Sapsan Trains passenger numbers increased by more than one-third in 2016

According to JSC Russian Railways, high-speed Sapsan Trains have seen a 37.4 percent increase in passengers during 2016.

Figures reveal 4.8 million passengers travelled on-board Russian Sapsan trains in 2016, 37.4 percent more than in 2015.

The Siemens built trains launched in 2009 with the ability to reach speeds of up to 250 kmph. Adapted to the harsh climate of Russia, the trains have transported 22.7 million passengers to date.

Sapsan Trains have transported 22.7 million passengers

Russian Railways has attributed the upward trend with an increase in the number of seats and frequency of trains, as well as an improve customer experience including comfort, a flexible tariff policy, and a reduction in travel time.

Sapsan trains account for more than half of the passenger traffic on the St. Petersburg–Moscow route. The high-speed trains are running at almost 100 percent full capacity. In order to meet demand and increase carrying capacity without adding additional trains, double Sapsan trains are used.

Thirteen pairs of Sapsan trains (including three pairs of double trains) run daily between Moscow and St. Petersburg and 15 pairs run on weekends.