The Kazan Metro is a rapid-transit system serving the city of Kazan, Tatarstan, Russia. The Kazan Metro, a relatively recent addition to Russia's metro systems, began operations in Kazan, the capital of Tatarstan, on August 27, 2005. Currently, the Kazan Metro is a single-line system that extends for approximately sixteen kilometers and has eleven stations. It is the most advanced as well as the most modern of the Russian systems. Smart-card ticketing and semi-automatic train drives are features that were only being introduced in selected Moscow stations at the time. The system is operated by the municipal company Metroelectrotrans. Like all metros in Russia and the former USSR, each station has its own architectural theme. Currently five stations are single-vault, and five are pillar-span. In addition, a station is present on the joint glazed flyover. Despite initially having a single line, the Kazan Metro has expanded over the years, and its development is contributing to the efficient movement of residents and visitors within this dynamic and culturally rich city.