Text 3. Russian Railways

Railway systems are essential to the economy and infrastructure of any country. A highly developed railway network is vital to Russia as well, partly because of its huge territory. Rail connects Russia’s regions and provides services to main cities and towns. Much of the population relies on the railways because of rather cheap transportation.

Russian railways are one of the largest in the world. The total length of track is 85,500 km. The majority of railways in Russia are electrified. The national gauge standard is 1,524 mm. Modern Russian railways are transcontinental, they provide international passenger and freight service between Europe and Asia. The Russian railway system transports most of the country's industrial goods and raw materials. It also carries the bulk of passenger traffic. More than 1 billion passengers and 1 billion tons of freight travel via Russian Railways annually.

Actually, the rail network of Russia comprises 17 railways such as Oktyabrskaya Railway, Northern Railway and Moscow Railway. This division is based on historical and regional principle.

However, the density of the railways in Russia is still comparatively low. The country should enlarge its railway system, especially in the East with its relatively poor road connection.

The rolling stock used on Russian railways is reliable in operation and environmentally friendly. For instance, the locomotives possess high performance in quick acceleration and in tractive and braking power. The passenger coaches are modernised and comfortable. They also may have some extra facilities - conditioning, toned windows, or TV. High-speed railway transportation is the priority goal of the breakthrough development of rail transport in Russia.

To conclude, new technologies and equipment as well as high quality of service make Russian railways a competitive mode of transport.

Questions for discussion:

1. Railways are essential to the economy of any country, aren’t they?

2. Why does the population of Russia rely on railways?

3. What is the length of Russian railways?

4. Are modern Russian railways transcontinental?

5. Are Russian railways electrified?

6. What freight and passenger turnover does the Russian rail account for?

7. How many railways does the Russian rail system consist of?

8. Is the rolling stock used on Russian railways reliable and modern?

9. Why should Russia enlarge its railway network?

10. What makes Russian railways a competitive mode of transport?

Text 4. Joint Stock Company Russian Railways

In the past Russian railways were built as part of the national development plan for strategic and security reasons. The system entirely belonged to the Railways Ministry, a state within a state. It was completely owned, regulated and operated by the government. However, the funds from the government became insufficient to keep the railway in good operating condition. In response to the increasing needs of economy, the system was completely renovated.

Reforms started in September 2003 with the establishment of the joint stock company Russian Railways (RZD). The Russian Federation became the only shareholder of the company and delegated shareholder control to the Government.

Being a large monopoly of vital strategic importance, JSC Russian Railways is regulated by several governmental bodies with different functions. Thus, the Ministry of Transport and Communication is responsible for the regulation and licensing of the railway industry. The Ministry of Economics Trade and Development approves RZD strategic plans and the key budget parameters. The Federal Tariff Service answers for the tariff policy and electrification of the railway industry. The Ministry of Finance is responsible for taxation and subsidies.

JSC Russian Railways is the sole owner and operator of the railway infrastructure in Russia. The company's assets include track depots, stations, switching facilities and dispatch centres. The company has the largest freight rolling stock and operates all the passenger service rail assets. It has the largest locomotive fleet.

RZD is constantly expanding and upgrading its domestic and international services. The company provides maximum comfort and reliability for all passengers, including new rail-air links, luxury compartments and suburban transit trains.

The new high speed Sapsan trains are the pride of the company. The trains were developed by Siemens specialists with the involvement of RZD representatives and higher education institutes. The Sapsan trains fully comply with the Russian Federation safety standards. Their design ensures reliability, energy, efficiency, safety and comfort for passengers and personnel.

Nowadays RZD is successfully integrating into Eurasian transport infrastructure. Russian railways cooperate with European and Asian railways and have common routes with them.

Questions for discussion:

1. How were Russian railways managed in the past?

2. When and why was JSC Russian Railways established?

3. What governmental bodies regulate JSC Russian Railways?

4. What corporate structure does the company Russian Railways have?

5. What are RZD assets?

6. Why do you think RZD is a company of vital strategic importance?

7. What does the company Russian Railways provide for passengers?

8. Who worked on the project of the Sapsan trains?

9. Why do you think the Sapsan trains are fully reliable and energy efficient?

10. How is RZD integrating into Eurasian transport infrastructure?