Just a year ago, a taxi ride from Domodedovo Airport to central Moscow cost 800-900 rubles. Today, the same route costs 1,200-1,300 rubles, and as much as 1,500 during peak hours. A similar situation is observed across the country: experts are recording fare increases of 20-30%, and this is just the beginning. The main reason is the law on the localization of taxi vehicles, which came into effect on March 1, 2026. Let's explore how these new regulations have changed the market and what this means for passengers.
What is the localization law and how does it work?
Starting March 1, 2026, new requirements for vehicles used for taxi services will be in effect in Russia. Now, to include a vehicle in the regional registry of carriers, one of two conditions must be met: either the vehicle must earn a certain number of localization points (3,200 points in 2026) or be manufactured under a special investment contract concluded between March 2022 and March 2025.
The Ministry of Industry and Trade approved the list of approved models, and it turned out to be quite limited. The list includes Russian-made vehicles and some Chinese brands assembled in the country: Lada (Granta, Iskra, Vesta, Aura, Largus, Niva Travel, Niva Legend), Moskvich, UAZ, Sollers, Evolute, Voyah, as well as Chinese models Haval Jolion, Haval F7, BAIC U5 Plus, and Kaiyi E5. In total, there are approximately 20 models from six manufacturers.
The law provides for exceptions. Vehicles that were added to the regional registries before March 1, 2026, can continue to operate without restrictions. Some regions have specific deadlines: in the Kaliningrad Region and the Siberian Federal District, the transition to the new rules will only occur on March 1, 2028, and in the Far Eastern Federal District, on March 1, 2030. However, starting January 1, 2033, all vehicles will be accepted into the taxi registry solely based on localization points, without any exceptions.
Why the law led to price increases: an analysis of the reasons
Expensive cars
The first and most obvious reason for the price increase is the cost of the vehicles themselves. Russian sedans approved for taxi service cost taxi companies between 1.2 and 2 million rubles. Chinese crossovers, such as the Haval, are even more expensive—from 2.5 million rubles and up.
By comparison, as recently as 2024-2025, taxi companies were heavily relying on Korean-made Kia Rios and Hyundai Solaris, which could be purchased for 1.5-1.8 million rubles, as well as the popular Volkswagen Polos and Skoda Rapids at similar prices. These models were known for their reliability, readily available spare parts, and low maintenance costs. Now, taxi company owners are forced to overpay for less reliable vehicles or forego fleet renewal altogether.