Премьера: испытания первого в России пятисекционного трамвая УКВЗ 71-665 начались в Екатеринбурге

The testing of the first five-section tram model 71-665 in the country, developed by the Ust-Katav Wagon-Building Plant (part of the Roscosmos State Corporation), has begun in Yekaterinburg. The tests are timed to coincide with the international industrial exhibition "Innoprom-2025", which will be held in Yekaterinburg from July 7 to 10. The first sample of the new train was named "80 Years of Victory" and will be used in urban transportation during the forum.

Model 71-665 is a development of the UKVZ line of modern trams: the single-section 71-628, already in operation in several regions, and the three-section 71-639, which is supplied to Yekaterinburg and St. Petersburg. The new tram is equipped with a fully low floor, a straight wide passage between rows of seats, and an improved design with external gearboxes, which increases the internal space compared to analogues.

The tram's interior is equipped with a climate control system, USB sockets, a multimedia complex, navigation tools, circular video surveillance, and a driver assistance system. The double-cabin layout and doors on both sides allow the transport to be used on routes without turning loops, including shuttle traffic patterns.

The new train accommodates up to 406 passengers, including 68 seats, and reaches speeds of up to 65 km/h. It is based on a portal axle-less bogie, providing 100% low floor and wider passages in the over-bogie areas. The tram is also equipped with a driver condition monitoring system and all the necessary elements for safe operation on city routes.

In terms of dimensions, the model is noticeably superior to most European five-section trams, which typically use short sections and non-rotating bogies, reducing capacity. The route on which the 71-665 is subsequently planned to be deployed has not yet been disclosed.

In addition, the launch of an unmanned tram on the line to Verkhnyaya Pyshma is being discussed in Yekaterinburg. According to the mayor of the city, Alexey Orlov, the project is moving from the concept stage to real development: the route has already been selected, it runs along a dedicated lane and does not intersect with automobile traffic. The implementation of the initiative is supervised by the Movista Group.