Cost of Plastic Cutlery on Intercity+ Trains
Ukrainian TV presenter Kostiantyn Hrubych expressed shock after being charged 20 hryvnias for a single plastic fork in the buffet car of an Intercity+ high-speed train operated by Ukrzaliznytsia. Hrubych stated he was unprepared for such a high price, noting it far exceeds the typical market rate for disposable cutlery. He emphasized that the fork's cost was 'not even double' but significantly more than standard.
Prices for Other Items and Food Quality Concerns
Other disposable items in the cafe also carry notable price tags: plastic spoons cost 10 hryvnias, while paper cups range from 10 to 15 hryvnias. Catering services on these trains are provided by Ray, a partner company that won the catering tender. Ukrzaliznytsia confirmed that Ray is solely responsible for setting the menu and pricing, including for disposable items. This outsourcing model is common for railway operators, but pricing often draws passenger criticism.
Hrubych also criticized the overall food quality, stating it did not justify the high prices. He received what he described as a flimsy, unstamped note attempting to justify the fork's cost, which raised his suspicions about the transparency of the tender process.
"The food is tasteless, and the prices do not match the quality of what is offered," stated presenter Kostiantyn Hrubych.
In response to Hrubych's complaint, Ukrzaliznytsia forwarded his inquiry to the partner company for review. The presenter argued that this response shows the railway is abdicating responsibility for service quality. He further suggested that the catering tender process itself indicates clear corruption issues.
"Your tender is a clear example of corruption!" added Kostiantyn Hrubych.
This incident has sparked public outrage over the high cost of disposable items on Intercity+ trains, highlighting calls for a review of catering pricing policies on Ukrainian railways.
The situation underscores the need for stricter oversight of pricing and quality for services in public transport. Hrubych's criticisms may spur public and governmental pressure to review tender procedures and implement more transparent mechanisms to ensure proper catering standards on trains. In a competitive service market, it is vital for consumers to receive quality products at fair prices.