An unusually-styled prototype tram was unveiled at the Innoprom 2014 industrial exhibition in Yekaterinburg on July 9. Branded Russia One or R1, it has been developed by the Uraltransmash tram manufacturing subsidiary of defence and rolling stock supplier Uralvagonzavod, in partnership with design agency OKB Atom.

The black livery is inspired by semi-precious stones from the Urals, with a mirror effect to reflected the surroundings and become an ‘integral and harmonious part’ of the cityscape.

Сomposite materials provide a lightweight and modular body, with the ability to design and fit a unique design of cab for each city. The cab gives the driver a 180° view, and the 12° reverse angle of the front is intended to offer good visibility, reduced glare and lower solar gain. LED lighting is fitted inside and out, with the interior lighting adjusting to suit the time of day, and there are internal and external CCTV cameras.

After tests in Saint Petersburg these trams are expected to run in Moscow, Nizhy Novgorod, Yekaterinburg and Volgograd. There is a plan to develop a new tram that will run underground, on the basis of this concept”.