Beginning January 2, Moscow introduced changes to fare pricing across the city’s public transport network. The Troika card now shows a higher single ride cost for metro, MCC, and MCD trips, with the fare set at 50 rubles for a standard journey. This adjustment was confirmed by the capital’s Department of Transport, and the update has been reported by TASS as the official source of the information.
In detail, the Department of Transport explained that a single trip on the metro or MCC and MCD within the Central district using the Troika card has risen by 4 rubles. The single journey price for a standard ticket across the network will vary between 1 ruble and 62 rubles, depending on the route and service used. The change reflects adjustments to the fare structure that cover both the metro and the ground transportation components of the system.
For the second consecutive year, the biometric payment option known as FacePay keeps its fee at 46 rubles. Meanwhile, the annual passes continue to hold their prices with no changes for two fundamental regional categories: the Central region annual pass at 19,500 rubles and the Suburbs annual pass at 24,450 rubles. The price of the annual bus and tram ticket remains steady at 14,000 rubles, providing continuity for frequent travelers who rely on these services. These figures indicate a restrained approach to tariff adjustments, with the authorities noting that the increase falls below the rate of inflation, thereby limiting the impact on average commuters.
The ministry explicitly stated that the tariff adjustments are positioned to avoid compounding the financial pressure on residents while still enabling ongoing funding for transit operations and service improvements. This stance aligns with a broader pattern of tariff management seen in recent years where rises are kept within controlled bounds, even as service levels and coverage expand in response to urban growth and demographic shifts. The decision appears to reflect a balancing act between ensuring reliable funding for maintenance and modernization and keeping transit accessible for many users who depend on it for daily mobility.
Alongside the price changes for fare media, the city announced a practical development for students. As of January 2, a new student Single ticket will be issued that covers both metro and land transportation services. The Department of Transport underscores that this ticket eliminates the need to purchase separate tokens for different modes of transport, simplifying the process for student riders and encouraging more consistent use of public transit for daily commutes and school travel. The introduction of a unified student fare option marks a notable step toward greater convenience and streamlined access for younger riders, reflecting a continued effort to integrate education with efficient urban mobility.
In another update, the maximum amount that can be loaded onto the Troika card has been raised to 10,000 rubles. This increase provides a larger prepayment option for frequent travelers and those who prefer to load larger sums in advance to avoid frequent reloads and queues. The policy change is part of a broader initiative to modernize fare management and improve user experience across the transit network, including smoother boarding and faster payment processing at turnstiles and entry points.
Additionally, changes were made to the handling of evacuations for vehicles that require removal from private parking facilities. Since January 1, the costs related to transporting and storing evacuated cars have received a 12 percent indexation. There is a notable incentive for travelers who arrange evacuation payments prior to vehicle pickup from private lots, as a 25 percent discount applies in such cases. This provision appears to be designed to encourage timely settlement of evacuation charges while simplifying the administrative process for vehicle owners facing relocation during enforcement operations.
During the New Year holidays, practical relief measures were put in place for drivers. From January 1 to January 8, parking on the streets of Moscow would be free. This temporary policy aims to ease transition during the holiday period, allowing residents and visitors to move about the city without the immediate burden of parking fees and to support smoother travel during peak holiday traffic. The decision aligns with typical seasonal approaches that municipalities adopt to accommodate increased travel and event activity around New Year celebrations, while still maintaining overall traffic management and revenue considerations in the longer term.
Overall, the January tariff changes reflect a measured update to fare levels that aim to meet the needs of a growing metropolitan area while preserving affordability for everyday riders. The authorities emphasize that the price adjustments are carried out with an eye toward inflation and urban development, ensuring the transit system remains financially sustainable without imposing excessive burdens on regular commuters. For travelers planning trips within Moscow and the surrounding regions, the new pricing structure is now in effect and should be reflected in fare calculations across all supported transport modes, including the Troika card, biometric payment options, and standard single-ride tickets, as reported by the Department of Transport and corroborated by authoritative outlets this season.