Moscow to introduce Driverless Tram services by late 2024, Metro to follow post-2030

Moscow, Russia (Metro Rail Today): Moscow is poised for a technological leap with the imminent launch of driverless tram services slated for the latter half of 2024. Maksim Liksutov, Deputy Mayor for Transport, unveiled details of this groundbreaking initiative, shedding light on the ongoing test runs conducted within the tram depot.

"This year marks the commencement of driverless tram operations at several key locations, anticipated to roll out in the latter part of 2024. Presently, the driverless tram is undergoing training to navigate autonomously within the depot. While a specialist oversees operations for now, the tram is equipped to drive itself, adept at identifying passengers and pedestrians, even in challenging scenarios," Liksutov disclosed during a lecture addressing Moscow's transport roadmap for 2030, tailored for local students.

Liksutov further underscored the tram's advanced capabilities, underscoring its capacity to detect vehicles, adhere to traffic signals, and even recognize animals such as dogs and cats, with the capability to halt if necessary. Moreover, the system boasts predictive algorithms to anticipate the behavior of both vehicles and pedestrians.

"Subsequently, our focus will shift towards transitioning all tram services to driverless operation, with the metro network slated for a similar transformation, albeit post-2030. While this timeline may seem distant, groundwork for this transition is already underway," the Deputy Mayor emphasized.

In addition, Liksutov referenced pioneering efforts by companies like Yandex and Sberbank in experimenting with driverless personal transport, illustrating Moscow's commitment to embracing cutting-edge technologies in urban mobility.

Addressing the burgeoning demand for skilled professionals in driverless technology, Liksutov articulated a vision of sustained relevance for such expertise in the coming decades, underlining the significance of continued innovation and adaptation in the transportation sector.

Looking ahead, Liksutov outlined plans for the gradual integration of driverless electric buses into the city's transit network, foreseeing a future where these buses operate autonomously, albeit with initial supervision from a human driver. This strategic evolution reflects Moscow's commitment to harnessing technological advancements to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of its public transportation system.

Moscow's foray into driverless tram services marks a significant milestone in the city's quest for innovation and efficiency in urban mobility. With plans underway for broader adoption across the metro network post-2030, the city is poised to embrace a future defined by autonomous transportation, ushering in a new era of convenience and sustainability for its residents.