Moscow [Russia], September 11 (ANI): Moscow has officially launched Russia’s first autonomous tram carrying passengers, marking a significant milestone in the country’s public transport innovation, the Moscow city government announced.
This pioneering project is a key component of Moscow’s transport development strategy toward 2030. By that year, the city plans to equip more than 300 trams with autonomous technology, aiming for these vehicles to account for 90 percent of the tram fleet by 2035.
According to TV BRICS, the newly introduced autonomous tram can make stops independently, operate doors, obey traffic signals, yield to pedestrians, and automatically switch tracks, all while adhering strictly to schedules. Since May 2024, the tram has completed more than 8,000 kilometers of rigorous testing without a single traffic violation, demonstrating the system’s reliability and safety.
Under current federal legislation, an operator remains in the cabin during operation to supervise the system and handle non-driving tasks such as fare control. However, the tram’s driving functions are fully managed by artificial intelligence and advanced software developed in Moscow.
The launch followed three stages of trials: night runs without passengers, supervised journeys with passengers, and ultimately full autonomous service.
By the end of 2025, Moscow plans to have three autonomous trams in regular operation, expanding the fleet to 15 by 2026. In addition to the tram project, the city is preparing to test its first autonomous metro train starting in December 2025. Full passenger service for the autonomous metro is anticipated by 2026, further reinforcing Moscow’s position as a global leader in smart public transport solutions.
This initiative reflects Moscow’s commitment to technological advancement and sustainable urban mobility, aiming to improve passenger experience, reduce emissions, and enhance traffic efficiency in the long term. (ANI)
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