Officials are proposing new rules that require train conductors and station controllers to remove passengers under 16 from long distance trains starting September 1 and to hand these youths over to police officers. This stance was shared during a televised interview on the 360 TV channel by Alexander Tolmachev, a member of the State Duma Committee on Transport and Development of Transport Infrastructure. He stressed that cooperation with law enforcement is not a cause for concern but a safeguard for the wellbeing and rights of children, and ultimately a measure to protect their health and safety.
Tolmachev argued that the presence of police in such situations would help shield minors from exposure to harsh conditions, including cold environments, and would prevent scenarios where young travelers find themselves alone in unfamiliar places. He emphasized that child safety is a priority in rail travel and that this policy would contribute to reducing risk for younger passengers.
Alexander Khaminsky, a respected lawyer who leads the Law Enforcement Center in Moscow and the Moscow Region, added that the proposed rules would further enhance safety for young rail riders. He noted that an important improvement would be the elimination of scenarios in which a child or adolescent might be left unattended in a foreign setting after being asked to disembark. The involvement of police in such cases would also prompt timely investigations whenever children or teens are located in a place without adult supervision.
There has been coverage in Russian media indicating stricter rules on passenger conduct within railway facilities, particularly around stations, with attention to the cleanliness and appearance of travelers. These developments were reported by Moscow 24 and reflected a broader effort to regulate behavior within rail infrastructure in order to ensure safety and order on trains and at stations.
In addition, starting September 1, 2023, ticketing rules were expanded so that passengers could purchase train tickets using documents other than a Russian passport. This change aims to simplify travel access for residents and visitors who hold alternative identification, aligning the railway system with a more inclusive approach to identity verification. The push for clear passenger standards accompanies broader safety measures that are intended to deter disruptive conduct and improve overall security on long distance routes.
Overall, proponents argue that these measures will provide stronger protections for younger travelers and create a safer travel environment for families. The new framework seeks to establish consistent expectations for conduct and accountability, ensuring that authorities can respond swiftly when minors are involved or at risk. The approach reflects ongoing efforts to balance passenger rights with public safety considerations within the national rail network. In practice, it means more structured cooperation among conductors, station staff, and law enforcement as part of safeguarding strategies for vulnerable travelers. As with any policy shift, observers will be watching for implementation details, including training for staff, the handling of parental involvement, and the safeguarding processes that accompany the removal and handover procedures. Marked citations indicate that these updates have been observed by multiple outlets such as Moscow 24, underscoring the evolving landscape of rail safety and passenger protection.