The agreement on the new express train route was signed by the heads of the Russian and Ukrainian railways companies. Eight trains run daily between the Russian and Ukrainian capitals, but due to increased passenger volumes a need arose for a faster and more comfortable train. The Transport Ministry said it expected that the new train, which will be called Stolichny Ekspress (Capital Express), would attract wealthy passengers.
The distance between Moscow and Kiev is 874 kilometers. The journey time will be reduced by three or four hours to just 9 hours 30 minutes and the train will run at an average speed of 90 kph.
The heads of the railways companies agreed that they would operate the new trains on equal terms, with both parties owing a train. A ticket for a standard sleeping compartment will cost $40 and a ticket for a more luxurious compartment will cost $80.
The border and customs procedures will remain the same for the new express train.
