Russia Advances with Digital Ruble Integration into Moscow Transportation by 2028

The country is developing an ambitious plan to incorporate its central bank digital currency into citizens’ daily lives, initially focusing on the capital’s transportation system. The ruble law represents a crucial step in adopting digital payments in the urban mobility sector, aiming to modernize transportation infrastructure while consolidating the use of the digital currency.

Expansion of the Metro and Payment Modernization

The project includes a significant expansion of Moscow’s metro network, which will involve the construction of 13 new stations and the addition of 27 kilometers of lines. During this modernization, passengers will be able to recharge their transportation cards using the digital ruble, enabling faster and more secure transactions. As mentioned by NS3.AI, this technological integration aligns with Russia’s financial digitization goals.

Digital Currency Implementation Timeline

The legal basis for this transformation stems from a bill approved by the Duma in 2023, which established a phased schedule for the adoption of the digital ruble. According to the plan, the implementation of ruble-based payments by law should begin in the second half of 2026, with the entire new metro infrastructure operating with full integration of the digital currency by 2028.

Implications of the Digital Ruble on Urban Mobility

The integration of the digital ruble into public transportation marks an important step toward normalizing digital currency transactions among Russians. This practical approach allows the country’s central bank to test the operational viability of the system on a large scale, while providing users with a tangible experience of the ruble by law. The initiative positions Russia at the forefront of digital currency adoption in critical urban transportation infrastructure.