OREANDA-NEWS. May 21, 2012. Russian Railways is launching the first phase of its programme to offer affordable services on all Sapsan trains between Moscow - St. Petersburg and Moscow - Nizhny Novgorod from 1 July 2012.

The programme is designed for various social groups and provides for a comprehensive change in fares based on when passengers make their reservation, the percentage of seats taken on the train and the class of service. Available discounts will be up to 20% off the basic fare.

Passengers can buy tickets for the Sapsan trains at the new special fare plans from 18 May, 2012.

After studying international experience, in particular of European railway administrations and rail companies, experts from Russian Railways and the All Russian Railway Research Institute (VNIIZhT) chose the most successful projects for various social groups.

Thus, special fare plans will be offered for different categories of passengers travelling on the Sapsan trains based on their purchasing power and needs.

The new plans - "roadmaps" - are as follows:
roadmap "60 +", which offers a special fare with a 20% ticket discount for senior citizens;
roadmap "16/25", with ticket discounts of 15% for young people and students;
roadmap "10/16" (schoolchildren). This category offers discounts of 20% on tickets on Sapsan trains at a special rate with a reduction in fares. Tickets for children under 10 are sold at the children’s fare.

In addition, passengers will also be offered the roadmaps "Two Capitals" and "Restaurant".

The roadmap "Two Capitals" is intended for passengers on Sapsan trains operating between Moscow and St. Petersburg and departing at 6:45 and 7:00 at the weekend (on Saturdays and Sundays).

According to this fare plan, a holder of the roadmap up to a maximum of three passengers accompanying her will be able to purchase tickets at a 15% discount to the current price when buying the ticket in one order

The roadmap "Restaurant" allocates its holder seats in the bistro carriage with guaranteed meals and a 5% fare discount.

The roadmaps are valid for one year. They do not give preferential rights to purchase tickets.

Personal roadmaps cannot be transferred to unauthorised persons and third parties.

The roadmaps "60 +", "10/16" and "16/25" cost 300 roubles, the roadmaps, "Two Capitals" and "Restaurant" 500 roubles.

The roadmaps will be on sale from 25 May, 2012. Passengers will be able to acquire them from the cashier in the 6th carriage on high-speed Sapsan trains.