The first Lastochka train has left St Petersburg, marking the start of service for Sochi’s Games’ trains.
A launch ceremony was held at the city’s Moscow railway station on January 23.
Present was the senior vice president of Russian Railways, Mikhail Akulov, and Jochen Eickholt, chief executive of business unit rail automation at Siemens.
The first Lastochka service is operating on two routes between St Petersburg – Chudovo – Novgorod-on-Volkhov and St. Petersburg – Chudovo – Bologoye.
“The Lastochka electric train is an innovative project in the field of passenger transport,” said Valentin Gapanovich, senior vice president of Russian Railways, in his speech during the ceremony.
“It is designed to operate in Russia’s climate and meet our technology standards and special requirements regarding safety and environmental protection. It meets the needs of the most discerning passenger.”
Irina Zadaura, who lives in Bologoye, was the first passenger to buy a ticket for the Lastochka.
Irina was presented with a certificate en route commemorating her status as the first passenger on the Lastochka.
Later this year, Lastochka services are scheduled to begin from Kazan and Sochi.
