Ukrzaliznytsia opened all paid waiting rooms for free: what is happening with trains due to air threats

Ukrainian Railways has decided to temporarily waive the fee for waiting rooms at all stations in the country. As Ukrzaliznytsia reported, the corresponding changes to station infrastructure operations are in effect until Friday morning. The measure is linked to widespread disruptions in train schedules, which arose against the backdrop of air threats and forced stops of trains. The company emphasizes that stations remain open to passengers while railway workers operationally restore the schedule and ensure safe train movement.

Cause: ballistic threats and "Shahed" drone attacks

According to the publication, flight delays became a consequence of the threat of ballistic weapons use and attacks by "Shahed" jet drones. Under such conditions, train movement is forced to slow down: trains stop, change routes, or sit idle until the alert is lifted. In the morning, the largest delay was recorded for train No. 775/776 on the Sumy — Kyiv-Pasazhyrskyi route, which was running 15 hours 37 minutes behind schedule. Dozens of other trains were also moving with delays.

Who can use the free waiting rooms

Free access to waiting rooms was granted to all passengers forced to wait for their flight. Ukrzaliznytsia separately highlighted vulnerable categories: families with children, elderly people, and all passengers of delayed trains. In addition to a place to wait, stations provide drinking water and tea for free. "Points of Invincibility" are operating continuously, where passengers can charge mobile devices and wait out both the alert and the train delay.

The company's position

In its statement, Ukrzaliznytsia emphasizes that in difficult moments passengers are "not left alone with the situation." The company states that it is doing everything possible to ensure passengers reach their destination safely. In fact, this is a temporary service solution that relieves the financial burden on people stranded at stations due to circumstances beyond their control.

Context for passengers

For those planning a trip in the coming hours, the key recommendation is to check the status of their flight in advance and allow extra time for delays. Free waiting rooms, water, tea, and charging devices are available at stations until Friday morning; after this period, per the logic of the statement, the operating mode may return to standard if the schedule situation stabilizes. Passengers with children and elderly people should treat these zones as the main waiting points.