OREANDA-NEWS. January 30, 2015. Celebrations took place at the Belarusian Station in Moscow to mark the launch of new RIC carriages included with train No.17 / 18 Moscow - Nice, which is operated by the Federal Passenger Company, as well as the 150th anniversary of rail services to Nice. From today, the train includes new RIC-sized sleeping cars and compartment carriages.

"The new generation carriages have more sophisticated equipment that facilitates the smooth movement of the rolling stock en route. We have also greatly expanded our services to passengers," said Mikhail Akulov, Vice-President at Russian Railways and Managing Director of the Federal Passenger Company, during a briefing at Belarusian Station.

"This long-distance night service, which stretches for more than 3,000 kilometres, reminds us of the lengthy history of collaboration between French and Russian railways", said Frederic Parde, Director of Projects in Russia and the CIS at SNCF, the French National Railway Company.

The Federal Passenger Company has decided to offer a fare discount of 10% in 2015 on advance ticket purchases for train No. 17/18 Moscow - Nice, No. 23/24 Moscow - Paris and No. 21/22 Moscow - Prague, as well as on all direct carriages in their formations. In addition, the fares (in foreign currency) for these trains have been reduced to the level of 2014.

"We believe that in addition to the existing fare plans, these discounts will ensure that rail travel remains attractive for long-haul routes," said Mikhail Akulov.

A ceremony will be held in Nice to welcome the arrival of the Moscow - Nice passenger train on 24 January 2015.