Integrated development of the Moscow tramway network recognized by Global Light Rail Awards

The Moscow tram became the winner of the Global Light Rail Awards — the largest international award in the spere of light rail and tram systems. The

Nowadays the fleet of sustainable electric public transport in Moscow consists of e-buses, trams, metro, the Moscow Central Circle, the Moscow Central Diameters, as well as new mobility services — e-car-sharing and e-scooter rent. The most efficient eco-friendly surface transport is the Moscow tram. It is not only comfortable, fast and sustainable mode of transport, but also the symbol of Moscow, which celebrated its 121st anniversary in April 2020.

The history of the formation of public transport in Moscow began in 1899 when the first electric tram was inaugurated. Before there were only horse trams, which cannot be properly called public transport. By 1915 the trams gained huge popularity in the city, 34 tram routes were built on 311 km of tram ways. With the opening of the first metro stations starting from the 1930s some of the tram ways were demounted, and the passenger flow decreased considerably.

In the mid 1990s a new wave of tram ways demounting started given the construction of highways and citizens’ priority to private car ownership. It seemed that tramway was a thing of the past.

Moscow resumed tramway network reconstruction in the beginning of the XXI century. On June 13, 2009 the first retro-tram parade took place in Moscow to celebrate 110 years of this mode of city transport.

The Government of Moscow with its policy on Green city increased the share of eco-transport. The tramway is the very mode of transportation that corresponds the contemporary view on electric sustainable transport for servicing a high-mobility city.

Starting from 2011 the tramway network has been rapidly reviving. Long-closed routes were restored, and new ones were built, including night routes. Thanks to the integrated approach to transport network improvement, such as the introduction of paid parking in the city center, actions aimed at decreasing the number of road accidents, the creation of modern convenient transportation hubs, there appeared the possibility to lower the headways and to extend the tram routes.

Nowadays, the length of the tram network is almost 420 km of solitary tracks. On a weekday more than 620 trams run on 40 routes, transporting 700K passengers daily (before COVID-19).

The city has also taken necessary measures to ensure smooth movement of trams along city streets, for example, the cycles at traffic lights were optimized. Reconfiguration of traffic lights is carried out in accordance with the principle of priority of urban public transport. This approach helped to increase the speed of tram routes and reduce travel time by 15-25 minutes. However, when reconfiguring traffic lights, fine-tuning is used to minimize the negative impact on other road users.

The major step in the development of tram network in Moscow is the inauguration of the Vityaz-Moskva trams in 2017 — the new-generation model, which is compatible with the trams from world’s leading manufacturers. The trams are quiet and smooth (30% less noise), have turnstile-free system (saves 25 mins on the route) and accommodate 70% more passengers. It has climate control and the tram is 100% adapted for low-mobility passengers. Wi-Fi and USB-chargers are the integral characteristics of any modern form of public transport. The Vityaz tram can carry up to 265 passengers, which is 2 times more than the previous models.

The Moscow trams are reliable (schedule compliance is 97%). The dedicated tram tracks allowed to reduce by 60% the number of road accidents, to reduce by 10 times the number of tram delays because of accidents associated with other transport or because of improper parking, to increase the speed by 20%, and also increase the number of passengers by 15%. 100% tram lines in Moscow will be reconstructed by 2024.

The Vityaz-Moskva trams transport 90M passengers annually with every day trips made by 300K passengers. The Vityaz-Moskva itineraries cover 15 Moscow neighborhoods.

It is planned that by 2024 the city tram fleet will be renewed, and will consist of the new generation vehicles. At present the fleet is renewed by 82%.

The Moscow trams are produced under a 15-year life-cycle contract. A producer is to provide full operation of the rolling stock and assume all risks of the fleet operation. A supplier gives financial guarantees — thus the city protects its investment in the development of e-transport. Suppliers also modernize repair zones at their own expense — they equip city parks for e-transport with all necessary advanced equipment for technical repairs. Taking into account the maintenance of the infrastructure, the operating costs are 10% lower comparing to ordinary purchase contracts.

To achieve a smooth and quiet ride, not only modern trams were developed, but also the infrastructure for this mode of transport was improved, first of all, new rails and sleepers were laid, as well as the drainage system and contact network were improved, and new type of stopping platforms was arranged. For reconstruction of tracks damping mats are used to reduce vibration while moving by 30%. That way trams move without additional noise and disturbance. Thus, the city cares not only about the convenience of passengers, but also about the people living in houses looking out on the street with tram lines.

One of the features of the Moscow tram network is the use of composite sleepers, which are produced from recycled materials, such as plastic bottles, packing materials and other waste. This kind of sleepers are more solid than wooden ones, and they do not need to be soaked with coal tar to prevent from rotting, which has a positive effect on the ecology of the city. This technology has been used in the city since 2018, and currently there are more than 33K composite sleepers laid, that is comparable to 2,5 tons of recycled plastic and 39M plastic bottles.

The Moscow trams are described in poems and prose, movies are made about them. It is a true symbol of Moscow, which brings more charm into the city. The old tram depots are architectural monuments of the last century, however since many of them are no longer used, they are falling into decay. That is why Muscovites support projects for the restoration and reconstruction of tram parks. The Miussky tram park, which is part of the ensemble of industrial architecture in Moscow and constructed with the launch of the first electric trams, received the status of a monument of regional significance in 2017. In 2019, repair and restoration work was completed here with an adaptation for modern use. Now it is one of the most popular spots in the city for people of all ages. Also, the oldest operating in Moscow Mosgortrans tram depot on Shabolovka street awaits reconstruction.

At a time when it is necessary to reduce congestion and to solve the air pollution problem to create an environment comfortable and safe for the life of the citizens, the tram transportation is gaining the support of decision-makers, and the passengers themselves, as well as international transport organizations, including the UITP, as the tram is the cleanest, quietest and most spacious surface transport. It is with this vision that the Government of Moscow is actively pursuing the development and modernization of the Moscow tram fleet.