Moscow – The launch of the first driverless tram marks a significant leap forward in Moscow’s public transport network.
“This innovative achievement highlights the potential of autonomous technology to revolutionize urban mobility, enhancing efficiency, safety, and convenience for riders,” remarked Maksim Liksutov, Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Transport and Industry.
Currently, preparations are in progress for the introduction of the second driverless tram in Moscow.
Liksutov explained on Thursday, (16 January 2025), that this advanced transport, based on the Lvyonok-Moskva model, has successfully traveled numerous kilometers at the Krasnopresnenskoye depot in the Strogino district.
At this point, the system is designed to mimic the actions of a human tram driver.
The testing site conditions closely replicate urban environments.
Experts have established a workspace for analysts inside the tram, where they are currently focused on the following tasks:
- Assessing the functionality of onboard radars, lidars, and cameras
- Evaluating the tram’s essential functions
“In 2024, we successfully completed the first phase and began the second phase of launching Russia’s first driverless tram,” Liksutov stated.
This innovative transport has traveled over 3,200 km across the city without violating traffic rules.
A driver oversees the tram’s operations on public roads, while the system autonomously manages vehicle control.
By 2025, it is expected to transition entirely to autonomous mode, as per the directives of Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin.
“We are currently preparing the second tram equipped with similar control technologies for its imminent launch,” Liksutov concluded.
