81-765/766/767 "Moscow"

81-765/766/767 "Moscow"
Name	81-765/766/767 "Moscow"
Service	2018–present
Manufacturer	Metrowagonmash, Moscow Metro, TMH
Family	81-765 series
Yearconstruction	2016–present
Yearservice	2018
Numberbuilt	1,600+ (approx.)
Formation	8-car and 3-car sets
Capacity	250–600 (varies)
Operator	Moscow Metro, Minsk Metro, Saint Petersburg Metro
Carbody	stainless steel
Carlength	19–20 m
Width	2.69 m
Maxspeed	100 km/h
Traction	asynchronous motors
Electricsystem	825 V DC third rail
Brakes	regenerative, pneumatic
Gauge	1,520 mm

81-765/766/767 "Moscow" is a family of Russian metro cars developed for high-capacity rapid transit networks, primarily deployed on the Moscow Metro and ordered for other systems. Designed to modernize rolling stock with open gangways, energy-efficient traction and modular interiors, the series replaced older models across several lines. The trains reflect collaboration among Metrowagonmash, Transmashholding, and municipal transport authorities to meet the demands of expanding urban networks such as Bolshaya Koltsevaya Line and extension projects.

Design and specifications

The trains use stainless steel car bodies with wide doors and open gangways inspired by designs from Moscow Metro, Metrowagonmash, and international trends seen on systems like London Underground and Paris Métro. Bogies and traction equipment are derived from configurations used by Transmashholding and incorporate asynchronous motors similar to units tested for Russian Railways commuter stock. The electrical system utilizes 825 V DC third rail compatible with legacy substations found on Moscow Metro lines, while regenerative braking returns energy to the network, echoing techniques used on Sapsan and modern High-speed rail projects. Dimensions and loading gauge comply with the broad gauge standards of Russian gauge infrastructure and are optimized for platforms at stations like Komsomolskaya and Park Pobedy.

Development and manufacturing

The development program began after procurement dialogues between Moscow City Hall, Moscow Metro, and manufacturers such as Metrowagonmash and Transmashholding, with industrial support from United Wagon Company subsidiaries. Prototypes underwent trials on test tracks associated with Moscow Institute of Railway Engineers and were certified by agencies tied to Ministry of Transport. Manufacturing takes place at facilities historically linked to the Zavod imeni Likhacheva lineage and modern plants in closures near Mytishchi and Moscow Oblast. Contracts often referenced procurement frameworks similar to those used by the Saint Petersburg Metro and export negotiations with operators like Minsk Metro.

Variants and configurations

The family includes motor cars (81-765), intermediate motorless trailers (81-766), and driver cab cars (81-767), providing flexibility for formations across lines such as Bolshaya Koltsevaya Line, Lublinsko-Dmitrovskaya Line, and Arbatsko-Pokrovskaya Line. Configurations range from eight-car sets used on high-demand corridors to three-car and four-car sets for shuttle services akin to patterns on Minsk Metro and Kazan Metro. Interior modularity supports variants tailored for airport links, express services similar to Aeroexpress, and lines with platform screen doors as on some Moscow Central Circle stations.

Operational history

Entry into service began in 2018 with deployments prioritized on newly opened segments of the Moscow Metro expansion program, including the Bolshaya Koltsevaya Line rollout and east–west extensions. The series progressively replaced ageing fleets like the 81-717/714 family and supported peak-direction capacity increases at interchange hubs such as Kievskaya and Belorusskaya. International deliveries and demonstrations occurred for operators including Minsk Metro and consultations with delegations from Tashkent Metro. The trains have been part of discussions around fleet modernization comparable to initiatives by New York City Subway and Berlin U-Bahn agencies.

Interior layout and passenger amenities

Interiors feature open gangways, longitudinal seating, and LED passenger information systems echoing user-interface practices from London Underground and Tokyo Metro refurbishments. Accessibility enhancements include spaces for wheelchairs consistent with standards promoted by International Association of Public Transport delegates and tactile signage used in stations like Kitay-gorod. HVAC systems provide climate control for Moscow winters similar to retrofits used on Saint Petersburg Metro stock, while CCTV, dynamic route maps, and USB power outlets reflect passenger expectations set by fleets on Seoul Metro and Hong Kong MTR.

Safety and performance

Safety equipment comprises automatic train protection compatible with KLUB-U and line-level signaling adaptations modeled after systems used on Moscow Metro upgrades. Crashworthiness follows Russian regulatory frameworks overseen by agencies linked to Ministry of Transport certification procedures. Performance metrics—acceleration, top speed, and energy consumption—meet requirements for rapid transit operations comparable to modern fleets in Vienna U-Bahn and Madrid Metro, with regenerative braking reducing net power draw and maintenance regimes coordinated with depot practices at facilities like Izmailovo depot.

Preservation and future upgrades

Preservation efforts center on prototype sets retained by Metrowagonmash and municipal archives for technical study, similar to conservation programs at institutions like the Museum of Moscow Metro. Future upgrades under consideration include on-board signaling upgrades paralleling European Train Control System trends, remote diagnostics inspired by Russian Railways digitalization projects, and export variants tailored to operators such as Minsk Metro and urban systems in Kazakhstan. Planned mid-life refurbishments will likely address interior materials, passenger information systems, and traction electronics to align with continuing expansions of the Moscow Metro network.

Category:Moscow Metro rolling stock Category:Electric multiple units of Russia