New rules governing the operation of rail transport and stations during air alerts have come into force in Ukraine. The relevant mechanism was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine on 17 September, and Ukrzaliznytsia (UZ) has published clarifications on exactly how trains and stations will operate depending on the level of threat. The key principle of the new procedure is the differentiation of procedures by degree of danger: what is permitted under the yellow level is either halted or switched to a mode of evacuating people into shelters under the red level.
How station operations will change under the yellow threat level
Under the yellow threat level, trains continue to operate in normal mode. Their arrival, departure and other technological processes are permitted, as are the boarding and alighting of passengers at stations, platforms and stops. Passengers may remain at stations and platforms at their own discretion, however they must be informed about the threat level and the location of the nearest shelters. Thus, the yellow alert does not halt the transport process, but activates an enhanced information regime.
What happens under a red alert
Under the red threat level, the boarding and alighting of passengers is suspended. Passengers, railway employees and other visitors to stations and platforms are moved to the nearest shelters. At the same time, the movement of trains already in transit is not automatically halted: a decision is taken separately for each train, taking into account the operational situation and data on air threats provided by Ukrzaliznytsia's monitoring teams. The company will also disperse passenger flows and rolling stock to prevent their concentration, and if necessary the movement of individual trains may be restricted or temporarily suspended.
The role of monitoring teams and staff protection
UZ's press service emphasized that the monitoring teams monitor the security situation around the clock. Upon detecting air targets that may pose a threat to passengers or staff, they promptly notify railway workers, after which, if necessary, measures are taken to move people into shelters or other safe locations. Separately, it is provided for staff working directly with trains to be equipped with additional personal protective equipment — protective vests and helmets.
Informing passengers and the duration of the rules
At stations and platforms, passengers will be additionally informed via loudspeakers, information boards, and the Ukrzaliznytsia website and app. Recommendations on actions to take under different threat levels and routes to the nearest shelters will also be published. The new rules remain in effect for the entire period of martial law.
