Public Transport Modernization Across Russia: Fleet Renewal, Regional Programs, and Industry Capacity

The central task discussed repeatedly is to achieve an annual reduction in the average age of the public transport fleet across Russia’s federal subjects. The goal is to modernize without disrupting service. Regions should see rejuvenated fleets across all transport hubs, and this initiative is to be completed promptly, a point emphasized by President Vladimir Putin during a Presidium meeting focused on public transport development.

talking numbers

National statistics show that land public transport carries over 10 billion passengers each year. Buses account for roughly 82% of riders, about 8.3 billion people, while trams and trolleybuses serve the remaining 18%, around 1.7 billion. Today, more than 135,000 buses and nearly 15,000 trolleybuses and trams operate nationwide. In regional capitals, the fleet stands at 71,505 units, with municipal routes using about half as many vehicles, though regional needs remain high. Thanks to federal support under the national project Safe and Quality Roads, along with a presidential directive, nearly 9,500 additional buses, electric buses, trolleybuses, and trams will be delivered to regions this year alone.

At the Council of State meeting, officials noted that passenger traffic has been rising since 2020. In 2021, 13.7 billion passengers were carried, followed by 14.3 billion in 2022. In the first half of this year, traffic reached 7.3 billion, a 4% increase from the same period last year.

support from government

Until recently, updating regional public transport posed a serious challenge, with aging rolling stock and infrastructure in need of modernization. A nationwide approach was launched in 2020, with the Ministry of Transport, supported by the president and federal government, establishing a systematic mechanism to assist regions. The national project Safe and Quality Roads began to include public transport updates as part of its scope.

Through these efforts, 2,298 new vehicles were delivered to regions between 2020 and 2022.

Currently, seven regional programs guide public transport development. They include subsidized preferential leasing through the State Transport Leasing Company under the Development of Public Transport federal project, projects for integrated urban electric transport using a concession model, modernization under the Clean Air program, infrastructure loans, and special treasury loans. Other measures support vehicle procurement under the Socio-economic Development program for the Far Eastern Federal District and the expansion of urban electric train infrastructure in eight urban centers by 2030.

By the end of 2023, a total of 9,406 vehicles and 112 kilometers of urban electric transit infrastructure are slated for delivery across multiple programs, reaching 81 regions of the federation. Officials emphasize that modernizing public transport is a key part of improving citizens’ quality of life, with new routes and greater accessibility emerging as fleets are renewed. Financial tools, including special treasury loans and infrastructure budget loans, will enable the renewal of more than 6,000 buses and provide over 450 additional buses this year. A preferential rental mechanism using funds from the National Welfare Fund is expected to renew another 1,990 vehicles, stated Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin.

in the regions

Russia’s transport reform began years ago, and residents are already witnessing tangible results from large-scale fleet modernization. For example, under Safe and Quality Roads, Perm has welcomed 143 buses since 2020. This has allowed a nearly complete renewal of the city’s bus fleet, transitioning from older models to modern vehicles equipped with climate control, multimedia displays, fare validators, and passenger information systems. The average bus age is now around three years, with a service life not exceeding seven years. The new transport options are accessible to passengers with reduced mobility.

Drivers report improved comfort, reliability, and safety in the new buses. A Perm driver noted that modern buses are highly maneuverable in traffic, quick to repair when issues arise, and that domestic spare parts ensure a smooth supply. Passengers particularly appreciate winter practicality, thanks to low floors that simplify boarding with strollers. This year, Perm will receive 16 more electric buses and 30 trams.

In Astrakhan, the transport reform has reshaped the route network. By year’s end, passengers will see both new routes and new buses. The city currently operates six major routes with modern, low-floor buses designed for accessibility. Interior features include video surveillance, automatic information displays, satellite navigation, air conditioning, heating, and a fare control system. A Braille STOP button enables communication with the driver for those who need it. This year, Astrakhan has already received 50 new buses, and in the first nine months, about 5.5 million passengers rode the services. In 2022, Astrakhan’s fleet expanded by 94 vehicles.

In Rostov region, the roll-out includes 40 electric buses and 14 charging stations in Rostov-on-Don, Taganrog, and Volgodonsk. Three new routes are planned in Rostov-on-Don, with two added in Taganrog and Volgodonsk. Deputy Governor Vladimir Okunev notes that electric transport growth will boost service quality and regional socio-economic conditions.

industry

During a preparatory seminar for a meeting on public transport development, officials agreed that the goal is not only to replace worn-out vehicles but also to achieve a sustained 10% annual renewal rate through 2030. Gleb Nikitin, governor of Nizhny Novgorod, affirmed that the industry is ready to meet demand, with current production capacity around 40.5 thousand units per year of which about 21.8 thousand are contracted, leaving ample room to scale. Alexey Tsydenov, head of Buryatia, echoed confidence in the industry’s ability to support growth and meet quotas.

Domestic production is the backbone of new fleets. Trams, trolleybuses, and electric buses are manufactured by major urban electric transport plants in Russia, including the Tver Mechanical Electric Transport Plant, the Nevsky Electric Transport Plant, and the Engels Electric Transport Plant, each capable of producing up to 450 units annually. Local production is expected to reach a 95 percent localization rate this year.

Other significant manufacturers produce various classes of diesel, gas-powered, and electric buses, as well as specialized models. Plants are located in Volzhsky, Volgograd region, and Vladimir. By the end of 2022, these facilities produced 1,146 buses. The trend toward localization continues, with the share of Russian-made components nearing 60 percent.

The overarching aim remains clear: renew the fleet. Regions estimate a need to update more than 57,000 buses, 5,000 trolleybuses, and 4,000 trams by 2030. With new routes in mind, the demand is likely to rise even further. Officials emphasize trust in domestic manufacturers and their suppliers, convinced that current production capabilities can meet these ambitious targets. Putin underscored this confidence during a Presidium meeting on public transport development.