OREANDA-NEWS. Vladimir Yakunin, president of Russian Railways, paid a working visit to West Siberian Railways in Novosibirsk, during which Russian Railways, Novosibirsk Oblast and the mayor’s office of Novosibirsk signed an agreement on cooperation for 2008. Under the agreement, West Siberian Railways will ensure the stable and safe operation of rail transport and the further development of the joint stock company Express-Suburb to meet local demand in Novosibirsk Oblast and Novosibirsk city for suburban rail services.

In addition, Russian Railways gave an assurance to implement measures to boost freight and passenger volumes and thus increase the tax base in Novosibirsk Oblast, as well as to implement a rail safety programme in Novosibirsk Oblast during 2007-2009.

“We are building practical and friendly relations with the regions, and our relationship with Novosibirsk Oblast can be seen as setting the benchmark,” said Yakunin after signing the agreement.