Ukrzaliznytsia plans to introduce a new dynamic pricing system for premium segment train tickets — SV (luxury) and 1st class Intercity. This was announced by the company’s CEO Oleksandr Pertsovsky during a press conference.

According to him, ticket prices will change depending on four main factors, which will make trips more predictable and profitable for passengers. The first factor is seasonality. During periods of low demand, when trains are 70–80% full, tickets will be cheaper (for example, with a coefficient of 0.8). In peak months, such as August, when travel demand is high, the price will increase (coefficient of 1.2). UZ has identified 16 seasonality zones for different periods of the year.

The second factor is the days of the week. The lowest prices are expected on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, when demand for travel is the lowest, and on Fridays and Sundays, on the contrary, tickets will become more expensive due to the maximum load on trains.

The third factor takes into account the advance purchase. Pertsovsky noted that today about 30% of passengers buy tickets on the day of departure or two days before the trip. The new system will encourage passengers to plan their trips in advance, which will allow them to get a more favorable price.

The fourth factor is the occupancy of the train. If the train is 90–100% full, the price may increase. If there are free seats before departure, the ticket price will automatically decrease to attract more passengers.

Dynamic pricing will start working approximately in a month and will apply only to the premium segment. Tickets for reserved seats, compartments and 2nd class Intercity will remain unchanged. UZ expects that the new system will increase the efficiency of train loading and make travel more convenient and economically beneficial for passengers.