Under the agreement Alstom will draw up proposals for the introduction of modern low-floor LRVs and study the feasibility of catenary-free operation on parts of the network.
Rostov currently operates a fleet of 223 trams, many of which are life-expired. The city plans to introduce new low-floor vehicles in time for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted by Russia.
As part of its TramRus joint venture with Transmashholding Alstom has developed a 1520mm-gauge low-floor LRV for the Russian market, which is based on the company's successful Citadis product platform. A 25.5m-long three-section prototype vehicle (pictured) is currently undergoing passenger trials on Line 17 in Moscow.
