Russia expands Moscow's metro network with digital ruble: the map of changes by 2028

Russia is charting a new course in urban transportation digitization by integrating its central bank digital currency into the capital’s transit system. This ambitious project represents a strategic step by the Kremlin toward widespread adoption of the digital ruble in the daily lives of Russian citizens.

A Digital Strategy for Urban Transportation

The plan involves incorporating the digital ruble into the Moscow metro system, allowing commuters to recharge their transit cards using the central bank’s digital currency directly. This initiative aligns with the bill approved by the Duma in 2023, which establishes a phased implementation of digital ruble payments nationwide, with an official launch scheduled for September 1, 2026.

The change map will involve a significant expansion of the metro network, adding 13 new stations and 27 kilometers of additional lines. According to data reported by NS3.AI, this expansion will be one of the most significant infrastructure projects in Moscow over the next decade.

Details of the Expansion Map

Implementing the digital ruble in the Moscow metro will enable travelers to benefit from a fully integrated and traceable payment system. Russia has chosen public transportation as one of the priority sectors for the dissemination of digital currency, recognizing its potential to reach millions of users daily.

The expanding network will provide a modern, fully digitalized infrastructure where digital transactions become the norm rather than the exception. This approach allows Russia to gather valuable data on consumer behavior and further refine the digital ruble ecosystem before potentially extending it to other sectors.

The Timeline: From September 2026 to Completion in 2028

The roadmap is divided into precise phases. September 1, 2026, marks the crucial moment when digital ruble payments will officially become widely available. 2028, on the other hand, is the projected completion date for the entire Moscow metro expansion project, with the full operation of new lines and stations.

This multi-year program demonstrates Russia’s commitment to consolidating the digital ruble as a pillar of urban financial infrastructure. The combination of metro map expansion and digital currency adoption presents a unique opportunity to test and refine CBDC systems in a high-traffic environment, potentially providing replicable models for other Russian cities.