Vladivostok overhauls public transport to lure riders from cars

Vladivostok is taking steps to modernise its public transport system amid stagnant passenger numbers. The city, known for its high car dependency, has launched several initiatives to improve services and attract more riders. Officials admit that further upgrades are needed to make buses and trains more convenient for residents.

Over the past three years, annual ridership in Vladivostok has remained flat at around 60 million paid trips. Despite this, the city administration has kept fares affordable, resisting calls from operators to raise prices. The cost of running public transport here is also higher than in western Russia, adding financial pressure.

To address service quality, the city is recruiting more drivers to meet operational standards. New buses have been introduced as part of a fleet modernisation effort, though exact numbers have not been disclosed. Additionally, a light metro project is in development, repurposing existing railway lines for urban passenger routes. This initiative is being carried out with Russian Railways (RZD) and federal government backing. Vladivostok remains one of Russia's most car-reliant cities, with six vehicles registered for every ten residents. Officials acknowledge that making public transport more attractive will require further improvements in comfort, reliability, and accessibility.

The city's efforts include new buses, a future light metro, and expanded driver recruitment. While ridership has not grown, officials aim to boost usage by maintaining low fares and upgrading infrastructure. The success of these measures will depend on how well they address the needs of Vladivostok's commuters.