Russia: One of the highlights of the INNOPROM 2025 trade fair in Ekaterinburg was the debut of the fully low-floor 71-952 Voevoda tram. With its increased passenger capacity, the new model is particularly well-suited for large urban areas that lack metro systems. The project represents a strategic milestone in the partnership between TMH and PC Transport Systems (PC TS), marking their entry into a new segment of light rail and urban mobility solutions in Russia.
Synergy of leaders
PC TS, the country’s largest tram manufacturer, commenced operations in 2013 and has since developed a range of innovative urban rail vehicles. Over the years, these models have played a pivotal role in the renaissance of tram systems across Russia. To date, PC TS has delivered more than 1,250 trams in various models and configurations to over 30 cities.
The company’s progress has been consistently supported by TMH, Russia’s leading rail transport manufacturer and a major player on the global stage. In 2014, TMH provided production facilities in Tver for the first PC TS trams. This collaboration has continued to strengthen, culminating in 2024 with the launch of the TMH Urban Transport subsidiary. This development elevated the partnership to a new, systemic level, enabling seamless cooperation focused on the needs of Russian cities.
Recognising the demand in several major urban centres for high-capacity light rail transit (LRT), PC TS conceived the five-car 71-952 model in the mid-2010s. However, the concept was not brought to production at that time.
Project ahead of its time
According to PC TS, at the time of the original concept’s development, there were no energy storage systems available that could effectively reduce starting currents. Calculations showed that the simultaneous start of two five-car trams similar to the 71-952 at an intersection would place a critical load on the power network. As a result, the early concept was primarily targeted at the European market, where infrastructure — such as that in Budapest — was better prepared to accommodate similar vehicles.
Today, the situation has evolved significantly. Transport infrastructure in Russia is advancing, and the demand for higher-capacity rolling stock is becoming increasingly pressing. As its product range has developed, PC TS has adopted new technologies and successfully addressed the primary challenge: creating electrical equipment compatible with various types of energy storage systems. The company has developed a universal kit that enables the use of different battery types, providing greater flexibility for autonomous operation. In addition, a modular system has been introduced, allowing the number of tram cars to be increased or reduced as required. This enables operators to adapt vehicles for specific tasks and routes without the need to return them to the manufacturer for reconfiguration.
“We have preserved the key engineering ideas and now, taking into account new technologies and accumulated experience, have been able to implement the project in full format. Moreover, the high-speed tram can be used on non-electrified tracks, which will allow connecting remote or new districts in growing metropolises,” PC TS notes.
New opportunities
The 71-952 tram has a design speed of 75 km/h and is equipped with a number of advanced technical solutions that ensure versatility and safety of operation. The vehicle is able to travel autonomously up to 15 km with a fully loaded passenger cabin, operating climate systems, and maintaining a service speed of 25 km/h. When equipped with more energy-intensive batteries charged at night, the range can reach 100 km. The recuperation system enables energy to be stored during braking and supplied to the drive during start-up, significantly reducing peak currents at the beginning of movement. The vehicle is also adapted for the installation of ARS-LRS systems for operation on lines with automation technologies adopted in the metro.
The 71-952 Voevoda tram by PC TS. Source: Sergey Belov/ROLLINGSTOCK
The pivoting bogie of the 71-952 tram by PC TS. Source: Sergey Belov/ROLLINGSTOCK
Thanks to pivoting bogies with even load distribution and specially designed articulation units, the high-speed tram 71-952 will confidently negotiate curves with a minimum radius of 16 m. This allows it to be operated even in densely built-up areas and in shuttle mode without a turning loop due to its bi-directional layout. Four bogies are used in a light rail vehicle in Russia for the first time, thus opening a new segment.
Excellence in comfort
The 71-952 measures 37.5 m in length. The spacious interior with panoramic glazing is 50 mm wider than the original concept. The tram provides 72 seats, with a maximum capacity of 400 passengers. The design also allows for the addition of two more cars, increasing total capacity to 500 passengers while maintaining compatibility with existing infrastructure.
Inside the 71-952 tram by PC TS. Source: Sergey Belov/ROLLINGSTOCK
Inside the 71-952 tram by PC TS. Source: Sergey Belov/ROLLINGSTOCK
A large boarding and alighting area has been added in the suspended section, featuring four doors to increase passenger flow efficiency. There are also dedicated spaces for passengers with reduced mobility and parents with prams, while the full-length gangway between the cabs simplifies seating and enhances safety on routes with tunnel and viaduct sections.
High boarding and alighting speeds are further ensured by the presence of 14 doors (seven on each side). The door design has been updated: they are now equipped with running signal lights and feature full glazing.
In the interior, traditional aluminium — commonly used by PC TS — has been utilised instead of plastic, significantly reducing fire load. Maximum comfort is provided by ergonomic seating, heated zones near the doors, special brackets for bicycles, a driver call button, boarding ramps, an improved climate control system, USB sockets, and multimedia systems. Double-sided information displays have been installed in the window openings, informing passengers inside and showing the route number and next stop outside.
Doors in the 71-952 tram by PC TS. Source: Sergey Belov/ROLLINGSTOCK
The driver’s cab of the 71-952 tram by PC TS. Source: Sergey Belov/ROLLINGSTOCK
For the driver, an ergonomic seat and an updated control panel are provided, with all frequently used buttons positioned on the armrest. Additional features include a rain sensor, a 360-degree camera system with parking sensors, a mobile workstation, and communication with the dispatcher.
An active driver assistance system based on Russian AI technologies has been integrated and adapted for the length of the five-car tram. The system monitors speed compliance, uses cameras and sensors to evaluate the traffic situation, and warns the driver in the event of a potential hazard. If the driver does not respond, it automatically initiates smooth braking. The system also monitors the driver’s condition and attentiveness.
Made in Russia
Between 2022 and 2024, PC TS invested over RUB 2.3 bln ($29.5 mln) of its own funds in developing production facilities and ensuring the sovereignty of its rolling stock. The result has been achieved: production localisation in Russia now stands at 95%, with the remaining 5% accounted for by electronics sourced from other countries. In recent years, new components have been substituted with domestically produced ones — for example, the production of reduction drives for tram cars is now fully localised. Previously, these were purchased from the Czech Republic, but today they are manufactured at PC TS’s subsidiary in Tver.
Serial production of the 71-952 is scheduled to begin at PC TS plants in 2026. The car body will be produced in Engels, painting and initial assembly will take place in Tver, and final assembly will be carried out in St Petersburg. The company notes that Russia has begun to see a revival of metrotram projects, which will require rolling stock capable of performing as light metro vehicles. Such projects are currently being implemented in cities with populations over one million, including Chelyabinsk and Krasnoyarsk.
At the Nevsky Plant of Electric Transport, part of PC TS. Source: PC TS
“The five-car high-speed LRT is seen as a natural response to growing passenger flows in major metropolitan areas. This solution is also relevant for agglomerations where there is a need to connect remote districts without undertaking large-scale metro construction”, PC TS believes. “Demand for such vehicles is already emerging, with prospects for both serial production and adaptation to specific operational requirements. The exact volume of potential orders is currently under discussion”.
The 71-952 high-speed tram combines a universal platform, high capacity, modern design with enhanced comfort, and intelligent control systems. Its functionality and convenience for all passenger categories make it a viable alternative to more extensive infrastructure solutions. Altogether, these features ensure the model meets both current and future requirements for urban electric transport.
