Passengers of Ukrainian Railways (UZ) trains have encountered a new reality in service: hot drinks are now served strictly according to regulations, and after 22:00, conductors stop walking through the carriages offering tea and coffee. This decision, which sparked discussion on social media, is explained by the desire not to disturb passengers resting at night. However, the company clarified that the cessation of rounds does not mean a refusal to serve those who paid for the service in advance.
Regulations of Instruction CL-0038 and night quiet mode
According to the official Passenger Carriage Conductor Instruction CL-0038, tea and coffee must be offered to passengers at least three times a day. This requirement ensures a basic level of comfort for travelers. However, Ukrainian Railways has made an important clarification in the practice of applying this rule: after 22:00, active rounds of carriages offering hot drinks cease. The railway company's logic is simple — at this time, most passengers in sleeping cars have already gone to sleep, and the noise from pouring water and talking may disturb their rest.
What to do if you board the train late in the evening
The situation became relevant after an incident described by a passenger who boarded the train at 23:44 and planned to get off at 02:17. The woman paid for coffee as part of the ticket but did not receive the drink because the conductor did not come out to offer it. In response to the complaint, UZ representatives explained that the standard service time had already ended. Nevertheless, the company emphasized: the paid drink does not disappear. If a passenger boards the train after 22:00 and wants to receive the service, they must inform the conductor immediately upon boarding. In this case, the drink will be prepared and handed out during the journey.
Conductor duties and staff availability
It is important to understand that the conductor is not obliged to stay constantly in the staff compartment or in the carriage corridor. During the trip, they perform a number of other duties, including ticket control, interaction with the train chief, and solving organizational issues. Therefore, expecting the conductor to approach the passenger at night with an offer of tea may be mistaken. The initiative to receive the service after 22:00 must come from the passenger themselves.
Contradictory data
While the official explanations from Ukrainian Railways sound logical and justified, comments on a deleted post on Threads revealed opinions that passengers feel cheated. Some point out that paying for a service in the ticket should guarantee its receipt without additional action on their part. On the other hand, the company insists that the regulations are not violated, and the responsibility for timely notification of their needs lies with the passenger. This creates a situation where, formally, the rules are followed, but the subjective perception of the service may be negative.
Free and paid services in UZ trains
Let us recall that in Ukrainian Railways trains there is a clear division between free and paid services. Without extra payment, passengers can use the toilet, receive boiled water, a first aid kit, information via the loudspeaker, and transport up to 36 kg of luggage. Drinks, bedding, and the use of the refrigerator and microwave are paid for separately. In "Intercity" category trains, meals, Wi-Fi, and online services are also available. Understanding this division helps avoid misunderstandings when receiving services during the journey.
