Ukrzaliznytsia, the Ukrainian national railway company, is making significant strides in bolstering passenger safety measures. As part of its comprehensive efforts, the company plans to introduce women’s compartments on selected long-distance routes. The initiative aims to provide a more comfortable and secure travel experience for female passengers.
Ukrzaliznytsia is actively developing IT solutions and consulting with legal experts, international organizations, and Ukrainian public bodies to ensure the effective implementation of enhanced security measures. By drawing inspiration from successful practices in Asian countries and Europe, the company aims to adopt a holistic approach to passenger safety.
Testing Women’s Compartments
In a bid to foster a safer environment for female passengers, Ukrzaliznytsia will implement a pilot project involving women’s compartments. This initiative has garnered support from various stakeholders, including Olena Shulyak, Chair of the Committee on the Organization of State Power. The implementation of separate compartments for women is seen as an opportunity to provide comfort and security to those who desire it.
The pilot project will commence on selected long-distance routes where passengers typically spend significant time traveling. Ukrzaliznytsia aims to gauge the actual demand and gather feedback from passengers and experts during the trial period. This collaborative approach will help determine the viability and potential expansion of women’s compartments.
To ensure accessibility, Ukrzaliznytsia will introduce a dedicated service for purchasing tickets for women’s compartments through their mobile application. This move aims to streamline the booking process and enhance convenience for passengers. By learning from past experiences, where a similar service was available only at ticket offices and received minimal demand, the railway company seeks to cater to the evolving needs of its customers effectively.
Comprehensive Security Measures
Currently, all newly acquired and modernized compartments, accounting for approximately 15% of active compartments , are equipped with CCTV cameras and conductor call buttons.
The success of the pilot project and the valuable feedback received from passengers and experts will play a crucial role in shaping the future of women’s compartments on Ukrainian trains. The integration of panic buttons, compartment alarms, increased patrolling, and strict penalties for proven harassment are among the additional measures being considered to eradicate any forms of misconduct.
By combining innovative solutions, consultations with experts, and feedback from the community, the railway company aims to create a secure and welcoming environment for all passengers.
