Moscow Expands Biometric Fare Payment Across Its Transit Network
A new biometric fare system is now live across the Moscow Metro and Central Circle, with full rollout to commuter rail expected in 2026.
Moscow has deployed biometric fare payment across the full network of the city’s metro and the Moscow Central Circle, making the capital the world leader in the amount of transport infrastructure equipped with facial recognition technology, according to Mayor Sergey Sobyanin.
The technology has also been introduced on Aeroexpress airport trains, river transport, and several stations of the Moscow Central Diameters. By late 2026, biometric payments will be available at all MCD stations, which together handle up to half a million passengers daily.
Residents and visitors have embraced the speed and convenience of the digital service. The feature is activated through the Moscow Metro mobile app—no card or cash needed. Passing through a turnstile requires only a quick glance at a dedicated camera.
High Security Standards
The system is fully developed domestically and owned by the Moscow city government. According to Sobyanin, it provides the highest level of protection, with all personal data encrypted and safeguarded from external interference.
Since the pilot launch in October 2021, more than 700,000 people have joined the service. The technology has made travel across the megacity faster, more comfortable, and more seamless. Beginning in 2025, biometric payments are also being introduced in other Russian regions.
