Moscow has launched Russia’s first autonomous passenger tram, powered by AI, marking a leap in public transport innovation.
MOSCOW: Russia has entered a new era of public transport with the launch of its first autonomous passenger tram controlled by artificial intelligence. The tram, unveiled by the Moscow Government, represents a major step forward in the city’s transport development strategy, which runs until 2030.
The AI-powered tram is capable of making stops, opening and closing doors, following traffic signals, yielding to pedestrians, and even switching tracks — all while maintaining strict timetables. Since May 2024, it has completed over 8,000 kilometres of testing without a single traffic violation.
Although the vehicle is fully operated by AI and advanced software developed in Moscow, federal legislation requires a human operator to remain inside the cabin. This supervisor oversees fare control and other non-driving functions, ensuring passenger safety.
The project went through three testing phases before passenger service began: night runs without passengers, monitored trips with passengers, and finally, full autonomous operation.
By the end of 2025, Moscow plans to have three AI-controlled trams in service, expanding to 15 by 2026. Looking further ahead, the city has also announced the launch of its first autonomous metro train trials in December 2025, with passenger operations set for 2026.
This move cements Moscow’s ambitions to become a leader in smart urban mobility, with officials expecting over 300 trams to be equipped with autonomous technology by 2030, rising to 90 per cent of the network by 2035.
