Summer has come, which means that the holiday season is in full swing. Many Russians choose trains to travel to the resting place. And often they confuse concepts such as “reserved seat” and “reserved seat”. What are both of these concepts, how do they differ from each other? Read on!
Etymology of the noun "reserved seat"
The origin of this word is German. It consists of two parts: nouns platz - “place” and karte - “ticket”. That is, literally, this can be translated as "a ticket with a place."
The word "reserved seat" in the explanatory dictionary
You can find out what a reserved seat is in the explanatory dictionary. The meaning of this noun sounds like "a special ticket for a passenger to travel in a carriage, allowing you to use a numbered place to sit or lie down."
What is a ticket?
A ticket, in turn, is a document that certifies the passenger's right to travel, however, without a guarantee of taking a seat. But in Russia, a ticket is rarely sold without a reserved seat; in principle, they do not exist without each other. But in many CIS countries this is actively practiced: you can buy a ticket “without a seat” for commuter trains , the cost of a reserved seat is not included in the ticket.
What is a reserved seat and coupe: objective differences
One of the most common types of trains is reserved seat. It differs from the compartment by the number of seats and the cost of tickets.
The maximum number of passengers in the reserved seat is 54. The wagon itself consists of nine open four-seater coupes and 18 “sidewalls”. Each seat is equipped with a folding table, storage space (usually under the lower shelves and above the upper). In addition, in such a car there is titanium, heating water, and two toilets.
As in a reserved seat car, the compartment has toilets, titanium and shelves, equipped to store passengers' belongings. But there are significant differences. First of all, of course, fewer places. In such a carriage compartment - closed, with a door. The whole car is designed for 36 passengers. By the way, the shelves in the compartment car are longer than in the reserved seat, and instead of the side walls there is a corridor.
Subjective differences
In plain sight : solitude in a reserved seat car cannot be found. Almost the whole journey will take place with six companions - because in one "compartment" of the reserved seat car there are six seats for passengers. In the compartment you will find a neighborhood with only three people.
Temperature conditions : most often, a reserved seat car is blown through, unlike a warm compartment. Depending on the weather outside the window, this can be both a positive side and a negative one. That is, if you want coolness, feel free to buy a ticket to the reserved seat.
Noise and smell : one of the most important problems on a reserved seat in a train is the noise level. It is easy to explain: in a small enclosed space, fifty people live side by side! Someone communicates with fellow travelers, someone sings songs to the guitar. And gadgets on trains are not uncommon. Only unpleasant odor can be compared with this drawback. What are only legs hanging from the upper shelves! In a compartment this problem arises much less often.
Interesting fact
Our great-grandfathers and great-grandmothers never thought about what a reserved seat is. The fact is that before the revolution, reserved seats simply did not exist! The first reserved seats appeared only in the Soviet Union in 1928; Leningrad and Tver plants were engaged in their manufacture.
It is difficult to say for what reason the doors were removed from ordinary wagons and added side seats. Researchers say that passenger flow could probably increase. Another option is to reduce the cost of the ticket in this way.
What is a reserved seat today? This is one of the most inexpensive and popular ways to travel long distances. Russian Railways experts provide evidence: according to statistics, today 80% of all rail transportation falls on this type of railcar.