Starting April 25, Ukrzaliznytsia will begin selling tickets for “luxury” class cars based on new pricing factors—ticket prices will be adjusted according to four factors.
As reported on Ukrzaliznytsia’s Telegram channel on Saturday, these changes will apply exclusively to travel in SV (luxury) and first-class cars on domestic Intercity trains.
“Dynamic pricing for tickets in the premium segment—the relevant order has passed public review and is taking effect. Ticket sales based on the new coefficients will begin on April 25. The indexation of fares in SV (luxury) cars on international trains has also been approved,” according to a statement from Ukrzaliznytsia.
To improve seat availability—which is especially important during the peak season, which is just around the corner—ticket prices in the premium segment will be flexibly adjusted based on four factors:
1. Seasonality. During periods when trains are only 70–80% full, tickets will be cheaper. And during peak months, such as August, when demand is highest, the price will be higher. In total, there will be 16 seasonality zones reflecting the current calendar of holidays, vacations, etc. This will help passengers choose more cost-effective travel times, improve seat availability during peak periods, and increase train occupancy during off-peak periods.
2. Day of the week. The lowest prices will be on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and the highest when the travel date falls on Fridays and Sundays, when demand is highest. Passengers who can change their travel date will have an additional incentive to do so, and their seats will become available for others on the most popular days.
3. Advance Purchase. The number of days before the train’s departure for which a ticket is purchased. Today, nearly 30% of passengers buy tickets on the day of travel or two days before. The new approach will encourage planning trips in advance and buying tickets at a better price. This will allow for the most efficient use of rolling stock.
4. Occupancy. If a train is 90–100% full, the price may be higher. But if there are still empty seats before departure, the price will decrease. This will allow passengers who would otherwise choose a different travel class to travel in first class or SV at a more affordable price. Implementing this mechanism requires further development of IT systems and will be implemented separately.
