Laura Nakoryakova comments on the expansion of the discounted train ticket program for children

The Russian government has introduced a year-round 50% discount for all children from ten to 18 years of age on long-distance train tickets, RT reports. Laura Nakoryakova, a partner at the Gaidar Institute’s Center for Evidence-Based Expertise and the ATRE analytical agency, believes that amid rising prices for transportation services, the Russian authorities' initiative will not only help reduce the financial burden on families with children, but also further stimulate domestic tourism.

«The discount will certainly be in demand. After all, so far the benefits have been extended mainly to young children, and teenagers often fell out of the zone of preferences," the expert noted.

The cost of travel is a key factor when buying a trip or organizing a trip, so families who previously limited themselves in travel due to high ticket prices will now have a chance to travel around Russia more often. In turn, schoolchildren and students will be able to more actively participate in educational and sightseeing trips around the country, which is especially important for cultural exchange between regions.

«With a competent marketing approach, this can even increase the profitability of railway transportation by increasing the number of passengers. However, it is important that Russian Railways provide a sufficient number of available seats at reduced fares, especially during the seasonal period," summarized Lora Nakoryakova.

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Friday, 07.03.2025