Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin launched the first fully autonomous tram on route No. 10 from Shchukinskaya metro station to Kulakova Street in northwest Moscow. The tram is model 71-911EM “Lvyonok-Moskva” (Moscow Lion Cub), equipped with cameras, lidars, and radars.

“Today is an important day in the history of Moscow and all Russian transport. For the first time, a vehicle that is not controlled by a driver is entering a regular route,” the mayor reported. The autonomous tram independently makes stops, opens and closes doors, follows traffic signals, yields to pedestrians, determines how to navigate intersections, and switches tracks, according to the announcement.

Testing occurred in several stages. Since May 2024, the tram operated without passengers at night, with a driver supervising the automation. In July 2024, the Russian government launched a three-year experimental legal framework for autonomous trams in Moscow and St. Petersburg, after which the second testing phase began with passengers onboard. Under the framework’s conditions, vehicles must be equipped with a triangular “Autonomous Transport” sign and a system that disengages autopilot in emergencies. For the first 3,000 km (150 operating hours), a test engineer was required to be in the cabin. Subsequently, if no accidents occurred, a transition to remote control without a person in the cabin was permitted.

By the end of 2025, city authorities plan to equip three more “Lvyonok” trams on the same route with autonomous technology, and by the end of 2026, a total of 15 vehicles. By 2030, city officials aim to integrate the autonomous module into 300 trams (about two-thirds of the current fleet), and by 2035, into 90% of the fleet. An employee will still be present on the autonomous tram for monitoring movement and fare control. “In case of emergencies, the employee is required to open or close doors and resolve other issues that arise. They will not intervene in tram operation: artificial intelligence and specialized software ensure fully autonomous movement,” the announcement clarified.

In December 2025, the city promises to launch the first autonomous metro train. Initially, it will run on the Big Circle Line in test mode at night; by the end of 2026, a working prototype train that carries passengers in regular operation is planned.

What was known about the autonomous tram launch.

Shchukinskaya metro station

Shchukinskaya is a Moscow Metro station that opened in 1975 as part of the city’s northern extension of the Tagansko-Krasnopresnenskaya line. It is named after the adjacent Shchukino District, which itself derives its name from the historic Shchukin family estate. The station features a simple, functional design typical of the late Soviet era, characterized by its single-vault architecture constructed from prefabricated concrete elements.

Kulakova Street

I am unable to provide a specific historical summary for “Kulakova Street” as it is a common street name found in many cities across Russia and other post-Soviet countries. The name typically honors a local or national figure with the surname Kulakov. To get an accurate summary, the specific city or town would be needed.

Moscow

Moscow is the capital and largest city of Russia, with a history dating back to its founding in 1147. It has long been the country’s political and cultural heart, symbolized by the iconic Kremlin fortress and Red Square at its center. These historic sites have witnessed centuries of tsarist rule, the Soviet era, and its modern status as a major global metropolis.

St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg is a historic Russian port city founded in 1703 by Tsar Peter the Great as his “window to the West.” It served as the imperial capital of Russia for over two centuries and is renowned for its grand Baroque and Neoclassical architecture, including the Winter Palace and the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood. Often called the “Venice of the North” for its extensive network of canals and bridges, the city is a major global cultural center.

Big Circle Line

The Big Circle Line is a major expansion of the Moscow Metro, which opened in stages between 2018 and 2023. It is one of the world’s longest metro circle lines, designed to relieve congestion on the city’s central hub by connecting outlying districts. The project’s history is rooted in urban plans dating back to the Soviet era, but it was realized with modern tunneling technology in the 21st century.

route No. 10

“Route No. 10” is a major highway in Japan, also known as the Higashi Kyushu Expressway, which runs along the eastern coast of Kyushu island. It was developed as a key transportation artery to connect major cities like Kitakyushu and Miyazaki, facilitating economic development and travel in the region. The route plays a significant role in the infrastructure of southern Japan.

71-911EM “Lvyonok-Moskva”

The “71-911EM Lvyonok-Moskva” is a modern, low-floor tram model that entered service in Moscow in 2021. Its name, which translates to “Little Lion-Moscow,” reflects its design and production in the city of Lviv. These trams were introduced as part of a larger fleet renewal to provide more comfortable and accessible public transportation in the Russian capital.

Moscow Lion Cub

The “Moscow Lion Cub” is not a historical site but a popular modern bronze sculpture of a lion cub located in the Sokol district of Moscow. It was created by sculptor Alexander Tsigal and installed in 2005, becoming a beloved local landmark. The statue is often associated with a famous Soviet-era children’s song called “The Lion Cub and the Turtle,” which contributes to its nostalgic charm.