The Moscow Department of Transport and Road Infrastructure Development recently clarified the meaning behind the phrase “Roll like a sausage along Malaya Spasskaya” on its official Telegram channel, shedding light on a piece of city lore tied to the capital’s tram history. The anecdote has circulated for years, especially among residents who remember the old streetcars and the way passengers used to scramble aboard during busy times. By revisiting this colorful expression, city officials aim to connect locals and visitors with a safer, more accurate understanding of Moscow’s transit evolution.
Historically, the term “sausage” referred to a component inside the older tram braking system. Specifically, it described the hose that linked the pneumatic brake line, which, due to the design of the last car, could have its free end fixed and folded into a rounded shape reminiscent of a sausage ring. In practical terms, this “sausage” was a mechanical part that occasionally drew curious attention because it occupied space and could tempt passengers to grasp or maneuver around it as they boarded. In modern parlance, some still use the phrase to evoke the image of those cramped, older trams, even though the device itself is no longer part of today’s safety standards. The ministry emphasized that these old references belong to a bygone era and should be understood as historical color rather than guidance for current behavior.
The department noted that the cramped layouts of early tram models often left little room for movement, which occasionally led passengers to step onto or around the sausage-like component or to attempt to board via the vehicle’s rear stairs. This kind of improvisation, while part of everyday life in an earlier era, posed real safety risks. Officials reminded the public that today’s modern tram designs are much more spacious and equipped with enhanced safety features, making it easier for everyone to travel without crowding or stepping into restricted areas. The message is clear: the old ways don’t apply to today’s infrastructure, and passengers should rely on the available entry points and platform safety protocols to board and disembark safely.
To underscore the point, the ministry pointed to the present-day reality of Moscow’s transit fleet, which includes a wide range of innovative, wide-bodied trams designed to accommodate growing passenger volumes. With more comfortable space, better accessibility, and improved safety measures, the city can ensure a smoother and safer travel experience for residents and visitors alike. The officials framed the discussion as part of a broader effort to educate the public about the city’s transportation history while promoting current best practices for safe boarding, movement within cars, and careful adherence to platform rules. This approach helps bridge nostalgia with practical guidance for contemporary urban mobility.
In related news beyond Moscow, recent regional traffic reports have highlighted serious incidents at pedestrian crossings, reminding readers of the ongoing importance of road safety. For example, in Belovo, a driver of a VAZ-2110 struck three pedestrians at a crosswalk, resulting in one fatality and injuries to a wife and their two-year-old child. Such events underscore the need for vigilance from both motorists and pedestrians and for continuous improvements in traffic enforcement, road design, and public awareness campaigns. The juxtaposition of historical phrases with modern safety realities serves as a reminder that progress in transportation is not just about new vehicles but also about disciplined, mindful behavior from everyone who shares the road and the rails. [Source attribution: Moscow Department of Transport; regional traffic safety advisories]