Artificial Intelligence Transforms Moscow's Transport and Road Safety

The Moscow Department of Transport reported on the main projects related to Artificial Intelligence. From biometric payments to autonomous trams and advanced video analytics, AI-driven innovations are setting new standards in public transportation and traffic management.

• Biometric Payment Revolution

For the past three years, biometric payment technology has been transforming the way people travel in Moscow. Available across all metro stations, Moscow Central Circle (MCC), Aeroexpress, regular river transport, and four Moscow Central Diameters (MCD) stations, this cutting-edge system allows passengers to pass through turnstiles with just a glance—no card or smartphone required.

With bank-level security, this seamless service has already facilitated over 125 million biometric entries, making it one of the most convenient and secure transit payment systems globally.

• Russia’s First Autonomous Tram

Moscow is home to Russia’s first autonomous tram, a breakthrough in public transport innovation. This tram, equipped with a world-first set of technologies, operates without the need for external control systems. Its software, entirely developed by Metro’s in-house team, belongs to the Moscow Government and is unique across Europe.

Since its introduction, the autonomous tram has covered over 1,800 kilometers without a single traffic violation, proving both its reliability and safety on the roads.

• Sphere: The Video Analytics System Safeguarding Moscow

The Sphere video analytics system has been instrumental in enhancing public safety across Moscow. Operational at all metro stations since September 1, 2020, Sphere helps law enforcement detain individuals on wanted lists and locate missing persons, including the elderly and children.

Since its implementation, over 11,000 criminals have been apprehended, and more than 1,500 missing persons, including 300 children, have been located thanks to Sphere.

• Real-Time Monitoring of Metro Carriage Load

To further improve passenger comfort, Moscow’s metro now uses machine learning algorithms to monitor carriage load in real time. The system updates every 10 seconds, factoring in the type and capacity of carriages, major transfer points, and time-specific data. This unique service is available through the Moscow Metro app, offering unparalleled accuracy in carriage load assessments.

• AI-Powered Moscow Transport Contact Center

Since 2019, AI has been assisting passengers via Moscow’s transport contact center (dial 3210). A voice assistant automatically handles calls related to car evacuation, helping streamline operations. The contact center, operational for over 11 years, fields around 6,000 inquiries daily, providing crucial information on public transport, including fare rates, free parking availability, and more.

• Advanced Video Analytics on MKAD and Major Highways

Moscow has installed over 1,500 high-resolution cameras on the MKAD, MCD, and key roads, covering 100% of major routes without blind spots. These cameras detect 13 different types of incidents and send real-time video to the Traffic Management Center within seconds, allowing for rapid response. Thanks to this intelligent system, traffic accidents involving injuries on the MKAD have decreased by 20% over the last three years.

• Leading the World in Photo and Video Traffic Monitoring

With 3,800 cameras monitoring traffic across the city, Moscow’s photo and video recording system is one of the most advanced globally. The system, powered by AI, now detects drivers using phones or not wearing seatbelts, and as of 2023, it can accurately determine whether motorcyclists are wearing helmets and whether passengers are buckled up. AI also enables the detection of more complex violations, such as blocking intersections and failing to yield to pedestrians.

• Smart Intersections Speed Up Traffic

Moscow has introduced over 600 smart intersections equipped with AI-driven traffic lights. These lights adjust in real-time based on road conditions, using data from sensors embedded in the asphalt. As a result, both city and private transport pass through these intersections 25-30% faster, while pedestrians wait 20-25% less for the green signal.

Moscow continues to lead the way in using AI to revolutionize transport and road safety, setting a global standard for innovation in urban mobility. With AI-enhanced systems in place, residents and visitors alike can expect safer, faster, and more convenient journeys across the city.

Department of International Relations Moscow Metro