Russia: The two-section LRV was unveiled at Nevsky Electric Transport Plant (part of PC Transport Systems, PC TS). The event was attended by Kirill Polyakov, Vice Governor of St Petersburg, and Denis Minkin, Head of the city’s transport committee.
The Korsar initial modification was launched in 2020, becoming Russia’s first 100% low-floor tram for one-metre gauges, as in the cities of Kaliningrad, Pyatigorsk and Yevpatoria. In 2022, a fleet of 16 such trams entered service on Kaliningrad’s lines and has covered over two million kilometres for five years.
The tram’s renewal has been conducted considering the experience and feedback from passengers and drivers. It took the manufacturer nearly 18 months to design the new modification. Preserving a passenger capacity of 177 people, the restyled model now boasts more seats, with the number increased from 29 to 31. The interior features USB ports, Wi-Fi and dedicated spaces for people with reduced mobility, bicycles and prams.
Restyled 71-921 Korsar narrow-gauge tram unveiled by PС TS. Source: PC TS
The boarding and alighting are reportedly 15–20% faster thanks to an advanced bogie construction. The time needed for maintenance and repair is reduced by 30%, while the energy efficiency is increased by 18%. In addition, the driver’s cab has been fitted with a renewed control panel and the Antison (literally Antisleeping) system, which allows for monitoring the driver’s condition to prevent falling asleep. In case of emergency, the Korsar can now run autonomously for one kilometre in battery mode. It is also worth noting that the vehicle has been equipped with a multifunctional set of couplers to ensure the tram’s coupling with any type of rolling stock.
According to Andrey Yukhnenko, CEO of PC TS, the prototype of the renewed Korsar is scheduled to arrive in Pyatigorsk in late August to undergo trial operation. After a month of testing of the new solutions, the technical documentation will be adjusted. “Next year, we expect to receive orders for the tram and deliver the new LRVs to Pyatigorsk, among other cities. […] We estimate that from 50 to 100 Korsars are currently required in Russia,” as Interfax cites Mr Yukhnenko.
