you’re going to be using the Metro regularly over a few days, it’s worth getting a Troika card , a contactless, refillable card you can use on all public transport. Using the Metro is cheaper with one of these: a single ride is 36₽, not 55₽. Buy them and refill them in the Metro stations, and they’re valid for 5 years, so you can keep it for next time. Or, if you have a lot of cash left on it when you leave, you can get it refunded at the Metro Service Centers at Ulitsa 1905 Goda, 25 or at Staraya Basmannaya 20, Building 1.
• You can also buy silicone bracelets and keychains with built-in transport chips that you can use as a Troika card. (A Moscow Metro Fitbit!) So far, you can only get these at the Pushkinskaya metro station Live Helpdesk and souvenir shops in the Mayakovskaya and Trubnaya metro stations. The fare is the same as for the Troika card.
• You can also use Apple Pay and Samsung Pay.

Rules, spoken and unspoken

No smoking, no drinking, no filming, no littering. Photography is allowed, although it used to be banned.

Stand to the right on the escalator. Break this rule and you risk the wrath of the legendary escalator attendants. (No shenanigans on the escalators in general.)

Get out of the way. Find an empty corner to hide in when you get off a train and need to stare at your phone. Watch out getting out of the train in general; when your train doors open, people tend to appear from nowhere or from behind ornate marble columns, walking full-speed.

Always offer your seat to elderly ladies (what are you, a monster?).

An Easy Tour

This is no Metro Marathon ( 199 stations in 20 hours ). It’s an easy tour, taking in most—though not all—of the notable stations, the bulk of it going clockwise along the Circle line, with a couple of short detours. These stations are within minutes of one another, and the whole tour should take about 1-2 hours.

Start at Mayakovskaya Metro station , at the corner of Tverskaya and Garden Ring,  Triumfalnaya Square, Moskva, Russia, 125047.

1. Mayakovskaya.  Named for Russian Futurist Movement poet Vladimir Mayakovsky and an attempt to bring to life the future he imagined in his poems. (The Futurist Movement, natch, was all about a rejecting the past and celebrating all things speed, industry, modern machines, youth, modernity.) The result: an Art Deco masterpiece that won the National Grand Prix for architecture at the New York World’s Fair in 1939. It’s all smooth, rounded shine and light, and gentle arches supported by columns of dark pink marble and stainless aircraft steel. Each of its 34 ceiling niches has a mosaic. During World War II, the station was used as an air-raid shelter and, at one point, a bunker for Stalin. He gave a subdued but rousing speech here in Nov. 6, 1941 as the Nazis bombed the city above.

Take the 3/Green line one station to:

2. Belorusskaya. Opened in 1952, named after the connected Belarussky Rail Terminal, which runs trains between Moscow and Belarus. This is a light marble affair with a white, cake-like ceiling, lined with Belorussian patterns and 12 Florentine ceiling mosaics depicting life in Belarussia when it was built.

Transfer onto the 1/Brown line. Then, one stop (clockwise) t o:

3. Novoslobodskaya.  This station was designed around the stained-glass panels, which were made in Latvia, because Alexey Dushkin, the Soviet starchitect who dreamed it up (and also designed Mayakovskaya station) couldn’t find the glass and craft locally. The stained glass is the same used for Riga’s Cathedral, and the panels feature plants, flowers, members of the Soviet intelligentsia (musician, artist, architect) and geometric shapes.

Go two stops east on the 1/Circle line to:

4. Komsomolskaya. Named after the Komsomol, or the Young Communist League, this might just be peak Stalin Metro style. Underneath the hub for three regional railways, it was intended to be a grand gateway to Moscow and is today its busiest station. It has chandeliers; a yellow ceiling with Baroque embellishments; and in the main hall, a colossal red star overlaid on golden, shimmering tiles. Designer Alexey Shchusev designed it as an homage to the speech Stalin gave at Red Square on Nov. 7, 1941, in which he invoked Russia’s illustrious military leaders as a pep talk to Soviet soldiers through the first catastrophic year of the war.   The station’s eight large mosaics are of the leaders referenced in the speech, such as Alexander Nevsky, a 13th-century prince and military commander who bested German and Swedish invading armies.

One more stop clockwise to Kurskaya station,  and change onto the 3/Blue  line, and go one stop to:

5. Baumanskaya.   Opened in 1944. Named for the Bolshevik Revolutionary Nikolai Bauman , whose monument and namesake district are aboveground here. Though he seemed like a nasty piece of work (he apparently once publicly mocked a woman he had impregnated, who later hung herself), he became a Revolutionary martyr when he was killed in 1905 in a skirmish with a monarchist, who hit him on the head with part of a steel pipe. The station is in Art Deco style with atmospherically dim lighting, and a series of bronze sculptures of soldiers and homefront heroes during the War. At one end, there is a large mosaic portrait of Lenin.

Stay on that train direction one more east to:

6. Elektrozavodskaya. As you may have guessed from the name, this station is the Metro’s tribute to all thing electrical, built in 1944 and named after a nearby lightbulb factory. It has marble bas-relief sculptures of important figures in electrical engineering, and others illustrating the Soviet Union’s war-time struggles at home. The ceiling’s recurring rows of circular lamps give the station’s main tunnel a comforting glow, and a pleasing visual effect.

Double back two stops to Kurskaya station , and change back to the 1/Circle line. Sit tight for six stations to:

7. Kiyevskaya. This was the last station on the Circle line to be built, in 1954, completed under Nikita Khrushchev’ s guidance, as a tribute to his homeland, Ukraine. Its three large station halls feature images celebrating Ukraine’s contributions to the Soviet Union and Russo-Ukrainian unity, depicting musicians, textile-working, soldiers, farmers. (One hall has frescoes, one mosaics, and the third murals.) Shortly after it was completed, Khrushchev condemned the architectural excesses and unnecessary luxury of the Stalin era, which ushered in an epoch of more austere Metro stations. According to the legend at least, he timed the policy in part to ensure no Metro station built after could outshine Kiyevskaya.

Change to the 3/Blue line and go one stop west.

8. Park Pobedy. This is the deepest station on the Metro, with one of the world’s longest escalators, at 413 feet. If you stand still, the escalator ride to the surface takes about three minutes .) Opened in 2003 at Victory Park, the station celebrates two of Russia’s great military victories. Each end has a mural by Georgian artist Zurab Tsereteli, who also designed the “ Good Defeats Evil ” statue at the UN headquarters in New York. One mural depicts the Russian generals’ victory over the French in 1812 and the other, the German surrender of 1945. The latter is particularly striking; equal parts dramatic, triumphant, and gruesome. To the side, Red Army soldiers trample Nazi flags, and if you look closely there’s some blood spatter among the detail. Still, the biggest impressions here are the marble shine of the chessboard floor pattern and the pleasingly geometric effect if you view from one end to the other.

Keep going one more stop west to:

9. Slavyansky Bulvar.  One of the Metro’s youngest stations, it opened in 2008. With far higher ceilings than many other stations—which tend to have covered central tunnels on the platforms—it has an “open-air” feel (or as close to it as you can get, one hundred feet under). It’s an homage to French architect Hector Guimard, he of the Art Nouveau entrances for the Paris M é tro, and that’s precisely what this looks like: A Moscow homage to the Paris M é tro, with an additional forest theme. A Cyrillic twist on Guimard’s Metro-style lettering over the benches, furnished with t rees and branch motifs, including creeping vines as towering lamp-posts.

Stay on the 3/Blue line and double back four stations to:

10. Arbatskaya. Its first iteration, Arbatskaya-Smolenskaya station, was damaged by German bombs in 1941. It was rebuilt in 1953, and designed to double as a bomb shelter in the event of nuclear war, although unusually for stations built in the post-war phase, this one doesn’t have a war theme. It may also be one of the system’s most elegant: Baroque, but toned down a little, with red marble floors and white ceilings with gilded bronze c handeliers.

Jump back on the 3/Blue line  in the same direction and take it one more stop:

11. Ploshchad Revolyutsii (Revolution Square). Opened in 1938, and serving Red Square and the Kremlin . Its renowned central hall has marble columns flanked by 76 bronze statues of Soviet heroes: soldiers, students, farmers, athletes, writers, parents. Some of these statues’ appendages have a yellow sheen from decades of Moscow’s commuters rubbing them for good luck. Among the most popular for a superstitious walk-by rub: the snout of a frontier guard’s dog, a soldier’s gun (where the touch of millions of human hands have tapered the gun barrel into a fine, pointy blade), a baby’s foot, and a woman’s knee. (A brass rooster also sports the telltale gold sheen, though I am told that rubbing the rooster is thought to bring bad luck. )

Now take the escalator up, and get some fresh air.

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The World: Word for Word/Moscow's Nuclear Underground; The Players in This Shell Game Need Plutonium, Lead and Moxie

Crossing over to a market economy begins with crossing borders. Budding businessmen from the small but proud and independent Baltic states were the first to understand this. They started the flow of large quantities of scrap metal, timber, oil and salvage to the West in the last three or four years.

By 1992, tiny Estonia had become a huge exporter of scrap metal. Its neighbors, Latvia and Lithuania, were forced to find new ways of procuring convertible currency because all their efforts to compete with Estonia had ended in failure. After studying possible markets, the black marketeers found a product: radioactive materials.

There were a few drawbacks -- like potential danger to one's life. But the export of radioactive materials promised colossal profits, and it did not require renting an entire train. A container with one kilogram of a substance containing uranium could easily fit in the trunk of any car. . . .

When Dmitri, Vladimir and I began this investigation, we didn't have any grandiose goals. We didn't set out to prove that it's possible to carry absolutely anything out of most factories, either. Our task was much easier: We simply tried to verify rumors.

Our first attempts, in February 1993, did not bring any results. We introduced ourselves as businessmen just starting out and met several dozen brokers at Moscow raw materials exchanges. We talked to every middleman who traded rare earth metals.

Results finally started coming about two months later when people in the halls of the trading exchanges began to recognize us as part of the "in" crowd. One of our first offers came from a broker at the Moscow Raw Materials Exchange who offered us 5 kilograms of 80-percent enriched uranium-235. We met him later during rush hour on a busy downtown street. Out of his briefcase he took a laboratory-type container with a sample and an absolutely official-looking state certificate of quality from the lab at the State Institute of Rare Earth Metals, known as Giremet.

The Moscow Center of Radio Analysis Control analyzed this sample as well and confirmed the information on the certificate. Then the real difficulties started. Because we couldn't afford to buy the enriched uranium, we said that we would pay for the 2.5-gram sample only after seeing all the "merchandise." When the middleman heard that, he lost interest in the deal and soon vanished altogether.

A few days later his colleagues descended on us with offers of "merchandise" samples and Giremet certificates. They also promised to deliver uranium or plutonium abroad. However, subsequent analysis of their samples at the Moscow Center of Radio Analysis Control showed that there was uranium in only one container -- and it was only 2 to 3 percent enriched. Other samples from various brokers contained metallic powder, powdered sugar and a few grams of cesium. One container was empty. . . .

The flim-flam men are called "ventilators" because they trade air. Trading air as a commercial activity arose in Russia only recently, but quickly became popular. . . .

The structure of the business is very simple: A middleman finds a customer who wants to buy several kilograms of, let's say, plutonium. He offers a sample for analysis and receives a deposit. Almost anything can serve as the sample, from a few grams of the real substance -- easily procured from numerous institute laboratories -- to an empty lead container. A lead container can be X-rayed for a few hours to guarantee a high radiation count. After receiving a deposit, the middleman disappears for a week. While the disheartened buyer searches high and low for his broker, his money is earning money. It's being used as capital for black market retailers, private lenders or exploiters of dollar-ruble exchange rates.

The profit isn't high; if the middleman receives a deposit of $2,000 to $3,000 he makes $200 to $300 at most. But he suffers absolutely no losses. The middleman finally meets with his client, apologizes profusely. . . and returns the entire sum to his buyer. . . .

Rumors about the existence of a huge market for nuclear materials have played a cruel joke on the inhabitants of numerous secret cities, such as Arzamas-16 or Chelyabinsk-65. Employees of factories producing products ranging from irons to strollers in the former Soviet Union could sell these products on the black market. . . .

Those employed by the nuclear complex, however, didn't have such opportunities. After carrying radioactive materials out of their workplaces, they had to keep them in garages or their own apartments. In the town of Glazov, 15 kilograms of commercial-grade uranium were found underneath the bathtub of a local plant employee. Employees of a chemical enterprise in Chelyabinsk-65 were arrested with 15 grams of irradiated platinum. They had taken the metal out of the reactor assembly and sold it to a local dentist, who made crowns from it. . . .

The land route that our merchandise was supposed to take has been studiously refined for the past three years by traffickers of metals. Metals are purchased in the Urals. Then a small caravan is formed, usually composed of a few trucks and two cars with armed guards. One of the cars usually rides two kilometers ahead of the convoy, the better to watch out for racketeers who control the highway.

Samples appear from the most unpredictable places. One middleman produced a 5-liter iron vegetable can from the dark cellar of a respectable-looking office. He dropped the can on the floor with a loud thump and suggested that we come closer to measure the radiation level, which penetrated through the thick lead coating.

Later analysis showed that the highly radioactive vegetable can contained some uranium-325 and plutonium isotopes 239, 240, 241 and 242.

It was impossible to check the quality of the merchandise in most cases. Reliable middlemen usually agreed to give samples for analysis under the condition of "mirroring," the only true protection from ventilators: Both partners give several thousand dollars to a third party as collateral. The seller guarantees the quality of his merchandise. The buyer guarantees that the deal will take place. Any violation of the deadlines or of any conditions of the agreement results in the loss of the deposit.

Our investigation led us to conclude that stories of nuclear materials crossing formerly Soviet borders by the ton are global myths. We met 28 dealers. All of them traffic primarily in metals, a trade that has a real and stable market. They deal with radioactive elements only from time to time, when there is the possibility of a really profitable deal.

Only two of the 28 had succeeded in closing real deals. Of course, we did not take their word for it -- we checked with their competitors. In December 1992, 10 kilograms of cesium-137 [ Enough to contaminate 1,000 square miles of water to a depth of 100 feet. -- Ed. note ] were sold to a German, and an Arabic-looking man bought half a kilogram of uranium-238 [ In this negligible quantity, even if converted to plutonium it would not be usable as bomb fuel. -- Ed. note ] in March 1993.