The Ukrainian Railways joint-stock company (JSC Ukrzaliznytsia) is in talks to launch a passenger train service between Warsaw and Rava-Ruska on 15 December, using rolling stock belonging to the Polish state railway operator PKP Intercity.
This was reported by the CFTS portal, citing the Interfax-Ukraine news agency.
"Negotiations between Ukrzaliznytsia and PKP IC on the launch of a train between Warsaw and Rava-Ruska are underway. This issue was discussed at all international meetings attended by the companies," Ukrzaliznytsia said.
According to the company, the agreement with the Polish company SKPL, which provides rolling stock on the Rava-Ruska - Warsaw route under an agreement with Ukrzaliznytsia, is valid until 14 December 2024.
"According to PKP IC, the Warsaw - Rava-Ruska train using PKP rolling stock can be launched no earlier than 15 December 2024. PKP IC is working to allocate rolling stock. The two parties are also considering scheduling a test run between Warsaw and Rava-Ruska," Ukrzaliznytsia said.
PKP IC is considering launching a four-car train with first- and second-class seating. The Kolomiia - Rava-Ruska (DPKR) train (which brings passengers to the SKPL train) will transport passengers.
"The introduction of this route provides an opportunity to upgrade to more comfortable rolling stock (with air conditioning, electrical outlets, two restrooms in each car, and additional seating). The change of rolling stock and train timetable will increase the train's load factor," the company said.
PKP Intercity will operate international passenger transport services on this route under the Agreement on International Passenger Traffic (SMPS) and the Special Conditions of International Carriage (SCIC) for Journeys using East-West Traffic Tickets (EWT, East-West tariffs).
When organizing international train operations under these conditions, each railway on the train's route sets the fares for its territory and the cars it operates. These fares are quoted in euros but calculated in the national currency of the country issuing the travel document on the day the travel document is issued. The approximate fare will be determined after PKP Intercity announces the route and pricing for the section journey that passes through Poland.
The company added that the demand for rail travel to Warsaw remains consistently high. Tickets for the Kyiv - Warsaw train No. 67/68 often sell out on the first day they go on sale. Passenger transfers from trains traveling to Chelm to trains traveling to Warsaw have also been arranged.
From 15 October 2023 (when the Warsaw - Rava-Ruska service was launched, using SKPL rolling stock) to 21 September 2024, the average occupancy rate for this route was 85%, with a total of 104,400 passengers transported.
Ukrzaliznytsia also noted that PKP Intercity has previous experience operating in Ukraine: the train No. 35/36 operated between Wroclaw and Lviv until 2013. RIC railcars belonging to PKP IC were used on this route. This service was operated every other day with a four-car train.
