Moscow Authorities Prepare for Launch of Autonomous Metro Trains
Moscow’s authorities are preparing for the introduction of driverless metro trains, with a special 5G technology to be installed to connect the trains to the existing infrastructure, according to Deputy Mayor Maxim Lixutow. The official start of the test operation is planned for this year on the Grand Ring Line, with the technology to be gradually rolled out to other lines in the future. Lixutow stated, “The introduction of driverless trains will be a historic event for the Moscow Metro. Our top priorities are safety and the maintenance of the world’s shortest headway times during peak hours.”
The first plans for driverless metro trains were announced by Lixutow at the end of 2024. Moscow is following the example of St. Petersburg, which was the first Russian city to introduce autonomous public transportation. Since the end of 2022, autonomous trams have been in test operation on two lines in St. Petersburg. In May 2024, the first autonomous tram also entered service in Moscow.