Russia accelerates digital transport with biometric boarding and paperless fares
Russia’s Ministry of Transport is pushing ahead with digital upgrades across passenger transport. New projects include biometric boarding at airports, paperless fare discounts, and expanded payment options in metro systems. The changes aim to streamline travel and reduce reliance on physical documents. At the recent Digital Industry of Industrial Russia conference, Deputy Transport Minister Boris Tashimov highlighted key digital initiatives. Among them is the Digitalization Map of Regions, a project by the ministry’s Situational and Information Center. This tool will help scale successful transport tech solutions nationwide.
Biometric authentication is now being tested in air travel. Pilot programmes at Sheremetyevo and Pulkovo airports, in partnership with Aeroflot, will allow passengers to board using facial recognition. The same technology has already launched on select Russian Railways routes since April 2026, with plans to expand it to buses and trams. Seven metro networks are also adopting alternative payment methods, including biometric scans. Meanwhile, digital fare discounts have removed the need for paper proof of eligibility, cutting bureaucracy for passengers.
The ministry’s push for digital transformation covers airports, railways, and urban transit. Biometric boarding, paperless discounts, and new payment systems are set to become standard. These changes follow ongoing trials and are expected to roll out more widely in the coming months.
