the number of cars in Moscow ahead of the new year will begin to increase from December 22. it is a pattern that repeats every year, as residents and visitors shift routines to celebrate, shop, and travel between festive venues. traffic planners and the information center led by mikhail kizlyk have noted a predictable rise in vehicle flow as people start to move in greater numbers toward December 22 and extend through the holiday period. the city’s roads are then expected to accommodate a higher volume than in the early part of the month, reflecting a typical seasonal uptick in private transport just before the calendar turns. these signals come from a data center that keeps a close watch on day-to-day mobility, offering a snapshot of how the city’s network responds to collective holiday activity and the public’s renewed reliance on personal vehicles during this congested time of year.
on new year’s eve, the traffic picture is projected to show a clear uptick: the day is forecast to see an average of about 2.9 million cars moving within the city, which represents roughly 2 percent more activity than the early days of december. this forecast underscores how the holiday timetable drives greater car movement, with families and friends combining errands, celebrations, and travel in a compact window. transportation authorities emphasize that the increase is not just about more cars on the road; it mirrors the changed patterns of mobility—more trips conducted in a concentrated period, more congestion in peak hours, and a higher demand for real-time information to guide drivers through crowded corridors. such insights help urban planners tune services, from traffic management to transit options, ensuring the system remains robust amid the surge.
according to the expert, a second wave of density is expected to hit the roads between december 26 and 27. an additional 70-80 thousand vehicles are projected to contribute to the overall load, testing the city’s ability to absorb sharper fluctuations over a short span. after that peak, activity is expected to ease somewhat on december 30 and 31, before the early days of january see a meaningful drop as the holidays narrow and residents return to routine. forecasts indicate that the number of cars on the capital’s roads could settle around 1.26 million on january 1, a level that marks a marked shift from the heightened volumes seen in the immediate run-up to the new year. this pattern of a mid-holiday peak followed by a gradual normalization is typical for major metropolises during festive periods, and it highlights the ongoing need for adaptive traffic control and commuter-friendly options.
in a separate forecast, it was noted that local traffic congestion could intensify in the afternoon of december 20, a reminder that even before the official holiday rush begins, the city’s streets can become crowded. experts warn that congestion may reach elevated levels in the evening and advise drivers to consider alternatives such as public transportation during peak windows. this recommendation remains prudent given the city’s experience with seasonal bottlenecks, which can be exacerbated by weather, events, and large shopping periods. travelers are encouraged to plan ahead, check live traffic feeds, and be prepared for slower travel times when heading home from work or running last-minute holiday errands.
according to the russian hydrometeorological center, the weather in moscow is expected to be cloudy with light rain and sleet on wednesday. temperatures may rise to around plus three degrees, a range that can influence road conditions by creating slick patches and reduced visibility. drivers should remain vigilant, maintain safe following distances, and adjust speeds to the changing surface. as winter weather interacts with holiday traffic, the combination can amplify travel times and require more careful route planning. reliable weather updates and traffic advisories will help commuters navigate the city more smoothly and minimize the stress of winter travel during the festive period.
previous reports noted that taxi prices in moscow increased fourfold amid the storm event named hurricane vanya, a reminder that extreme weather and seasonal surges can push ride-hailing costs upward. this spike underlines a broader point about urban mobility: during major disruptions or peak demand, residents may turn to a mix of transport modes, including personal vehicles, taxis, and public transit. the intersection of weather, holidays, and city infrastructure often creates a dynamic transport landscape that requires cautious planning, flexible choices, and awareness of shifting costs. as always, staying informed about traffic conditions, weather updates, and available transit options can help households and visitors move through the city more efficiently while balancing comfort and cost during the busy year-end period.