Trains will stop at stations during a red threat level: new rules from UZ

The government has approved new rules for the operation of railways and stations depending on the air threat level. At the yellow level, trains will run according to schedule, while boarding and departure will be suspended at the red level. Earlier, Ukrzaliznytsia had already prepared new movement rules due to prolonged air alarms. This was reported by Prime Minister Serhii Koretskyi.

How trains will operate at yellow and red threat levels

At the yellow level, the railway will continue to operate normally. Trains are expected to run on schedule, and passengers will be able to board and disembark without additional restrictions.

Rules change significantly after a red level announcement. In this case, boarding of passengers and departure of trains will be temporarily suspended, and people will be directed to shelters.

At the same time, Ukrzaliznytsia will be able to respond to specific security situations. The company is allowed to quickly restrict movement, disperse trains and passengers to avoid dangerous crowding at stations and platforms.

«Depending on the situation on the ground, Ukrzaliznytsia will be able to quickly restrict movement and disperse rolling stock and passengers to avoid crowding,» said Koretskyi.

A similar mechanism is already in use on dangerous routes. Due to the threat of Russian attacks, UZ has changed the movement of trains in the regions, organizing bus transfers and forced stops near shelters.

Shelters will be expanded at stations, and public transport will be adjusted to train schedules

Ukrzaliznytsia, together with regional military administrations and communities, is to increase passenger access to shelters at stations. Rapid installation of mobile shelters is also planned.

Information about the threat level is planned to be received automatically. This should reduce the time between changes in security situations and decisions on whether to continue or suspend boarding and movement.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs and the National Police will additionally strengthen the security of railway stations and escort the evacuation of passengers.

Another change concerns public transport. Regions are tasked with adapting its schedules to the actual movement of trains, especially at night. This is important in cases where departures are delayed due to alarms or passengers arrive at the station later than planned.

In Kyiv, this approach has already been partially implemented: since September 10, four night buses have been operating, providing connections to residential areas during the curfew.