JSC Ukrzaliznytsia is technically ready to start passenger service and 42 trains are ready to be launched from June 1, but their number can be increased, Minister of Infrastructure Vladyslav Krykliy said on his Telegram channel on May 28.
He said that the regional commissions on issues of anthropogenic and environmental safety and emergency situations determine when and what routes would be launched. They form an appropriate decision regarding the possibility of easing lockdown and resuming passenger service.
“To date, there are decisions of the regional commissions on the resumption of service in Kharkiv, Donetsk, Luhansk, Odesa, Poltava and Cherkasy regions. The regional commissions of Chernivtsi and Zakarpattia regions did not allow the resumption of traffic. The regional commissions of Ternopil and Khmelnytsky regions allowed only suburban traffic to be launched. Other regions will make decisions additionally on May 28-30,” the minister said.
Krykliy said that from June 1, the sale of travel documents can be carried out immediately after 90 days from the date of departure, instead of 45-60 days, as it was before.
The press service of Ukrzaliznytsia said, with reference to acting head of the board of the company Ivan Yuryk, that it is primarily preparing the rolling stock of Intercity trains, coach-sleeping cars and compartments.
“We will monitor the situation regarding the spread of the virus and give additional instructions as for the operation of cars with reserved seats,” Yuryk said.
He also said that during the lockdown period not a single conductor was dismissed and salaries were paid.
“Our conductors have been instructed in what way they need to work,” he said.
