KEY EVENTS IN 2017
180th anniversary of the Russian railway network
The railway community celebrated an important milestone in 2017 – the 180th anniversary of Russia’s railway network. The industry dates its history back to October 1837, when the first passenger train embarked on its first journey.
Since that time, Russian railways have witnessed sweeping changes, with hundreds of our trains now connecting cities and countries 24/7 throughout any weather condition.
Expanding the route network of double- decker trains, car transporters, and daytime and high-speed trains
Two double-decker train pairs were introduced in 2017: No.3/4 Kislovodsk – Moscow (from 2 August) and No.641/642 Rostov – Adler (from 13 September). Currently, 10 pairs of double-decker trains are operating on eight routes over the entire Russian railway network.
The number of daytime express and high-speed trains was also increased.
New routes were introduced for car and motorcycle transportation in car transporters (Moscow – Kazan and Moscow – Rostov-on-Don).
Contributing to the celebration of Victory in the Great Patriotic War
The Company made every effort to provide journeys as comfortable and festive as possible for each veteran.
Over 1,500 free tickets were issued to disabled veterans and participants of the Great Patriotic War and their travelling companions during the May holidays.
Vintage trains from the WWII period and special trains were also running in a number of regions.
Children of summer
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Pursuant to Resolution of the Russian Government No. 1772 On Subsidising Railway Transport Organisation to Compensate for Revenue Shortfalls Caused by Lower Fares for School Students of 10 Years or Older Travelling by Public Rail Transport in Third-Class Sitting or Sleeping Carriages on Long- Distance Trains dated 30 December 2009, travel privileges are available to school students in third-class sleeping and sitting carriages on long- distance trains (both passenger and express) from 1 January to 31 May and 1 September to 31 December. To promote domestic tourism and leisure, FPC initiated a 50% fare discount for children aged 10 through 17 (irrespective of nationality) from 1 June to 31 August in 2016 and 2017ID 35310414dcfae9fceea7fb048f1f6771 отсутствует в базе>
in third- class sleeping and sitting carriages, carriages with open- plan seating on domestic long-distance trains, and 2nd and 3rd class carriages on multiple unit trainsWhen booking an e-ticket, the discount is granted automatically when the “full” fare is checked and details of children aged 10 to 17 are entered..The Company decided to continue this practice in 2018.
The Company also grants discounts for children aged 10 to 17 during the summer period at its own expense.
Transportation for fans visiting the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup
A dedicated schedule was prepared for trains running between host cities. A total 42 trains with comfortable and modern carriages were made up to facilitate the additional 262 scheduled journeys.
Day of the Railway Worker 2017
The Achieving the Goal! charity run was held across Russia on 6 August as part of the celebrations for the Day of the Railway Worker. The greatest number of participants gathered in Moscow, at over 7,000. About 300 people represented FPC in Moscow’s charity run, where both adults and children toed the starting line. All funds raised through the event were donated to assist severely ill children. Sports facilities were also available for the festival’s visitors to compete in chess, football, triathlon, volleyball, hockey, table tennis, and other sports.
Year of the Environment
As part of the Year of the Environment, held in Russia in 2017, train No. 35/36 Severnaya Palmira (Northern Palmyra) was decorated to showcase Russia’s unique ecosystem, environmental care initiatives, Russian Railways’ contribution to the preservation of the environment, and the environmental friendliness of railway transport. The Severnaya Palmira was chosen for its double- decker carriages and modern environmentally friendly technologies, equipment, and materials.
130th anniversary of Samuil Marshak
On 14 June 2017, the double-decker train between Moscow and Voronezh was named in honour of Samuil Marshak, a famous poet and author of popular children’s books born in the capital of the Central Black Earth Economic Region.
The Marshak-themed train was in operation throughout the poet’s 130th anniversary celebrations in 2017. The rest area for passengers with children in one of the train’s carriages was decorated with vibrant illustrations and quotations from the author’s works. Adult passengers could read Marshak’s books, while children listened to audio records of his poems.
Third Railway Congress
Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation, visited FPC’s train service depot at the Moscow Kievskaya station as part of the Congress Programme.
During his visit, the President met the FPC team and viewed sample carriages of high-speed and passenger trains traversing the Russian railway network.
Advance booking period extended to 90 days
On 10 December 2017, the Company opened ticket booking for all domestic long-distance trains and through coaches on domestic routes 90 days prior to the departure date, which can now be booked both at railway ticket offices and through Russian Railways’ official website.
E-tickets reached 45.7% of the total number of seats booked
A 5.5% year-on-year increase in e-ticket sales brought their share in FPC’s total seats booked to 45.7%.
Better service quality
The Company increased the number of branded trains offering access to the train’s multimedia portal (Wi-Fi) – the service is available on 51% of branded trains.
All branded trains, including dining carriages, are provided with bank card terminals.
Over 2,000 carriages have extra sockets for device charging.
E-tickets to Kaliningrad
Since 19 December 2017, web portals have been offering e-ticket booking and online registration for FPC’s trains on routes to the Kaliningrad Region via Belarus and Lithuania.
Three millionth customer registered with RZD Bonus Loyalty Programme
Fedor Babushkin joined the RZD Bonus Programme during a dedicated promotion targeting passengers at the Moscow Kursky railway station. To celebrate the event, FPC and Alfa-Bank (loyalty programme partner) congratulated the lucky passenger and awarded him commemorative gifts.
The RZD Bonus Family Programme was launched, providing the opportunity to accumulate bonus points of all family members on a joint account.
Increased care of reduced mobility passengers
Remote booking of dedicated seats for wheelchair users has been available since 28 February 2017, and the option to book long-distance e-tickets for wheelchair users through the Russian Railways website has been available since 11 April 2017.
A 50% discount off ticket prices has been available to reduced mobility passengers as of August 2017.
Every year, FPC increases its number of carriages with dedicated compartments for reduced mobility passengers, which totalled 645 carriages as at the end of 2017.
The Company also increased the number of branded trains equipped with ramps for passengers’ convenience, totalling approximately 1,500 carriages.
