Moscow tram shifts to new infrastructure maintenance method
Moscow trams adopted new infrastructure repair rules after merging with Moscow Metro, reports the city’s Department of Transport.
Now, all maintenance works are conducted at night or, in extreme cases, on weekends. The decision is based on passenger flow: on weekdays, about 160 thousand passengers use the tram lines where repairs are being carried out.
Another innovation is a reverse movement: trams run in both directions on a single track while another one is under repair. The method has not been implemented for several years: previously, the sections would closefor months with replacement bus service along tram lines.
Lastly, in order to launch operation as soon as possible, temporary tile are laid on tracks. As the trams return to operation, the ground sags and new repair is carried out to level the tracks and lay a new, permanent coating.
Moscow Metro has been managing city’s tram infrastructure since the beginning of 2021. The single management and standards aim at increasing speed, improving maintenance, reducing disruptions and cutting maintenance costs.