Passengers file a lawsuit against Russian Railways, seeking compensation of 283 thousand roubles, due to travel in an un-air-conditioned carriage.
Last summer, a family from the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug made headlines after successfully suing the Federal Passenger Company (a subsidiary of RZD) for unbearable travel conditions during a three-day journey from Yekaterinburg to Adler.
The journey, which cost the family 51,000 rubles, was marked by a series of uncomfortable and unsanitary conditions. The ventilation in the carriage did not work, and the windows could not be opened, leading to a stuffy and dirty environment. To make matters worse, the air conditioner, as assured by conductors, was never turned on, and the temperature inside the carriage reached +37°C.
During the journey, a child in the family fell ill, requiring medics to be called. Toilets in the carriage were blocked, and for hot water and toilet use, passengers had to go to the neighboring carriage. The situation was so intolerable that passengers were forced to seek refuge in the corridor by open windows.
Upon returning home, the family sent a complaint to the Federal Passenger Company demanding compensation, but received a refusal. Complaints to the train manager and RZD's customer centre were also unsuccessful. Consequently, the family decided to take legal action.
The Sovietsky District Court of KhMAO partially satisfied the lawsuit, ordering the Federal Passenger Company to pay 283,000 rubles to the Ivanov family. The family was awarded this amount in the lawsuit. Notably, another family from the same region, also facing similar travel conditions, received 150,000 rubles in compensation.
This case serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining clean and comfortable travel conditions for passengers. The Federal Passenger Company, as a subsidiary of RZD, should ensure that its trains provide a safe and pleasant journey for all passengers, especially during long journeys.
In conclusion, the Ivanov family's successful lawsuit against the Federal Passenger Company highlights the need for improved travel conditions on Russian trains. Passengers should not have to endure unbearable conditions during their journeys, and companies like the Federal Passenger Company should prioritise the comfort and safety of their customers.
