MOSCOW – In a key achievement of domestic production, Moscow Metro has announced that the Moscow Troika Card is currently fully manufactured in Zelenograd, Russia.
Deputy Mayor Maxim Rikstov announced this week that both the card and its microchip have been fully produced in Moscow since the end of 2023.
Over 3.5 million locally made cards have already been delivered to Moscow Metro.
5-stage production process
Moscow Metro explained that the troika cards were manufactured through a complex five-stage process.
Microchip Production – Microchips are manufactured from silicon wafers in special “clean” rooms. The latest troika chips are produced entirely domestically.
COB Module Production – Chip (COB) modules on the board protect the microchip from damage. This includes removing the chip from the wafer, attaching it to the board, and surrounding it by a protective casing.
Inlay Production – Pre-marked film available for future cards. Here, a COB module is soldered to the antenna, forming a functional RFID tag that can interact with turnstyles and valtters.
Card Printing and Design – Recognizable Troika Card Design applies. The inlay is wrapped in plastic, ensuring a visual appearance.
Card Personalization – A unique identification number is programmed into the chip's memory and linked to the Moscow Metro database. This number tracks balance, fare eligibility, and other user-specific information.
Advanced technology and security
Each Troika card consists of five layers.
Transparent protective layer with chip and antenna back print layer Front print layer embedded layer Additional protective transparent layer
“The chip itself is grown on silicon wafers, a process that takes up to three months,” Moscow Metro said.
“The latest Russian chips boast three times more memory and adhere to the highest security standards.”
Pillars of the Moscow ticket system
The Troika card, released in 2013 under the direction of Mayor Sergey Sobyanin, became the backbone of Moscow's transportation ticket system.
Efficiently calculate over 3,500 freight options based on transport modes, zones and path validity.
“Developing a ticket system based on Russian technology is an important step to ensure the stability and security of Moscow's urban transport network,” said Liksutov.
“The complete localization of Troika Card production highlights Moscow's commitment to technical self-sufficiency and a seamless travel experience for millions of passengers.”
