Transport apps added to 'white list' in Yaroslavl

Apps for paying fares on public transport in Yaroslavl Oblast have been included in a white list. This means they will now work even under mobile internet restrictions. This was announced on February 4.

«From April 1 we are fully switching to cashless payments. Cash will no longer be accepted on public transport across the entire region. Therefore, the most reliable and convenient payment methods are the mobile apps «Yaroslavl Oblast. Transport» and «Yandex Go». They are included in the «white list» and work stably even under possible mobile internet restrictions,» said Governor Mikhail Yevrayev.

According to the head of the region, paying by bank card is also possible, but in this case delays or failures may occur due to security requirements.

From January 1, 2026, public transport fares in Yaroslavl increased from 38 to 42 rubles (less than $1 at current rates).

Recall that in Yaroslavl, since January 1, 2025, cash payments have not been accepted on buses. This innovation then sparked a wave of discontent among local residents. Lawyer Andrei Aleshkin told 76.RU that this violates passengers« rights. Human rights ombudsman Sergei Baburkin also advocated for the return of cash payment option.

The Yaroslavl Oblast prosecutor«s office even intervened. Law enforcement sent recommendations to the regional government on further action. It was concluded that the initiative does not contradict legal requirements if the possibility to pay not only by card but also with cash is maintained, for example at a stop. For cash, one can purchase a transport card at the »Universal Ticket Office«.

Earlier it became known that a monthly pass system was launched in four cities of Yaroslavl Oblast. Plastic cards will be issued to residents of Pereslavl-Zalessky, Rostov Veliky, Uglich and Danilov. The monthly pass cost in these cities will be 1,700 rubles ($19). By the way, previously passes were valid only in Yaroslavl and Rybinsk.