Russian Railways plans to convert old carriages without air conditioning or portable toilets into low-cost rail carriers, according to RIA Novosti, citing the annual report of the Federal Passenger Company.
The document presents strategic objectives The company plans to use the old carriages to create a separate low-cost class—"economy budget"—and to launch three classes of service on the remaining trains.
In the future, trains may reportedly be divided into three types: daytime express, nighttime train, and traditional train. Each of these, in turn, will be divided into several service classes: "economy-budget," "economy," "comfort," and "business." The "daytime express" will cover distances of up to 600 kilometers and last up to six hours. Business class passengers will enjoy premium comfort and full hotel-quality service, while comfort class passengers will enjoy a range of services for a comfortable journey. Economy class will be a budget option with access to additional services, while economy-budget will be an ultra-budget option without any services.
The "Night Train" will allow passengers to enjoy a restful sleep. Travel time is up to 12 hours, and distances are up to 1,500 kilometers. "Business Class" includes sleeping and luxury cars, "Comfort" includes compartments, "Economy" includes high-density open carriages, and "Economy Budget" includes reserved seats. Another option, the "Traditional Train," is available for long-distance journeys lasting over 12 hours. "Business Class" will guarantee premium comfort and full hotel-quality service, while "Comfort" offers a range of services for a restful sleep without the high cost. "Economy" will be a budget option with additional amenities, and "Economy Budget" will be an ultra-budget option without services, but with the option to sleep.
As Russian Railways noted, the use of older carriages without air conditioning or portable toilets as a low-cost option with a unique price offer will be temporary, until they are completely decommissioned.
Source: news.turizm.ru