MESSAGE from the Chairman
Under the constraints of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic in 2021, JSC Federal Passenger Company systematically implemented a set of measures aimed at ensuring regional transport connectivity, developing the route network, upgrading rolling stock and improving mobility and passenger service quality.
Dear shareholders and colleagues,
The past year has been a time of great change, new challenges and opportunities. Today we can confidently state that Russia’s rail passenger transport system has demonstrated its ability to work efficiently even in non-standard conditions.
Under the constraints of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, Federal Passenger Company systematically implemented a set of measures aimed at ensuring regional transport connectivity, developing the route network, upgrading rolling stock and improving mobility and passenger service quality.
By the end of 2021, the investment programme of JSC FPC reached RUB 34.8 billion, more than 97% of which were allocated for the renovation and modernisation of the passenger rolling stock. As a result, the passenger carriage fleet grew to 346 single-deckers and 90 double-deckers, and 183 carriages underwent overhaul.
Expansion of the double-decker train service area remained an important task. Every year, transportation using this rolling stock shows a steady growth: in 2021, more than 8.5 million passengers were carried, which is 1.6 times higher than in 2020. Double-decker trains connecting Orenburg, Samara and Moscow, St. Petersburg and Belgorod started running.
At the same time, stronger focus was given to gaining better competitive edge for rail transport, improving the reliability and safety of rolling stock, and introducing new technologies and services that meet the highest international standards.
Domestic tourism has been boosted with a new drive. Many passengers chose rail transport for their trips, as it allows all categories of citizens, including families with small children, the elderly and people with low mobility, to travel around the country comfortably and safely. Totally, more than 20 trains were made available last year, and around 100,000 people made use of them. Thanks to the interesting routes, passengers visited various regions of Russia and were able to get acquainted with the culture and national features of the peoples living on the territory of our country.
In cooperation with regional tour operators, new destinations and unique railway cruises have been developed, connecting the central part of Russia with the republics of the North Caucasus, cities of the Russian North, the majestic Lake Baikal, the Republic of Kalmykia and Siberian regions.
In general, the year 2021 was a landmark for further development of the tourist potential of Russia and the definition of the railway cruise concept formulation. On the basis of the experience gained, the Instruction on organising the tourist transportation was issued, which sets out general requirements for the quality and consumer characteristics of services provided to passengers on popular tourist destinations.
I am positive that in 2022, the Company will continue on the course it has set, thus ensuring the safety, reliability and comfort of passenger transport services, launching new tourist projects and completing the tasks of strategic importance.