In recent years Moscow has become a global leader in introducing smart technologies. Currently, the inhabitants of the capital can recharge their phones while they wait for the bus and access many free internet points. They intend, over time, to digitise all the administrative functions carried out by their hospitals and their patients, such as requesting a medical appointment online, get prescriptions electronically, etc.
Free Wi-Fi for all
Wi-Fi has been available on the subway since 2013, but now a different network has been created for ground transportation. As a result, users no longer need to register multiple times on the network (access to free networks requires registration). There is free internet in 24 parks across the city, including VDNJ, Gorki Park, Victoria Park, Moscow Zoo and Tsaritsino.
App to navigate on public transport
Thanks to the Moscow metro app, available in Russian and English, it is possible to organise your trip on any public transportation in the capital (including the Moscow Central Ring, suburban trains and the Aeroexpress). The app also calculates the prices, which is especially useful for tourists. You can also use it to recharge the Troika transport card, see a history of spending or look for parking near the metro stations. The app has information on the main attractions in Moscow and helps users to create an itinerary.
Pay with your smartphone
Paying your tickets with Samsung Pay or Apple Pay is possible. This system has been available since the end of 2016 at all stations in the Moscow Central Ring and 80 other metro stations. In the future, there will be machines that can be used with the smartphone in all metro stations.
Recharge points for the smartphone
If your Smartphone runs out of battery power, it can be charged at any of the 27 subway stations that have charging points or at any of the 16 stations in the Central Ring. In addition to the new wagons of the Moskva, which currently circulate along the metro line Tagansko-Krasnoprésnenskaya. The new electric buses also have chargers, but it is not yet known when they will travel to the Russian capital.
‘Smart’ bus stops
Since late 2016 there are smart bus stops in the centre of Moscow as well as on the main roads (Kashírskoye, Volgográdskoye, Varshávskoye, and Ryazánskoye). They have USB charging points, Wi-Fi space, electronic screens with schedules, alarm buttons and touch screens with information about restaurants, cafes, and banks as well as emergency phone numbers. They have a tempered glass to protect the passengers from the wind and a ceiling with light. There are also vending machines.
Alternative energy for the internet
Moscow parks have streetlights that have been running on solar batteries since 2012, to be more precise, they are panels of light that do not require direct sunlight to generate electricity, they can function off the lights that is provided throughout the day. Also, these panels produce an internet connection in the park Izamáilovo.
So, Moscow is putting itself into the pack as one of the leading smart cities across the globe and they have plans to continue the expansion of technology across the city.