Moscow unveils ambitious plan for public transport fleet modernization by 2030

(MENAFN- CLW Transports) Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin has approved a comprehensive plan to modernize the city’s fleet and rolling stock through 2030. Deputy Mayor for Transport and Industry, Maksim Liksutov, announced the initiative, highlighting significant investments across various transport modes. The plan includes the acquisition of approximately 2,000 new metro cars, leading to a projected increase in modern rolling stock to over 90% by 2030. The complete modernization of Moscow Central Diameters MCD-3 and MCD- 4 is scheduled for completion by the end of 2025. Moreover, approximately 3,900 electric buses will be added to the city’s fleet by the end of 2030.
Key Initiatives:
• Moscow Metro:
Moscow continues to lead global metro systems in fleet renewal and average vehicle age reduction. Since 2010, over 4,700 new metro cars have been introduced, boosting the percentage of modern rolling stock from 13% to 76%. An average of 300 new cars are added annually.
The procurement of 560 Moskva-2024 cars is currently underway for delivery in 2024-2025, primarily destined for metro Line 2. The city plans to acquire an additional 2,000 cars by 2030, aiming for a fleet modernization exceeding 90%.
All new cars are domestically manufactured. Moscow accounts for approximately 90% of all Russian metro car orders, fostering significant growth within the domestic manufacturing sector. This substantial investment sustains over 360 enterprises across Russia, employing more than 30,000 individuals. The development of the next-generation Moskva-2026 train series is currently underway, incorporating feedback from passengers and train operators.

• Moscow Central Diameters (MCD):
The rolling stock on the Moscow Central Diameters is among the youngest in Europe. The first two diameters have been fully modernized, with completion of MCD-3 and MCD-4 expected by the end of 2025. The current fleet includes modern EP2D series trains, double-decker Aeroexpress trains, and 75 Russian Ivolga trains of four generations, all specifically designed for the MCD network.
The Ivolga is manufactured by Transmashholding, a leading Russian rolling stock producer, utilize 97% domestically sourced components. Moscow's investment represents approximately 75% of all orders within the Russian railway manufacturing sector.
Key features of the Ivolga include significantly wider entry doors (1.4 meters, 15% wider than standard suburban trains), enhancing passenger flow; advanced climate control and air purification systems; accessible USB charging ports; designated spaces for bicycles; and comprehensive safety features, including real-time technical monitoring. Accessibility features include dedicated spaces for families with children and passengers with disabilities. The air suspension technology ensures a smooth, quiet ride, and the open-plan design and ergonomic handrails contribute to a comfortable passenger experience.
The latest Ivolga 4.0 model incorporates a third door per car (excluding end cars) for even faster passenger flow, with each 11-car train having a capacity exceeding 2,500 passengers. The reduction in passenger boarding/alighting time is up to 30 percent. Currently, Ivolga of various generations are in service across Moscow's four MCD lines. Fifteen Ivolga 4.0 trains are currently operating on MCD-3 and MCD-4. Ten more fourth-generation units are scheduled for delivery by the end of 2024, further enhancing service capacity and frequency across the network.
• Electric buses:
Moscow currently holds the leading position in Europe for the number of electric buses in operation, with over 2,200 vehicles servicing more than 170 routes. Moscow's electric bus fleet is recognized globally for its exceptional value and quality.
The transition to electric buses significantly reduces the city's carbon footprint, with each electric bus replacing a traditional bus resulting in a 60-ton annual reduction in CO2 emissions. From 2018 to 2023, this transition has already led to a cumulative reduction of 130,000 tons of CO2 emissions.
Moscow uses lifecycle contracts for electric bus procurement. For 15 years following delivery, manufacturers bear full responsibility for vehicle maintenance and operational safety.
In 2024, manufacturers began supplying innovative electric buses with updated designs. The new LiAZ model features distinctive black side panels, while updated KamAZ models showcase a redesigned front hood and bumper, along with modified vertical sidelights, fog lights, and main headlight housings. Rear modifications include updated vertical taillights and turn signals, and a new red element visually connecting the taillights.
A new electric bus model, developed by order of the Moscow Government, is slated for mass production starting in 2025. This model will feature an extended range, advanced machine vision capabilities, and active safety systems. The traction batteries will be manufactured at a plant in Krasnaya Pakhra (New Moscow disctrict). Under the direction of Mayor Sergey Sobyanin, the Moscow government aims for a comprehensive transition to electric ground transportation. Approximately 3,900 electric buses are expected to be delivered by the end of 2030, bringing the total number of electric buses in operation to nearly 6,000 by 2030. By 2035, electric buses are projected to almost entirely replace traditional diesel buses within the Mosgortrans fleet.

• Tram fleet:
The city plans to acquire approximately 100 modern, low-floor trams in the coming years to complete the renewal of its tramway fleet. Currently, the Moscow Metro system operates around 550 trams, including over 500 modern, low-floor trams of Russian manufacture acquired in recent years. This includes 464 three-section Vityaz-Moscow next-generation trams, known for their durability, speed, quiet operation, and passenger comfort.
The Vityaz-Moscow trams boast a passenger capacity 1.5 to 2 times greater than previous models, accommodating up to 260 passengers (including up to 70 seated). The fully low-floor design ensures accessibility for passengers with reduced mobility, with dedicated spaces for wheelchairs and bicycles. The trams have a design speed of 75 kilometers per hour and feature six doors (two single-leaf and four double-leaf) for 30% faster passenger boarding and alighting.
Standard tram features include advanced control systems, GLONASS/GPS location tracking, video surveillance, mobile device charging ports, Wi-Fi, multimedia screens, and climate control in both the passenger cabin and driver's compartment. The reduction in noise pollution is remarkable, reaching 25-30 percent (from 82 to 60 decibels). The unique bogie design ensures a smooth ride, virtually eliminating wheel noise on turns. This significant reduction in noise levels has dramatically improved the quality of life for residents of nearby buildings. The service life of Vityaz-Moscow trams, under lifecycle contracts, is 30 years—almost double that of traditional models (16 years).

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