A new service has been introduced on select Ukrzaliznytsia routes, allowing passengers to order a book directly when purchasing their ticket and receive it on their bunk at the start of the journey. This was announced by the press service of JSC "Ukrzaliznytsia" on Facebook, as reported by RBC-Ukraine. According to the company, reading on the move to the rhythm of the wheels is one of those little railway traditions worth preserving, and the "Books" category in the "Iron Friends" loyalty program has long been one of the most popular among passengers.
How the service works: from order to bunk
Ukrzaliznytsia specialists have pinned the book offers to the top position in the partner offers section of the mobile app. Now, when purchasing a ticket for an eligible route, a passenger can select a book, which will be delivered directly to their bunk at the start of the journey. The company emphasizes that the service is not yet available on all routes, but only on select ones — both international and in flagship domestic trains. The specific list of routes where the service operates is published in the app and on the carrier's website.
Supporting Ukrainian publishing in wartime
Ukrzaliznytsia reminds that today the book has become a symbol of the fight for the Ukrainian word. Despite enemy shelling and damage to printing houses and warehouses, Ukrainian publishers continue to create and publish books under extremely difficult conditions. "Right now, they especially need our support," the company stated. Passengers are encouraged to choose Ukrainian, support domestic publishers, and take an interesting book with them on the road. "As long as we read in Ukrainian, speak in Ukrainian, and pass these stories on — our culture cannot be stopped," Ukrzaliznytsia concluded.
Context: the carrier's operating environment
The launch of the book service comes against a backdrop of ongoing challenges for Ukraine's railway infrastructure. Earlier reports noted massive shelling causing train delays and schedule changes, as well as issues with ticket sales on certain routes due to restrictions on the start time of sales. Nevertheless, Ukrzaliznytsia continues to develop service offerings for passengers, integrating them into the "Iron Friends" loyalty program ecosystem, which includes bonuses, partner discounts, and additional services.
Contradictory data
No significant discrepancies in the facts about the book service were found in the provided sources. RBC-Ukraine and Ukranews convey the Ukrzaliznytsia press service's information in a consistent manner: the service operates on select routes, orders are placed through the app, and delivery is made to the bunk. The Unian source (ID 3) concerns a different aspect of the carrier's operations — the timing of ticket sales launches for specific dates — which does not contradict but complements the overall picture of the company's operational activity. The Delo source (ID 4) describes the consequences of shelling for train movement, which also does not cast doubt on the fact of the book service's introduction, but indicates that under wartime conditions some routes may be cancelled or delayed, indirectly affecting the service's availability for passengers.
