Ukrzaliznytsia has provided guidance on how passengers should act during an evacuation from trains
During wartime, train passengers may be evacuated if there is a direct threat to a specific route. Ukrzaliznytsia has explained what passengers should do in such a situation—from the very first moments after the conductor’s warning until they return to their car. The most important thing is not to panic, to leave large items behind, and to follow the instructions of the railway staff.
During martial law, train travel may take place amid airstrikes. If a specific route is under threat, conductors will warn passengers and provide further instructions. Ukrzaliznytsia has reiterated the basic rules to follow if a danger is announced during your trip. The most important thing is not to act on your own and not to panic. In such situations, passengers must listen to the conductors and follow their instructions.
What to Do After a Danger Warning
If a conductor has announced a potential threat, there is no need to immediately prepare to exit the car. First, you should get dressed, grab your documents and phone, and keep them close at hand.
After that, stay in your seat and wait for further instructions from the staff. If a passenger or child may need assistance during the evacuation, inform the conductor in advance. Ukrzaliznytsia explains that an evacuation is announced only when there is an immediate threat to a specific train or route.
How to Exit the Carriage Safely
If the train has stopped and the conductor has given the order to evacuate, you should exit calmly, without pushing or shoving, and use the nearest exit. Large suitcases, bags, and other bulky items should be left in the car. Do not try to take everything with you. During an evacuation, the most important thing is to leave the danger zone as quickly as possible.
After exiting the car, be especially careful around the railroad tracks. Do not jump off the car, step onto the tracks, or stop on the tracks. Passengers are also advised to help those nearby if they need assistance. When traveling with children, it’s important not to cause additional panic. You can let your child bring a favorite toy or a small treat to help calm them down. If it’s chilly outside, you’re allowed to take blankets with you when evacuating the train car.
Where to Go After Exiting
Once passengers have left the car, they must not remain near the train. They should proceed to a shelter as quickly as possible or move to a safe distance. This is important because the train itself may be a target of an enemy attack.
Passengers are advised not to gather in large crowds near the train cars. It’s also important to keep an eye out for the conductor, who should be wearing a high-visibility vest during the evacuation. Following the conductor will make it easier for passengers to orient themselves and understand where to go next.
What to Do During Explosions
If explosions are heard nearby after you’ve exited the train, you should immediately lie face-down on the ground. Cover your head with your hands or any items you have on hand.
It’s also recommended to keep your mouth open. This helps reduce the risk of injury from a sudden pressure change during an explosion. In this situation, do not run back toward the train or try to return to the car on your own. The most important thing is to remain in a safe position and wait for further instructions.
When It Is Safe to Return to the Car
After evacuation, passengers should not decide on their own that the danger has passed. You may return to the train cars only after an official command is given. This command may be given verbally, through a megaphone, or with a whistle. Until then, passengers must remain in a shelter or at a safe distance from the train.
How Ukrzaliznytsia Monitors Safety
Railway staff monitor threats to each train in real time around the clock. This is necessary so that, in the event of danger, passengers can be warned in a timely manner and, if necessary, an evacuation can be organized. At the same time, it is important for passengers not to ignore the conductors’ instructions.
If a train is under threat of an attack, the correct sequence of actions is simple: prepare your documents and phone, wait for instructions, calmly exit without large items, move away from the train or take cover, and do not return to the car without permission. These rules help prevent panic and allow people to be evacuated from a potentially dangerous area more quickly. This was reported by “Ukrzaliznytsia.”
“Ukrzaliznytsia” has stopped paying mobilized employees their average monthly salary. Instead, the company has introduced a one-time financial assistance payment following mobilization and upon veterans’ return to work.
