OREANDA-NEWS. January 14, 2009. Russian Railways carried 6, 463,000 among passengers between Moscow and St. Petersburg in 2008, 5.5% more than in 2007, reported the press-centre of Russian Railways.

About 54% of passengers travelled on our branded trains, but our express trains were also very popular. For example, in 2008, Trains Nos. 159/160 Aurora, 165/166 Nevsky Express and 167/168 ER-200 were used by more than 740,000 people.

Travel times currently vary between 4? to 5? hours, but reducing them still further is one of the goals of the Strategy for the Development of Rail Transport in Russia until 2030. The Moscow - St. Petersburg connection will be the first test route in Russia to develop and offer high-speed train services.

This year, Russian Railways plans to begin operating the Sapsan high-speed train made by Siemens between Moscow and St. Petersburg . The electrically-powered Sapsan can carry more than 600 passengers and is capable of reaching speeds of 250 kph, enabling it to cover the route in just 3 hours.

The first Sapsan was presented on 26 December 2008 in St. Petersburg.