Russian Railways (RZD) has resumed selling tickets for all long-distance trains, initiating a standard booking window that begins 90 days before departure. The company’s press service confirmed the restart, noting that this return to full ticket sales comes amid a broader update of services designed to restore regular operations after recent infrastructure works. The communication highlights that large-scale reconstruction at the Central Transport Center has concluded, with changes affecting routes connecting Moscow, St. Petersburg, several Krasnodar Territory locales, the Volga region, the Urals, and the North Caucasus. These adjustments are tied to the ongoing operations of trains serving major intercity corridors, and the timetable now reflects a push toward greater reliability and predictability for travelers across these regions. (RZD press service)
In a separate development, RZD announced a change in pre-sale timing. Beginning mid-September, travelers would be able to book tickets for departures as far ahead as 45 days, rather than the previous shorter windows. For instance, a passenger planning to travel on December 6 could secure a ticket the very next day, illustrating a renewed emphasis on forward planning and capacity management across the network. This move aligns with the goal of offering customers more flexibility while easing the demand pressure that can arise during peak travel periods. (RZD press release)
Earlier communications suggested that freight tariffs would see adjustments as well. According to a report in a national business daily, Kommersant, RZD’s expenditures on transport security in the year prior to the report exceeded a substantial sum, surpassing the previously anticipated tariff indexation by a wide margin. The implication is that investment in safety and security remains a priority for the rail operator, even as tariff structures are evaluated and updated in response to operational realities. The precise figures cited reflect a broader trend in the sector toward balancing security needs with competitive pricing across both passenger and freight services. (Kommersant)
In a separate, smaller incident context, a Moscow region worker was documented in footage showing a person wearing headphones and standing near an oncoming train. The occurrence underscores ongoing safety considerations around railway stations and platforms, emphasizing the importance of following established safety protocols and keeping a vigilant stance around moving trains. The event serves as a reminder of the real-world risks that accompany rail travel and the necessity for clear messaging about safe behavior in proximity to rail infrastructure. (Local news report)