High-speed double-decker trains have been at the disposal of Russian Railways since 2009. For some cities, double-decker trains are a common occurrence, for other settlements they are still an outlandish sight, against which people are massively photographed. For passengers who have never traveled in such carriages, we will describe all the pros and cons of double-decker trains.
Advantages of double-decker trains
There are only two types of double-deck cars - compartment and SV. The main advantage of such a train is the reduced cost of the ticket, because the number of seats in the carriage has been increased from 36 to 64. This point is decisive for people who want to save money on the trip.
Double-deck trains have a number of other advantages over standard trains:
- the presence of sockets in each compartment;
- a grocery set included in the ticket price, which includes a bottle of water, biscuits, waffles, pate, a small jar of jam;
- free newspapers and magazines;
- wi-fi in the vicinity of big cities;
- a mini-buffet in each carriage, where snacks, water and similar trifles are sold.
Disadvantages of double-decker trains
Conditions for traveling in a double-decker train cause a lot of complaints from passengers. Let's take a closer look at the disadvantages of double-decker cars, so that everyone understands what awaits him.
Lack of overhead racks
There is no room for luggage, which is in every compartment of a conventional single-deck train, in double-deck cars. Passengers of any compartment, both the upper and lower floors, are forced to place their luggage under the lower shelves. The luggage compartment under the bottom shelf is also smaller.
The height of all coupes has become lower
According to the standards adopted in the car building of the Russian Federation, the corridor in a carriage must be at least 2 meters (in old cars it was 190 cm). It turned out to build on such a car, only with a decrease in the height of the compartment: on the second floor, the corridor is located above the compartment of the first floor. Thus, we see a standard corridor and a compartment with a low ceiling.
Especially inconvenient for passengers on the upper shelves on the second floor. Even sitting on such a shelf will be problematic.
On the lower floor, there is a little more space on the upper shelves.
No curtains and smaller windows
On the second floor, the windows are located at the waist level of an adult. In the compartment, the windows are devoid of curtains. You can only protect yourself from the sun's rays with special panels that leave passengers in complete darkness.
The size of the window has also decreased, which few people like. However, those passengers who travel on the lower bunk in the compartment on the second floor have good access to the window. They can view their surroundings from great heights.
Inconvenient air conditioning system
Air conditioners in a compartment are located in the ceiling, as is the case in many single-deck carriages, and in the walls, under the windows. Therefore, those passengers who decide to lie with their head to the window may arrive at the place with a cold.
Shortened reserved seat shelves
Due to the fact that shortened shelves are installed in double-deck cars, a large gap remains between the compartment door and the shelf, into which the pillow falls through. Therefore, you have to sleep with your head to the window, and there is an air conditioner. Vicious circle!
Previous number of conductors
The double-decker carriage is served by only 2 conductors. Passengers traveling on the second floor receive much less attention from the conductors than those traveling on the first floor.
Narrow staircase to the second floor
To the second floor you have to climb a narrow, broken staircase. Two people on it will not miss each other. Oversized luggage has to be lifted using imagination.
Lack of toilets on the second floor
There are 3 dry closets for one double-deck car, in which 64 people travel. They can be used even while the train is at a standstill. All toilets are located at one end of the carriage, but only on the first floor. Passengers from the second floor have to go downstairs to visit the restroom.
Toilets are kept clean. They include disposable toilet seat covers, liquid soap and towels.
Hidden Titanium with Hot Water
In standard carriages, titanium with boiling water was in the corridor, so there was always access to it. In double-deck carriages, this titanium is to be found in the conductor compartment on the first floor. In addition, its size has been cut in half.
Which floor to choose for the trip
Traveling on the 1st floor of a double-decker train will be more enjoyable for some passengers. These include elderly people who find it difficult to overcome the rise to the second floor, fragile ladies with heavy luggage and lovers of relative comfort. The second floor, especially the upper bunk of the second tier compartment, is categorically contraindicated for people suffering from claustrophobia.
The compartments on the 2nd floor are more often bought by passengers traveling light, and family people traveling with children who will be interested in looking out the window from a great height.
