Organization of the movement of electric trains “Lastochka” on the route Saint-Petersburg – Pskov – Veliky Novgorod – Saint-Petersburg

The importance of short-distance interregional passenger rail service as a key element of interaction between regions, allowing residents to travel quickly and conveniently for work and tourism, is considered. The importance of these routes for these purposes is emphasized using the example of the St. Petersburg – Pskov and St. Petersburg – Veliky Novgorod routes. St. Petersburg acts as an economic center, which helps attract people from neighboring regions. The existing operating costs on these routes are identified and attention is focused on the need to optimize them to improve the quality of transportation. Based on the results of the grant research, potential solutions are discussed that can improve the organization of passenger transportation and meet the growing demand for mobility in this interregional context. The goal is to study the possibilities of optimizing short-distance interregional passenger rail service on the St. Petersburg – Pskov and St. Petersburg – Veliky Novgorod routes for the quality of transportation and taking into account the needs of residents and tourists. Statistical data on passenger transportation were used, an analysis of operating costs, routes with the participation of passengers and local authorities was performed. The methods of comparative analysis are included to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the existing system. The results of the study: the key operating costs are identified and recommendations for their optimization are proposed. The ways to increase the frequency and comfort of trips, as well as opportunities for improving the integration of interregional transportation with other modes of transport are identified. It is expected that the proposed measures will improve the quality of passenger service and increase demand for routes.

Analysis of the organization of passenger traffic on the St. Petersburg – Pskov and St. Petersburg – Veliky Novgorod lines revealed the presence of long unproductive downtime of rolling stock, and a statistical study of the passenger flow of Lastochka trains on the Novgorod direction made it possible to determine their occupancy level as quite low. To optimize the organization of passenger traffic and passenger flow on the considered routes, it is proposed: 1) organization of a combined shuttle route on the St. Petersburg – Pskov and St. Petersburg – Veliky Novgorod lines; 2) extension of the St. Petersburg – Pskov direction for a connecting stop in Veliky Novgorod.

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