2024-09-22 13:53:30
Despite the significant reduction in passenger flow due to the state of emergency declared in Armenia, the “South Caucasian Railway” company continues to carry out regular intra-republic passenger transportation.
Transportation in local communication did not stop for a single day, all domestic electric train routes were carried out according to the schedule, and during the period of the strictest restrictions and temporary cancellation of intercity road transport, the railway itself became the only link connecting the capital with the regions of the republic.
The situation created due to the danger of the spread of the coronavirus infection could not have a negative impact on the work of railway transport. the Yerevan-Tbilisi-Yerevan international train has not been operating since March 14, the Yerevan-Batumi-Yerevan route, which usually opened every year on June 15, has been canceled, the seasonal electric train intended for those who prefer quiet in Lake Sevan, which usually operated from June to September.
In order to avoid heavy rush of passengers and to ensure compliance with the current rules on electric trains due to the pandemic, the railways will also have to cancel the traditional free ride promotion held every year on Railway Day. However, after the lifting of the quarantine and the stabilization of the epidemiological situation, SCR will certainly carry out this traditional measure, notifying the passengers in advance.
In the first half of 2020, the railway carried 136.8 thousand passengers, of which 3.5 thousand were international, and 133.3 thousand were local. For comparison, let’s note that in the first half of 2019, 178.7 thousand passengers were transported by South Caucasian Railway trains, of which 166.1 thousand were local, and 12.6 thousand were international.
The main decline in passenger traffic is associated with the suspension of international traffic, the absence of tour groups, the cancellation of classes in educational institutions and, accordingly, the absence of student passengers. Currently, 77% of passengers travel short distances up to 50 km.
However, despite the difficulties, SCR is working towards improving the quality of passenger transport. from July 1, the two routes of the Yerevan-Gyumri route, the most popular among passengers, are served by the EP2D new generation electric train.
So we hope to see our regular and new passengers again after we get back to the normal rhythm of life.