Under the clatter of wheels of a train rushing into the distance, it dreams in a special way, and dreams seem more interesting. Especially if you go on a long-awaited vacation, using the services of Russian Railways. Russian trains have long established themselves as a convenient, popular and affordable form of domestic public transport. And the quality of transportation has improved a lot: the rolling stock has been updated, the volume of services provided has expanded, and travel time has been reduced. As for branded and high-speed trains, they are considered pride, the elite of Russian Railways. The ride in them is comfortable and pleasant, they are serviced in the highest class: the cars are clean, the air conditioners are operational, the bedding is almost new.
Features of Elite Rolling Stock
Branded Russian trains have the following distinctive features:
- year-round communication (seasonal schedule excluded);
- communication between the main Russian cities (St. Petersburg / Moscow) and the capitals of the provinces;
- Fast travel times and reduced number of stops
- the presence of train names (“Tomich”, “South Ural”, “Red Arrow” and others). The name of the train is written on route signs, in wagons and other places. Only “Premium” trains have no names.
- a certain coloration of the compounds: previously it was individual, now the standard gray-red color has been introduced.
Brand Train Requirements
As part of the "simple" Russian trains can be any cars. The main thing is that they are serviceable and comply with certain rules. But here are special requirements for the Russian Railways company fleet:
- the term of operation after commissioning or major repairs should not exceed 12 years;
- cars must be decorated in the same style as the owner company, “premiums” - in the style of Russian Railways;
- bed sets should be new or have a short period of use;
- the shape of the conductors is specially tailored for this composition, exclusive.
Names of branded trains of Russian Railways
Along with ordinary passenger trains, transportation in our country is carried out by almost 85 branded trains. This value is floating, it depends on changes in passenger flow. Trains of this type can be canceled or added, and sometimes partially used. At the same time, several branded wagons are attached to an ordinary passenger train. On the Russian Railways website you can find comprehensive information about branded trains, including the main one, running between Vladivostok and Moscow at number 001/002.
The route of the Rossiya train is the longest in the country: the distance between the final points is 9.3 thousand kilometers. Another interesting branded train, Sakhalin, runs along the island of the same name, between Nogliki and Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, along a narrow gauge railway (width - 106.7 cm). He is the only one of the elite trains of the Russian Federation that are not included in the scope of services of JSC FPK (Federal Passenger Company).
Also among the beautiful names of branded Russian trains are such as “White Nights”, “Lotus”, “Leo Tolstoy”, “Textile Land”, “Vorkuta”, “Mari El” and many others.
Karelian "Swallow"
Many travelers appreciated the convenient speed train, accommodating 3.5 hundred people and plying between Sortavala and St. Petersburg. Previously, this route took 6 hours and without transfers was impossible.
The launch of the Swallow train solved many problems, reducing the travel time by one and a half times. Comfortable wagons, picturesque views outside the windows, high class service, the ability to travel with pets - these are the main advantages of the fabulous express train. Traveling by train "Swallow" is convenient not only for residents of the region. This is a great way to attract new tourists and a safe means of transportation for school groups.
Having left the Northern capital at 6 in the morning, passengers read, sleep, admire the scenery - they so quietly get into the fairy-tale world of Karelia. The crystal clearness of its many lakes (60 thousand), waterfalls and rivers, the stone canyon of Ruskeala, the coniferous air of centuries-old forests and the sacred Valaam - this is an amazing climate that heals the souls of people tired of megalopolises.
During train trips across Russia, one has to overcome thousands of kilometers of the way, cross different time zones, communicate with many people. It is possible to travel in third-class railcars more romantic, but in branded and high-speed trains - much faster and more comfortable. Good roads to all and good fellow travelers!