Seasonal train traveling between Yerevan and Batumi to start running on June 15

YEREVAN, June 10. /ARKA/. The seasonal train traveling between Yerevan and Batumi, a popular destination of Armenian holiday makers in Georgia’s Black Sea Coast, will start running on June 15, South Caucasus Railway CJSC CEO Viktor Rebets told journalists today.  

“We are always embarking on necessary preparations for summer passenger transportation yet in winter – we approve a special plan of activities to start our summer passenger carriage properly,” he said in Novosti International Press Center. 

The company has already sold 400 tickets for this train, of which 38 tickets for the first trip – on June 15. 

Rebets also said that the company intends to expand the range of services for this train’s passengers. 

“Prices of tickets for Yerevan-Batumi train have not changed for about three years – the ticket for traveling in third-class sleepers costs about 15,000 drams, in a separate room with additional services 17,500 and in a sleeping car 26,000 drams,” he said. “Children at the age below 5 may travel for free, and children at the age above 5 enjoy a 40-percent discount.”

Rebets said the duration of the trip has been reduced by six hours thanks to the measures taken over a period between 2009 and 2013 to strengthen the infrastructure. 

“The trip’s duration was 21.5 hours in 2009, while now passengers reach their destination in 15 hours and 45 minutes,” he said adding that after negotiating with the Georgian side, the company has made an arrangement with it that all the border and customs procedures will be made right in the train.    

Besides, all the passengers of the sleeping car will be provided with sim cards of the Georgian partner operator. 

South Caucasus Railway, a subsidiary of Russian Railways, runs Armenian Railway, which was handed over to the South Caucasus Railway on February 13, 2008 for 30-year concession management with a right to prolong the management term for other 10 years..-0----