Although the link opened just two years ago, today, Aeroexpresses, as the trains are called, form one of the key elements in Vladivostok transportation chain. Since 20 July 2012, Aeroexpress has carried over 1.27 million people in Vladivostok. In the first half of 2014, more than 340 thousand people have taken advantage of Aeroexpress services, which is a 0.9% increase over the same period last year. Thus, the number of commuter passengers has grown from 73% to 76%.
Aeroexpresses have become particularly popular among commuter passengers travelling to and from Vladivostok suburbs, for the train fare is comparable to that of a route taxi, while the level of comfort is several times better than that experienced on regular commuter transport. Aeroexpress trains travel between the Vladivostok central rail terminal and Knevichi Airport, with three stops en route at Vtoraya Rechka, Ugolnaya, and Artyom. Total travel time is 48 min. The route is served by passenger rolling stock comprised of ED9M trains from the Demikhovsky Engineering Plant, equipped with 475 seats. Each train includes one business class carriage, two standard class carriages, and 3 commuter class carriages. All carriages are equipped with climate control, video surveillance, and public address systems.
If necessary, physically challenged passengers are offered assistance by a Personal Assistant Service free of charge. The electric trains’ railcars are equipped with folding ramps and special seats for wheelchair users. Ticket offices at the company’s terminals are equipped with special intercom stations with adjustable volume control for the hearing impaired people. In November 2012, all Aeroexpress’ facilities in Vladivostok successfully passed an inspection as to their accessibility for physically challenged people, jointly organised by the “Kovcheg” Far Eastern Inter-regional Organisation for Persons with Disabilities and the Primorsky Krai’s Organisation of the All-Russian Society for the Blind.