Yaroslavl Oblast ends cash payments on public transport

Cash payments on public transport in Yaroslavl Oblast will be abolished from April 1, Governor Mikhail Evraev announced.

«Along with updating the rolling stock, we are also introducing new payment systems. From April 1, we are switching completely to cashless payments. Money will no longer be accepted on public transport throughout the entire region,» said Mikhail Evraev.

It will be possible to pay fares using a bank card and the mobile apps «Yaroslavl Oblast. Transport» and «Yandex Go», which are on the «white list» and operate under mobile internet restrictions. At the same time, the head of the region clarified that glitches may occur when paying by card.

«There may be delays or glitches here due to security requirements,» clarified Mikhail Evraev.

The governor also mentioned that from April 1, the region will receive 204 new buses, which will be put into service on municipal and inter-municipal routes.

Since January 1, 2025, cash payments have not been accepted on public transport in Yaroslavl. Lawyer Andrey Alyoshkin told 76.RU that this violates passengers« rights. Human rights ombudsman Sergey Baburkin also advocated for a return of the possibility of paying in cash. The discussions were so heated that the prosecutor»s office intervened. As a result, law enforcement sent recommendations to the regional government on further work. It was concluded that the initiative does not contradict legal requirements as long as the possibility of paying the fare not only by card but also in cash, for example at a stop, is maintained.