The cities of Kiev and Kharkiv both have modern subway systems that are efficient, clean, and reliable. Kiev, with 2.6 million inhabitants, has three lines with a total of 43 stations, along a total anticipated length (once construction is complete) of 70 km of track. Two of the three lines cross the Dnieper River, linking the eastern and western parts of the city. Kharkiv has a three-line system also; its total length of 34 km includes 26 stations.
The metro stations themselves are quite attractive, and their modernity and cleanliness seem to belie the difficult, often gritty reality that exists aboveground. Passengers purchase tickets from vending machines in the station and insert them into turnstiles for entrance to the platforms. Upon reaching the destination, passengers insert the tickets once again into a turnstile, which grants admittance to the station or informs the passenger of balance due or credit remaining on the ticket.