On July 15, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin inspected the model of the future Moscow passenger electric ship – the first in the world that works all year round, even in winter.
According to Moscow Transport, future river vessels will be 100% eco-friendly, without harmful emissions. Same as city electric buses – this is very important for the Moscow water area and the health of all residents. The Moscow vessels will also be spacious: about 22 meters in length, each with 42 seats, two of which are for people with disabilities. The cabin will have information screens, USB charging, Wi-Fi, places for scooters and bicycles, as well as comfortable seats and tables for working with a laptop. There will be panoramic windows also.
One of mandatory terms for the supplier is a service contract. This means that repair and maintenance remains with the manufacturer 24/7 for 15 years, Moscow Transport said in a press release, adding that it will give confidence that the manufacturer fully understands its responsibility and will produce reliable transport for the daily transportation of Muscovites and guests of the city.
Moscow plans to launch the competition in September of this year. New water transport will enter the routes in stages, starting from June 2022 – as it will be the real demand from passengers.
Due to the growth of demand, the river fleet will also grow and allow to shorten the intervals. In general, main goal is to make Moscow water transport as flexible as possible in order to adjust it to the interests of residents. Residents of coastal areas will be primary passengers of water transport within walking distance, which will reduce the travel time.
For example, the journey from Fili Park to Verkhniye Mnevniki pier by bus will take 65 minutes, and by water – only 13.5 minutes, i.e. 5 times faster. Or from Pechatniki to the Kolomenskaya embankment from one bank to the other can be reached in 3 minutes – the bus trip will take more than an hour.
Passengers will be able to pay for the trip with a Troika card, a bank card or using a biometric system. Single travel tickets holders will be able to travel on the ship at no additional cost.
The most difficult thing is a development of berths, Moscow Transport said, adding that their careful reconstruction and improvement of their availability will be required. For example, the transfer of surface transport stops or the creation of new pedestrian routes are necessary for the maximum convenience of future passengers. Some of the berths are equipped with charging stations for fast charging of vessels. Testing first charging spot at one of the berths of route No. 1 is already planned.
