Russia's transport sector embraces biometric boarding and digital fare upgrades
Russia’s transport sector is pushing ahead with digital upgrades to improve passenger services. Deputy Transport Minister Boris Tashimov highlighted key initiatives at the Digital Industry of Industrial Russia conference. New technologies, including biometric boarding and fare discounts, are set to roll out across the country. The Ministry of Transport is working with its Situational and Information Center (SIC) to digitise fare discounts. This move aims to simplify transactions for both passengers and transport providers. A Digitalization Map of Regions is also in development, designed to gather and expand successful transport tech solutions nationwide.
Biometric systems are already in use across seven metro networks, including Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Kazan. These allow passengers to pay with facial recognition instead of traditional tickets. From April 2026, Russian Railways introduced board-by-face services on selected routes, with plans to extend the system to buses and trams.
Air travel will soon follow, as Sheremetyevo and Pulkovo airports prepare for biometric boarding trials. Aeroflot is partnering on the project, which is scheduled to launch in 2026. The changes mark a shift toward seamless travel, with biometrics and digital payments becoming standard. Passengers can expect faster boarding and fewer ticketing hassles as the new systems expand. The ministry’s focus remains on scaling these innovations across all transport modes in the coming years.
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