MOSCOW metro has started revenue trials with a prototype Yauza metro trainset developed at Mytischchy car works. Designated Class 81-720 for the driving cars and 81-720 for non-driving, the prototype set had earlier been tested at the Shcherbinka test track (RG 12.94 p805.
The stainless-steel bodied train was launched by Metro Chairman Alexander Korsak and General Manager D Gayev at Mariino. It is to run in daily service on the Lyublinskaya line until the end of this year, by when series production should have reached 50 vehicles at a cost of between 3·5 and 4m roubles each.
- St Petersburg is planning to build light rail lines to the southwest suburbs and Pulkovo airport, as more cost-effective than heavy metro extensions. o
