Moscow’s Troika card expands to new regions

Moscow’s ticketing system based on Troika card has already been launched in the Moscow Region, the introduction of Troika was announced in the Leningrad Region

From 1 February 2021, the Troika card became available on urban public transport of the Moscow Region (encircles Moscow, 7.7 million residents). For now, payment is possible on routes with a fixed fare, but later the card will also be valid on suburban zonal routes. Previously, residents of the region used another card – Strelka, which was not valid in Moscow. After the launch of Troika, the Strelka card will also continue to operate in the Moscow Region.

Another region to announce the adoption of Moscow’s ticketing system was the Leningrad Region (encircles Saint Petersburg, 1.9 million residents). The decision was made at a working meeting of the governments of the two regions. The project is planned to be implemented in 2021.

Troika users receive access to the mobile app with a remote top-up feature, loyalty programme and a range of city services. As the new ticketing system is adopted, the cost of trips is expected to drop for passengers. In addition, the card can be used in other regions that have adopted Troika.

“We have launched the SberTroika project [joint venture of Sberbank, Moscow Government and Moscow Region’s Government] in autumn 2020. Since then, in the regions that have implemented the project, the transparency of transportations has increased, passengers received the opportunity to top up their cards online via app’s personal account and to join a loyalty programme. The Troika card operates in Moscow since 2013, it has become an entire ecosystem, you can use it not only on transport, but also in museums and ice rinks, or you can get bonuses in cafes and shops,” – says Moscow’s Deputy Mayor for Transport Maxim Liksutov.

The Governor of the Leningrad Region Alexander Drozdenko notes that Moscow’s ticketing system will make it possible to accurately analyze volumes of transportation and demand for certain routes, which will allow the government to improve the quality of transport service in the region.

The Troika card has been expanding its presence in the Russian regions since November 2020, when it was launched in the Tula Region. Later, the Nizhny Novgorod Region announced the launch of Troika. In total, more than 25 regions expressed interest in Moscow’s ticket system.