On August 11, 2026, eleven electric bus routes were launched in Nizhny Novgorod — an event that formed part of a large-scale overhaul of the city's public transport system, as announced by Governor Gleb Nikitin.[1]

Electric transport renewal

The electric buses replaced ageing trolleybuses: by August 2026 the electric bus fleet in Nizhny Novgorod numbered 120 vehicles.[1] Trolleybus services are not being abolished entirely: according to Nikitin, an upgrade of the Sormovo of the Zarechka part of the city is forthcoming.[1]

Since 2017, more than 1,500 buses have been purchased for the region, of which over 1,000 units have been delivered to Nizhny Novgorod.[1]

Tram network modernisation

Simultaneously, the city is implementing a programme of Nizhny Novgorod tram: reconstruction of 149 km of track, construction of 15 substations and three modern depots, and the procurement of 170 MiNiN trams. At the start of the programme, infrastructure wear exceeded 80%. Experts forecast that tram speeds will increase by a factor of 1.5 and passenger numbers will double.[1] Earlier, 1.32 billion roubles from the National Wealth Fund were allocated for the reconstruction of a tram depot in Nizhny Novgorod.[1]

Assessment and additional measures

In his public statement, Nikitin thanked Russian President Vladimir Putin, who described Nizhny Novgorod's transport system as one of the best in the country.[1] As part of the ongoing development of the route network, the "People's Public Transport Rating" project has been launched, allowing every passenger to leave feedback or suggestions for improving public transport services.[1]

Sources

  1. Vremya N — Eleven electric bus routes launched in Nizhny Novgorod (archive)
  2. GIPERNN — The 11 routes for the launch of new electric buses in Nizhny Novgorod announced — As of December 2023, the electric bus routes were established by order of the regional… (archive)
  3. Nizhny Seychas — A new electric bus to operate on route E-11 in Nizhny Novgorod — A medium-class PAZ "e-Citymax 9" electric bus with a capacity of 77… began operating on route E-11 from 7 May 2026