Russia
Moscow
UMR Index Rank
#43
(=)
Score: 48%
Sustainable Mobility
#31
(-1)
Score: 50.2%
Public Transit
#18
(+4)
Score: 59.1%
Technology Adoption
#41
Score: 35.5%
| Population | 15.3 million |
| Surface area (km2) | 2,562 |
| Population-density (people/km2) | 5,970 |
| GDP per capita ($) | 31,609 |
UMR Index Rank
#43
(=)
Score: 48%
Sustainable Mobility
#31
(-1)
Score: 50.2%
Public Transit
#18
(+4)
Score: 59.1%
Technology Adoption
#41
Score: 35.5%
What Moscow Does Well In Urban Mobility
Moscow has a diverse multimodal public transit network with high ridership levels, driven by its affordable fares and quick commutes. The city is continuing to invest in extending the metro and in 2023 reportedly completed a 70-kilometer (43-mile) metro line with 31 stations that circles the city. The project cost an estimated ₽500 billion ($6.6 billion) and is one of the largest Russian infrastructure projects in decades. Similarly, the first 8 kilometers (5 miles) of another new metro line in the city’s southwest was inaugurated in September 2024. The complete line is expected to be in service by 2029 and serve up to 25,000 passengers daily.
Despite its considerable size and population, Moscow has moderate to good air quality levels. Since 2010 the city has improved air quality, for example by restricting the amount of freight transport on city roads while simultaneously investing in new road infrastructure to remove heavy transport from the central city. Moscow also has invested in efficient traffic light management and claims to have one of the largest electric bus fleets in Europe as of 2024.
Urban Mobility Readiness Index, Sustainable Mobility, Public Transit, and Technology Adoption scores
Source: Oliver Wyman Forum and University of California, Berkeley
Challenges And Opportunities For Moscow’s Transportation System
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine significantly impacted Russia’s international connectivity and accessibility, including the number of international connecting flights. Moscow’s supply-chain infrastructure and services have weakened since the war began in 2022. More than 1,000 companies have curtailed or ceased operations in Russia since then, according to reports.
Moscow lags in the adoption of new urban mobility technologies. The city is behind in adopting electric vehicles (EVs) and in providing the necessary charging station infrastructure. While EV sales are growing, partly thanks to Chinese EV makers, and new charging stations are being installed, Moscow still trails far behind its peers.
Dimensions of the Urban Mobility Readiness Index score
Source: Oliver Wyman Forum and University of California, Berkeley
How Moscow Can Improve Its Urban Mobility Performance
The city can increase incentives for EVs by offering registration tax exemptions, larger purchase subsidies, or special access lanes. While Moscow is already investing in public charging stations, it can support private companies developing chargers through incentives and public-private partnerships.
Moscow’s cycling infrastructure is underdeveloped. It can improve by investing more in cycling lanes, including ones with protective barriers in high-traffic areas to ensure sufficient safety for cyclists. It also can continue promoting e-bikes through the Velobike public bike-sharing program, which can encourage cycling adoption in a city that often faces harsh winters and low temperatures.
Urban Mobility Readiness Index relative ranking evolution (2020-2024)
Source: Oliver Wyman Forum and University of California, Berkeley