Russian rails have come a long way from covering a modest 33 kilometers in an hour to 580 kilometers/hour today. The largest country in the world (Russia) today can boast of a rather developed and expansive train network. The government has devised innovative means of making railways a more affordable means of transport for its people. In 2015, Russia launched the first-of-its-type ‘double-decker’ trains that are not only cheaper but can also accommodate more passengers.
There’s this good old saying, “If we connect all the trains belonging to Russian Railways end-to-end, it would be enough to cover the equator twice.” Think of the magnitude then! Train journeys in Russia are both safe and comfortable, besides being an economic means of transport.
All types of trains run across the length and breadth of the country – high-speed bullet trains, luxury trains, and regular passenger trains (the cheapest and the slowest of the three). Some of its trains famously cover stations that fall under different time zones. The Trans-Siberian is the longest railway in the world which celebrated its centennial year in 2016.
The Red Arrow, Sapsan, Allegro, Rossiya or the Trans-Siberian Express, the Grand Express, Baltic Express, and Lev Tolstoy are some of the best-loved and most popular trains in Russia. The starting point of all these trains is Moscow, the capital city. Red Arrow terminates in St.Petersburg; Sapsan in Kazan; Grand Express in Novosibirsk; Rossiya in Vladimir; Allegro in Vladivostok; and Baltic Express in Ulan Bator.
Given the long days of travel on Russian rails, it is not surprising for passengers to report lost or missing luggage occasionally when they disembark at their destinations. We have listed the best ways for you below that could help you trace and claim your belongings in the minimum time.
Fill Out the Missing Item Report Online
On disembarking if you suddenly realize that you have left behind your bag/s on a Russian train, you can resort to their online service, and fill out their web form giving all the necessary details. Please note, however, that the service is currently only available for long-distance trains and not for commuter trains. Please submit your report within 30 days of your trip; the sooner you lodge a missing complaint, the higher the chances for the authorities to trace, locate, and return your bag/s intact.
The Federal Passenger Company is a subsidiary of the Russian Railways and is headquartered in Moscow. It is tasked with the safe transportation of passengers and cargo on trains in Russia and is responsible for the operation of all long-distance trains except Sapsan and Allegro. This is their website link. You may access the application form and fill in the requisite details. Important information that will be required here — your name; your ticket number; the last four numbers of your ID card which you used to purchase your ticket; your email and phone number; a full and accurate description of the lost bag along with the contents; and possible area in the train car where you think you left them and from where they can be retrieved.
Train staff and attendants on duty typically hand over bags that passengers leave behind to the authorities at the Lost and Found Office. The officials click pictures of these bags and upload them on their website. So by clicking on the link above, you can also take a look at the pictures to ascertain if any of the bags belong to you. If you spot them there, you notify the authorities with proof of ownership. They will direct you how and from where you can reclaim your bag — most likely from the final destination of your journey.
Connect With Customer Care Representatives
It is important to consider approaching anyone and everyone who you think could resolve your problem at the earliest. You may think of emailing or calling customer care executives at Russian Railways, and explaining your plight to the agent furnishing them with necessary information. You should not only fill out their online form but should simultaneously connect with customer care representatives via phone or social media and request a quick resolution of your problem.
Usually, all bags are returned to owners within 2 days or even less. 90% of bags can be retrieved from Lost and Found Offices, but these executives will help to expedite the process for you. For your information, the customer support numbers at Russian Railways are — 8 (800) 775-00-00 or +7 (499) 605-20-00. You can also write to info@rzd.ru.
Find Help via Social Media
Social media is by far the best and fastest means to secure help in such cases. Message trails left on social media pages with complete information about the complaint, description of lost bags, ticket number, train car number, and train name, along with the date of the journey go viral within seconds and catch public attention fast.
Organizations are careful not to tarnish their image and so employ professionals to handle their social media pages and address customer queries, feedback, concerns, and issues promptly and with diligence. Please take note of Russian Railway’s Facebook and Twitter pages.
Conclusion
Despite the impeccable reputation that Russian Rails have earned as being one of the safest modes of travel in the country, it is advisable to play safe and take adequate precautions on your journey irrespective of whether you are traveling in a group, with your family, or solo. Lock the doors and put on the security latch, and do not leave your bags or valuables unattended when you visit the loo. Place your bags in the metal box beneath your bunk bed. Prepare in advance when your destination approaches, and count your bags before disembarking.
If you are circumspect throughout your journey, you should be good and there will never be a thing to worry about.
