The Falcon set to fly (not peregrine)

[Donna]

Nathan Toohey

Russia's German-built Sapsan high speed train is almost ready to roll - December 18 has been named as the commencement date for its regular public service between Moscow and St. Petersburg. The Sapsan, which name means "peregrine falcon" in Russian, can seat 604 passengers and has a maximum speed of 250 kilometres an hour. The train will cruise at approximately 200 kilometres an hour for most of the journey, however, due to the majority of the track not being able to support the train's maximum speed.
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The Express-3 automated booking system has already posted the train's timetable. The trains will run three times daily - with a train leaving both cities at simultaneous times. The first trains are to leave at 6:45 am and arrive at their destination at 10:30 am - with a total travel time of 3 hours and 45 minutes. The following trains will depart at 1 pm and arrive at 5:15 pm - with the journey time taking longer due to five stops made along the way at Tver, Vyshny Volochek, Vologoye, Okulovka and Chudova. The evening run will leave at 7 pm and take 3:45 minutes to complete its journey. 


The train will boast two seating classes - first and second class. Ticket prices have yet to be announced, but the operators Russian Railways have suggested that the journey will be competitively priced compared to flying. Russian Railways chief suggested 3,900 roubles as a likely figure late last year.

[valhalla]

Very cool!