Moscow – The successful launch of the first driverless tram marks a significant milestone in the evolution of public transportation in Moscow, Russia.
“This innovative achievement demonstrates the potential for autonomous technology to revolutionise urban mobility, enhancing efficiency, safety, and convenience for commuters,” said Maksim Liksutov, Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Transport and Industry.
In Moscow, preparations have begun for the launch of the second driverless tram.
Liksutov explained on Thursday, (16 Janaury 2025), that the innovative transport based on the Lvyonok-Moskva model has already traveled several kilometers within the Krasnopresnenskoye depot in the Strogino district.
For now, the system only duplicates the actions of the driver who controls the tram.
The test site conditions are close to urban environments.
Specialists have already equipped a workplace for analysts inside the tram, and they are currently:
- Checking the performance of installed radars, lidars, and cameras
- Testing the basic functions of the tram
“In 2024, we successfully completed the first stage and began the second stage of launching Russia’s first driverless tram,” said Liksutov.
The innovative transport has traveled over 3 200 km around the city without violating traffic rules.
The driver monitors the tram’s actions on the streets, while the system controls the vehicle autonomously.
In 2025, it will fully transition to driverless mode, as instructed by Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin.
“We are now preparing the second tram with similar control technologies for launch,” said Liksutov.
