Arkhangelsk Region Deploys Alternative Navigation System for Public Transit
The system has already been successfully tested on one of the region’s bus routes.
Public transportation performance in any Russian region depends in large part on reliable navigation systems that track vehicle locations. Typically, the entire infrastructure relies on satellite navigation. But operations become more reliable when backup channels are available to provide more accurate location data.
Supplementing GLONASS Data
Authorities in Arkhangelsk region have taken this approach. They are deploying an alternative navigation system for public transit to address the problem of distorted satellite signals. The region has begun using a network of fixed-position navigation markers to supplement data collected by GLONASS-based tracking devices. The technology was developed by specialists at the Arkhangelsk Telecommunications Center, which operates the region’s navigation and information system.
“The pilot project was successfully tested on Route 144 between Arkhangelsk and Novodvinsk. Throughout September, 10 buses operated daily with dual monitoring in place. Monitoring results confirmed that 99.9% of scheduled trips were completed,” said Alexander Tsybulsky, governor of Arkhangelsk region.
Connecting Thousands of Vehicles
The new technology offers tangible benefits to both transit operators and passengers. It makes it possible to track vehicle movements even when communications deteriorate.
Arkhangelsk region’s Regional Navigation and Information System (RNIS) is a digital platform that aggregates real-time transportation data. It provides an up-to-date picture of the entire network, helps operators monitor routes, improves transportation safety and supports management decisions based on accurate information. RNIS brings together navigation data, vehicle monitoring, dispatching and passenger information services. According to the system operator, more than 3,000 vehicles are registered on the platform, including buses, ambulances, school buses and municipal service vehicles.
Bringing Technologies Together
The project in Arkhangelsk region is a strong example of how navigation equipment, telematics protocols and a regional digital platform can be integrated. In practice, telecommunications infrastructure is helping keep public transportation running reliably. The region has gained experience in building more resilient monitoring systems, an approach that could be scaled to other parts of Russia.
The alternative navigation system helps provide more accurate vehicle location data. For a more comprehensive solution, however, backup data-transmission channels are also needed to maintain operations when communications are disrupted.
In 2024, Russia’s Ministry of Transport and JSC GLONASS began testing a Federal Navigation and Information System built on the ERA-GLONASS state platform. The platform can consolidate data from different regions, integrate with external services and transmit information about vehicle movements. The Arkhangelsk project can supply additional data feeds from the region to support this broader system.
Pilot Project in Kaluga Region
Arkhangelsk region is not the only example. On September 1, Kaluga region began testing an alternative navigation system developed by JSC GLONASS. The technology was introduced on three trolleybus routes. Special alternative-positioning markers tied to precise coordinates were installed near stops, and identifiers were placed on the vehicles. As a trolleybus approaches a stop, its track is detected by the monitoring platform built on ERA-GLONASS and then transmitted to dispatch systems used by the city and transit operators, as well as to mapping services and mobile apps used by passengers.
This project, as does its Arkhangelsk counterpart, illustrates an important trend: digital services become more reliable when they do not depend exclusively on a single data source. Additional navigation markers can improve location accuracy. One of the most promising directions for further development is to combine backup positioning sources, resilient data-transmission channels, standardized data exchange and reliable server infrastructure.
