Ukrainian Railways sees passenger traffic increase 23% in H1

MOSCOW. July 4 (Interfax) - Ukrainian Railways transported 13.5 million people on long-distance trains in January-June 2024, which is up 23% or 2.4 million more passengers year-on-year, Ukrainian media reported, citing the rail company.

In particular, the number of passengers transported to international destinations rose 24% to 1.1 million as compared with 890,000 passengers year-on-year.

At the same time, along with quantitative indicators the railway authorities focused on qualitative ones, it said.

The total on-time performance of domestic trains reached 92% in H1. The rail company managed to maintain this indicator despite power outages, which required a prompt switch to diesel traction, as well as during an active period of infrastructure repairs.

The overall on-time performance is lowered by trains bound for international destinations, Ukrainian Railways said.

"Border crossing checks often delay trains, and Ukrainian trains are waiting when international connecting trains are late so as not to leave our passengers at the mercy of fate," the company said.

The passenger satisfaction rate with the level of services and the performance of train crews reached 67% in H1, which is up 4% year-on-year. This indicator stands at 79% in high-speed trains. The steadily highest satisfaction rate remains among female compartment passengers at 88%, the statement said.