Tram KTM-28 (71-628-01) – low-floor version from Ust-Katav

In the past, the high-floor design of a tram was considered quite common. Moreover, several decades ago it could be considered the only option. But engineering thought and technical progress do not stand still.


Over time, it became clear that the old concept had a number of shortcomings. And the main one was the low comfort of the trip. In the carriages of the previous designs, there was more shaking and jolting. And if you had a long trip on the tram ahead (up to an hour or more), then nothing but unpleasant expectations could arise.


As is known, demand creates supply. This was the new design of tram cars, later called "low-floor". In this type, the lower plane was as close to the ground as possible, which made it possible to significantly reduce vibrations arising from movement on rails, joints and arcs.

The difficult birth of the low-floor version from the Ust-Katav plant

At the end of summer 2013, UKVZ specialists were already in full swing preparing to begin assembling the new 71-625 tram type, which had a completely low-floor design. But bureaucratic and contractual issues suddenly intervened in the process.

The whole point is that the rights to the innovative development belonged entirely to the UKVZ trading house. And there would have been no tragedy in this if serious friction had not arisen between it and the enterprise itself. Unfortunately, the disagreements that arose led to a complete breakdown in relations between the former partners.


In such a situation, UKVZ no longer had legal rights to the new product. Its further implementation was taken over by another structure – PC Transport Systems. By the following year, a low-floor version was born, now receiving a different numbering – 71-911.

But in Ust-Katav they had to start from scratch. It took seven long years to catch up. During this time, local specialists had to “reinvent” bike" Fortunately, the long and difficult work was crowned with success.



The pilot order was the implementation of measures to restore tram service in Taganrog on the Azov Sea coast. This project turned out to be one of the main ones in the history of the new KTM-28 model. In general, the geography of distribution looked like this:

✅ Taganrog
✅ Moscow (the contract was later terminated)
✅ Chelyabinsk
✅ Lipetsk

If we return to the Azov region, the network being updated during 2021/22 required 41 structures at once. The manufacturer was able to deliver on schedule. Therefore, now Ust-Katav can be proud of having taken a direct part in the tram's entry onto the streets of Taganrog.

Not all contracts were successful

Unfortunately, the same cannot be said about the contract with the capital's clients. Moscow could have become a mass consumer. After all, the talk was about Sinara delivering 90 vehicles for the Moscow Tram during 2021.

But for a huge metropolis, the deadlines were very important. Which were clearly stipulated in the bilateral agreement. And later desperately violated by the manufacturer. This outrageous fact led to serious consequences, which provoked the complete termination of the contract.


For this reason, a dozen designs that were already in production had to urgently change their geography of registration. Fortunately, Taganrog clients turned out to be more accommodating and ready for any turn in life.

By the way, one of the KTM-28s did go through testing in the capital city. However, due to further developments, it was returned to the manufacturer. After some time, he replaced his trips around the metropolis with trips around quiet Taganrog.

Having made the necessary organizational conclusions and more clearly adjusted the production of the new product, UKVZ began to look for new clients. One of them was the Chelyabinsk Tram. In this Siberian city (the eighth most populous in the territory of the Russian Federation), an order was made for 30 vehicles.


Delivery began in mid-2022 and was fully completed by the end of the year. After fruitful cooperation and the fact that the new KTM-28s proved themselves well on Chelyabinsk lines, the city structure placed an order for another 74 trams the following year. This modification was named 71-628-01.

Description and characteristics of KTM-28

It is interesting that when offering their products for the lines of various cities, UKVZ specialists endowed them with individual features. Thus, the original type 71-628 was immediately intended for Taganrog. But the 10 machines, which later also went to the same registration, were initially designed for operation in the capital, so they received the name 71-628M.

The 2022 units of equipment assembled for Chelyabinsk during 23/71 are, as mentioned above, modification "01" with an individual mask. And the manufacturer did not stop there. After all, later there was an order for the Lipetsk city rail Transport. The four trams that went to this address were 71-628-02. Thus, several modifications for different users were created on the basis of the basic innovative bogie. But they all retained:

✅ general design features
✅ modern elements
✅ sufficient comfort

When creating new types, manufacturers did not forget about the convenience of the driver and his passengers. Efforts were also made to ensure the operation and maintenance of equipment with minimal costs. The low floor level is maintained throughout the entire area of ​​the passenger compartment of the KTM-28. Here are some of its advantages:

✅ wide and comfortable door openings
✅ sufficiently sized passages for strollers and passengers with limited mobility
✅ use of corrosion-resistant materials in the side paneling

In addition, the tests showed full compliance of the equipment with modern requirements for the level of vibration and interior noise. For convenience and good mood during the trip, the interior of the carriage can be made in the color specified by the customer. And the lighting system uses the principle of reflected rays. Technical indicators include:

✅ total weight of the structure – 22 t
✅ optimal capacity – 119 (full – 170) people
✅ seats – 32
✅ number of doors – 4

The driver's cabin has LED lighting and efficient climate control. The tram bogies are designed for a track width of 1524 mm. And here are the physical parameters of the KTM-28:

✅ length - 16,45 m
✅ width - 2,5 m
✅ height - 3,7 m
✅ car base – 7500 mm
✅ trolley base – 1800 mm

The tram design uses a manual controller. Disc brakes are responsible for traffic safety. The KTM-28 has a 24-volt on-board network. The tram wheel diameter is 620 mm.


The type of installed engines is asynchronous. Their total capacity reaches 248 (4x62) kW. UKVZ promises a potential service life of 30 years. KTM-28 is still in production, so it is worth expecting that the geography of its operation will expand over time.