The on-demand transport service Chelnok has recently launched in Tatarstan. This system has been discussed before, but now it is live and available to users in the region.
At its core, Chelnok represents a flexible public transport option that responds to real time demand driven by passenger requests. To use the service, riders download the app, register, place a ride request, pay with a bank card, and head to the pickup point.
There is no fixed route. The Shuttle minibuses operate without predefined paths, continuously generating new routes and adapting to current demand in real time.
In Moscow, the Shuttle concept has already gained visibility through a collaboration with a transport authority. In the capital, the service is branded differently and features a modern tech stack that powers the underlying system behind Chelnok.
In a recent interview, the startup leadership outlined what the project is today and how it aims to evolve. The executive team positioned Chelnok as a new form of mobility that sits between traditional buses and taxis in terms of comfort and price. In Moscow, a single trip sells for 51 rubles. In Naberezhnye Chelny, after testing, the price is expected to be similar with room for minor adjustments. Currently, a single ride is offered at a much lower promotional price while testing continues.
Vehicle choices differ by city. In Moscow, the partner uses a Mercedes Sprinter with 15 to 17 seats, while in Chelny the fleet features eight-seat JAC Sunrays. All vehicles include climate control, comfortable seats with armrests and seat belts, an automatically opening door, and interior lighting. The concept emphasizes rider convenience by avoiding standing spaces, contributing to a calm and comfortable experience. Feedback highlights the high level of comfort and service quality.
The startup team is actively negotiating further expansion. Plans call for launching Shuttle services in two or three additional Russian cities by year end and expanding to ten more cities next year. There is also an ambition to enter international markets with a focus on at least three locations outside Russia, signaling a broader growth strategy.
- Upcoming road signage will mark electric vehicles and buses, aligning with broader electrification efforts across the country.
- The Behind the Wheel program covering the project can be viewed on a partner platform, with additional official media coverage attributed to the project team.
Sources familiar with the project note that the Chelnok model aims to deliver a scalable, demand-responsive transit option that blends the accessibility of taxis with the efficiency of bus networks. The approach reflects a shift toward flexible urban mobility that can adapt quickly to shifts in demand, traffic patterns, and regional growth in the near future. Attribution: project participants and official team communications.