Ukrzaliznytsia's Official Berth Usage Guidelines
Ukrzaliznytsia, Ukraine's state railway operator, has issued an official clarification on the rules for using upper and lower sleeping berths in its carriages. According to the company, a passenger's ticket determines their exclusive right to a specific berth. This means a passenger holding a ticket for a lower berth is under no obligation to allow a passenger with an upper berth ticket to sit there, even for the entire journey to the final destination.
Berth Access and Storage
Access to a lower berth for sitting is only permitted with the mutual consent of the passengers involved. Furthermore, the luggage storage space beneath the lower berth belongs exclusively to the passenger occupying that lower berth. Passengers with upper berths do not have an automatic right to use this under-berth storage area without the express permission of the lower-berth passenger.
Ukrzaliznytsia recommends that passengers on upper berths store their hand luggage on the overhead luggage racks or in designated compartments. If necessary, they may negotiate with the lower-berth passenger for permission to use the space below.
It is worth noting that the Parliamentary Committee on Economic Development had proposed allocating over UAH 26 billion in the 2026 state budget to support passenger transport, humanitarian aid, and evacuation cargo. However, these funds were not included in the final version of the budget.
The publication of these new berth usage rules aims to ensure passenger comfort and order during travel, as well as to prevent conflicts between passengers.
The importance of these clarifications is underscored by the broader context of railway funding discussions in Ukraine. Clear rules are particularly relevant for a system that remains a vital lifeline for many citizens. These guidelines could form part of a larger strategy to improve service standards in the nation's transport sector during a period of significant challenge.