RUSSIA: The first Type 81-765 trainsets for the Moscow metro have entered revenue service on Line 7.
Moscow Metro signed a contract with Metrowagonmash in December 2014 for the supply of 96 eight-car trainsets. A prototype was delivered to Vykhino depot in February, and six series-built sets are now in service. A further five sets are due to arrive by the end of this month.
Each trainset comprises two powered driving cars, four powered trailers and two unpowered trailers. Capacity is 2 402 passengers, with 1 400 mm wide double doors and walkthrough gangways to improve passenger flow. There are also wheelchair spaces and USB sockets.
In preparation for the new trains, infrastructure on Line 7 has been overhauled. This included replacement of 1 000 sleepers and 500 sections of wooden guards protecting the third rail.
