Passenger Tariffs Of Long-distance Trains To Be Raised By 30% In Russia

According to a decision made by a governmental commission, passenger tariffs of long-distance trains will be increased by 30% beginning January 15, 2002. At the same time, earlier privileges to all categories of citizens will remain unchanged. More than 42m people enjoy various privileges while travelling by long-distance trains in Russia. A flexible tariff-regulating schedule was elaborated on in the interests of passengers, the public relations department of the Russian Railroad Ministry reported to RosBusinessConsulting. The decision to raise passenger tariffs was worked out by the commission in December 2001. However, its implementation was postponed due to an increase in railroad traffic during the New Year and Christmas holidays. Another decision was made by the governmental commission to increase cargo transportation costs by 14% beginning January 20.