Moscow's Driverless Trains and Local Troika Cards Reshape Public Transport by 2027

Moscow's public transport system is moving towards fully automated trains. The city has already introduced advanced Lastochka models with partial automation and plans to remove all onboard staff by 2027. Meanwhile, the Troika transit card—now entirely produced in Moscow—has become one of the most widely used payment methods in the city's history.

In 2024, the Moscow Central Circle (MCC) began testing Lastochka trains with Level 3 automation. These trains can operate without driver intervention but still require staff in the cabin. Between 2026 and 2029, a total of 139 trains will receive this level of automation.

By early 2026, the MCC will introduce 20 fully driverless *Lastochka* trains with Level 4 automation. These will run on the 54 km circular line, starting with segments between Delevoy Tsentr and Lefortovo. The rollout will expand across the entire route by late 2026. Eventually, 60 electric trains will operate without any onboard personnel. Alongside train upgrades, the *Troika* card system has seen massive growth. Since its launch, over 54 million cards have been issued. Passengers have made more than 22.4 billion trips using the system. Since late 2023, all *Troika* cards have been manufactured locally in Moscow.

The shift to fully automated trains will remove the need for staff in the cabin. With 60 Level 4 trains planned, the MCC expects smoother operations and reduced labour costs. The Troika card, now entirely produced in Moscow, remains central to the city's expanding transport network.