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AutonomousTram Trial Mooted on Yekaterinburg-Verkhnyaya Pyshma Line
A potential experiment with an autonomous tram has been proposed for the dedicated tram line connecting Yekaterinburg and Verkhnyaya Pyshma. The 8.6 km route, which bypasses other forms of transport, presents an ideal testing ground due to its simplicity and modern infrastructure.
According to Alexander Koshkin, General Director of "Movista Yekaterinburg," the company has submitted an application for an experimental legal regime to legally test the innovative model. This program is set to continue until 2027, with the possibility of an extension to 2030, as per the Ministry of Transport.
The low-floor 71-911ЕМ "Lion" tram model, serviced by a smart depot with automated processes, will be used for the trial. However, minor modifications to the rolling stock are required, including the installation of cameras with machine vision, radars to detect obstacles, and additional computing power.
Technical feasibility studies have already confirmed the possibility of implementing an autonomous mode. The regional government has provided support, and, at present, a technical audit is being conducted to ensure safety by installing markers and sensors and automating switches.
With machine vision and digitization of the transport line and tram route, the autonomous tram will account for obstacles on the tracks. Computer technology will regulate speed for smoother braking and acceleration, preventing falls and injuries. If obstacles are detected on the road, the wagon will slow down to prevent accidents.
While the timeline for the trial remains uncertain, work on city infrastructure will be necessary to accommodate an unmanned system. This may include the adaptation of traffic lights and other elements of the city traffic management system.
Meanwhile, Moscow has led the way in autonomous transport, with an unmanned tram initially trialed in 2024 and slated to start independently transporting passengers in 2025. As the technological advancements bring evidence of increased efficiency and comfort, it is envisioned that the autonomous tram in Yekaterinburg could offer similar benefits in the future.
In terms of environmental considerations, autonomous urban electric transport is both profitable and eco-friendly, with a longer lifespan compared to buses or trolleybuses. Despite the ongoing usage of Czech trams from 1972 in Yekaterinburg following regular maintenance, modernizing the city's public transport infrastructure with autonomous trams presents an attractive long-term solution.
In a broader context, Russia's Ministry of Transport is exploring the integration of various autonomous transport modes into a single ecosystem. To achieve this, several infrastructure, legislative, and safety-related issues must be addressed. At present, discussions are ongoing about potentially uniting autonomous cars, drones, trains, and other forms of transport for efficient interaction. Crucial aspects remaining to be addressed include economic efficiency and safety.
While specific details regarding the extension of the autonomous tram line or its integration into the national autonomous transport system are unclear, it is evident that the government is committed to embracing emerging technology to modernize public transport and create smart cities. Further updates on the progress of this ambitious initiative are eagerly awaited.
- The proposed autonomous tram trial on the Yekaterinburg-Verkhnyaya Pyshma line, if successful, could potentially influence the automotive industry, as smart and autonomous vehicles may become common in cities due to their efficiency and eco-friendliness.
- The integration of autonomous transportation modes, such as trams and cars, into a single national ecosystem is being explored by Russia's Ministry of Transport, particularly in the finance sector, as this could lead to increased investment and economic growth in the transportation industry.
- As technology continues to advance in the field of transportation, it's predicted that the finance sector may see significant changes in terms of funding and infrastructure development, as cities strive to embrace smart technology and transform into modern, technologically-advanced urban centers.
