Russia: A striking video showing a tram moving around a depot without a driver has been released by Movista Group, which runs the concession project to develop and operate the interurban tram line linking Yekaterinburg and Verkhnyaya Pyshma. The footage was first shown in late November on the TMH stand at the Cities of Russia forum.
To carry out such trials, a 71‑911EM Lvionok tram built by PC Transport Systems (PK TS) has been fitted with additional solutions from TMH Smart Systems (TMH IS). The project follows agreements signed earlier this year between Movista Group, TMH IS and the Yekaterinburg city administration during this year’s INNOPROM exhibition.
Driverless operation of Verkhnepyshminskiy Tram at a depot. Source: Movista Group
According to the company, the tram can already complete all servicing stages without human input. Its obstacle‑detection system automatically stops the tram 7–10 metres before any obstruction on the track and resumes movement once the path is clear.
High levels of automation are also planned for passenger operation. To make this possible, the Russian Government will need to approve a special experimental legal framework for the route of Verkhnepyshminskiy Tram. This proposal is currently under consideration. “Based on the outcome of all trials, most likely by 2028, passengers will be able to experience fully autonomous trams in regular service”, Movista Group said in an official statement. Eleven trams are currently running under the concession.
Earlier, automated tram movements within depots were introduced in Taganrog, under a separate concession project led by Sinara — Transport Machines. Meanwhile, highly automated trams are already in service on routes in St Petersburg, and supervised passenger operation is under way in Moscow. None of these systems are fully driverless yet. They combine automatic driving and obstacle detection, while onboard staff remain responsible for passenger boarding, alighting, and handling any unforeseen situations.
Speaking to ROLLINGSTOCK, TMH IS noted that it has already developed systems for automated passenger boarding control and door management. The solutions have been demonstrated on electric trains, are being incorporated into new metro car designs, and could equally be applied to trams. However, the company also stresses that even with full automation, human presence on board will still be needed to assist passengers with limited mobility, maintain public order, and ensure vehicle condition and safety.
