Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin launched the first fully autonomous tram service on Wednesday, September 3, along Route 10 from Shchukinskaya metro station to Kulakova Street in northwest Moscow. The tram is model 71-911EM “Lvyonok-Moskva” (Little Lion-Moscow), equipped with cameras, lidars, and radars.

“Today is an important day in the history of Moscow and all Russian transportation. For the first time, a vehicle that is not operated by a driver is entering regular service,” the mayor announced. 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 city administration’s statement.

Testing occurred in several stages. Since May 2024, the tram operated without passengers during nighttime hours, with a driver monitoring the automated systems. 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 this framework, vehicles must be equipped with a triangular “Autonomous Transport” sign and a system that disables autopilot during emergencies. For the first 3,000 km (150 operating hours), a test engineer was required to be in the cabin. Following this period without accidents, remote operation without anyone in the cabin was permitted.

By the end of 2025, city authorities plan to equip three more “Little Lion” trams with autonomous technology on the same route, and by the end of 2026—a total of 15 vehicles. By 2030, city officials aim to integrate autonomous modules into 300 trams (approximately two-thirds of the current fleet), and by 2035—into 90% of tram cars. A tram company employee will still be present in autonomous trams for now—to monitor operations and oversee fare payment. “In case of emergencies, the employee must open or close doors and resolve other issues that arise,” the city administration explained. “They will not intervene in tram operation: artificial intelligence and specialized software ensure completely autonomous tram movement.”

In December 2025, the city administration promises to launch the first autonomous metro train as well. Initially, it will operate on the Big Circle Line in test mode during nighttime hours, with a working prototype train expected to carry passengers in regular service by the end of 2026.

What was known about the autonomous tram launch

Moscow

Moscow is the capital and largest city of Russia, with a history dating back over 800 years to its founding in 1147. It has served as the political and cultural heart of the Russian state for much of its history, symbolized by iconic sites like the Kremlin and Red Square. These historic centers have witnessed everything from the rule of the tsars and the Soviet era to its modern status as a major global metropolis.

Shchukinskaya metro station

Shchukinskaya is a metro station on the Moscow Metro’s Tagansko-Krasnopresnenskaya line, opened in 1975. It is named after the surrounding Shchukino District, which itself derives from the historic Shchukin family estate. The station features a simple, functional design typical of the era, with white marble and stainless steel accents.

Kulakova Street

I am unable to provide a specific summary for “Kulakova Street” as it is a common street name found in many cities across Russia and other post-Soviet countries. Without knowing the specific city, I cannot confirm its history or cultural significance. To find accurate information, please specify which city’s Kulakova Street you are referring to.

Route 10

Route 10 is a major north-south highway in the United States, running approximately 2,400 miles from the Pacific Coast in Santa Monica, California, to Jacksonville, Florida. Historically, it was one of the original long-haul routes established in the U.S. Highway System in 1926, facilitating cross-country travel and commerce. While much of its original route has been replaced or decommissioned in favor of the Interstate Highway System, particularly by Interstate 10, it remains a significant cultural symbol of American road trips and the nation’s early automotive era.

71-911EM “Lvyonok-Moskva”

The 71-911EM “Lvyonok-Moskva” is a modern Russian tram model, named after Moscow (Moskva) and the affectionate term for a lion cub (Lvyonok). It was developed by PC Transport Systems and first entered service in Moscow in 2022, designed as a single-section, low-floor tram to improve accessibility and urban transport. Its history is part of a recent initiative to modernize Moscow’s extensive tram network with more efficient and comfortable rolling stock.

St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg was founded in 1703 by Tsar Peter the Great as Russia’s “window to the West” and served as the imperial capital for over two centuries. The city is renowned for its grand, planned architecture, including the Winter Palace and the Hermitage Museum, which reflect its opulent royal history. Its historic center, crisscrossed by canals and Neva River embankments, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Big Circle Line

The Big Circle Line is a major expansion of the Moscow Metro, which opened its first section in 2018 and was largely completed in 2023. This 70-kilometer line forms a huge circle around the city center, connecting outlying districts and drastically reducing travel times. It is celebrated for its modern, architecturally striking stations, many of which feature unique artistic designs.

Russian transportation

Russian transportation has historically been defined by its vast railways, most notably the Trans-Siberian Railroad, which was completed in 1916 to connect European Russia with the Far East. This network remains the backbone of the country’s logistics and passenger travel, supplemented by developing air, road, and maritime systems to serve its enormous territory.