A bill is being prepared for the autumn session that would prohibit taxis from parking in residential areas for more than 30 minutes. The initiative is led by Boris Chernyshov, a deputy chairman of the State Duma representing the LDPR, who outlined the proposal and its aims during recent discussions.
Chernyshov noted that the issue drew strong attention during the Moscow mayoral elections and has broad relevance for major cities, including St. Petersburg. He emphasized that the focus would be on large urban centers, with a goal to protect residents while preserving the viability of taxi services. The proposal is not intended to cripple the industry but to curbParking in courtyards and other residential zones where it disrupts daily life.
At this stage, authorities have not finalized penalties for taxis left in courtyards for extended periods. Any potential sanctions would likely align with existing parking violations penalties, with discussions underway about proportional measures for violations that occur in places designated for disabled access. Under current Russian law, administrative offenses can carry fines, and the evolving proposal would consider similar scales to those applied for improper parking in restricted areas.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs has expressed support for the idea of restricting long-term taxi parking in residential zones. However, officials, including head of the traffic police, have called for a comprehensive review that involves other relevant administrative authorities to ensure the measure is practical, enforceable, and fair for drivers and residents alike.
Separately, market data indicates that taxi prices have been on the rise due to driver shortages. In August 2023, the average cost of a taxi ride in Russia was reported at about 441 rubles, with Moscow seeing rates approaching 778 rubles in the peak areas. Across the country, the average fare in 2023 was roughly 6% higher than in the previous year, reflecting broader trends in urban mobility costs and supply constraints. The dynamic pricing environment remains a key factor for riders and operators as the market adapts to fluctuating demand and employment patterns.
It is worth noting that regional authorities have experimented with restrictions on taxi operations in other areas as part of broader urban mobility strategies. In some regions, preliminary limits on vehicle numbers and parking practices were introduced to reduce congestion and improve neighborhood livability. Policy discussions continue to explore how such measures can be balanced with private sector needs, hospitality and tourism activity, and transportation access for residents who rely on taxis for essential travel.
As this proposal moves forward, stakeholders are expected to publish additional guidance that clarifies enforcement mechanisms, acceptable exceptions, and the roles of municipal police and traffic regulators. The overarching aim is to create predictable, transparent rules that minimize disruption to legitimate taxi operations while protecting the daily routines of residents in crowded urban cores.