Moscow has launched Russia’s first autonomous passenger tram, marking a significant advancement in the country’s public transportation sector. The vehicle, equipped with artificial intelligence and developed using locally engineered software, began regular service with passengers on board on September 9. It operates along Tram Route 10 in the northwestern part of the city, between Shchukinskaya Metro Station and Kulakova Street.
According to the Moscow Government, the autonomous tram can independently perform all essential operations. These include stopping at designated stations, opening and closing doors, adhering to traffic signals, switching tracks, and yielding to pedestrians. The tram is fully controlled by AI systems without manual input from a driver during movement, although a human operator remains in the cabin to supervise the system and manage tasks such as fare collection, in accordance with Russian federal legislation.
The vehicle underwent over 8,000 kilometers of testing since May 2024 prior to its public launch. Authorities confirmed that no traffic violations occurred during these trials. The testing process was divided into three phases, starting with night runs without passengers, progressing to supervised trips with passengers, and culminating in autonomous public operations. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin described the launch as a key development in the city’s transport modernization program.
Russia launches first AI-powered tram into public service
The tram is part of the Moscow Transport Strategy to 2030, which outlines a phased transition to automated systems across the public transportation network. Under this strategy, more than 300 trams are planned to be equipped with autonomous technology by the end of the decade. Authorities estimate that up to 90 percent of the city’s tram fleet will be autonomous by 2035. Three autonomous trams are expected to be operational by the end of 2025, with that number projected to increase to 15 by 2026.
In parallel, Moscow’s Department of Transport announced plans to begin testing the city’s first autonomous metro train in December 2025. If the trials proceed as scheduled, full passenger operations for the unmanned metro service could commence in 2026. The AI system responsible for controlling the tram has been developed by Moscow-based engineers and integrates a complex network of sensors, cameras, and onboard computing infrastructure. This enables the tram to analyze its environment in real time and make decisions without human input.
Moscow’s AI tram built using domestic technology
The onboard operator monitors the system and is prepared to intervene if necessary, but the vehicle’s routine functions are entirely automated. The autonomous tram program previously received national recognition. In May 2025, the project was awarded the Grand Prix in the Digital Region category at the CDO/CDTO Awards. This accolade followed earlier regulatory approvals from the Russian Ministry of Economic Development, which authorized the phased introduction of AI-driven public transport vehicles in select urban areas. Moscow’s tram system is among the oldest in the world, dating back to the 19th century.
The integration of autonomous technology into this legacy infrastructure marks a turning point in the evolution of urban mobility in Russia. The city’s transit authorities confirmed that the newly launched autonomous trams are manufactured domestically and meet all current safety and technical standards required for public service. No incidents or disruptions were reported during the tram’s initial day of operation. City officials stated that monitoring will continue throughout the rollout phase to ensure compliance with transportation regulations and public safety protocols. – By Content Syndication Services.