Russia has a comprehensive transportation network. Cities are served by good trolley and bus systems and Moscow has one of the most impressive subway systems in the world. In rural areas, car ownership is still low and the population relies on an extensive bus service. However, since 1991, all systems have seen some decline. The railroads, which were already declining in the Soviet era, are seriously overburdened and accidents and delays are increasing. About 20% of the railroad track should be renewed annually owing to frost and other damage. Shortage of funds means this is no longer done. Roads are also deteriorating, especially in major cities, but inter-urban highways are also affected. Crime is growing on railroads û notably the Trans-Siberian ûand roads.
Since 1991, many new airlines have been set up as routes are privatized. However, Aeroflot, the previous state monopoly airline, is still the largest. Now called Russian International Airlines on overseas routes, it uses Boeing aircraft on flights from Moscow to London, Paris, Frankfurt, New York and Tokyo.
Standards on international routes are generally high. However, the safety record of internal routes is declining.
