Today, railway passengers are provided with all modern conveniences for any choice. Thus, “soft” cars are becoming more and more popular, which significantly differ from standard compartment cars in a number of comfortable conditions. What are the differences between a soft carriage and a compartment carriage?
Coupe
The compartment car traditionally consists of nine compartments for four seats, two toilets at the back and front of the carriage, equipped with washbasins, and a two-seat compartment for conductors. The compartment car can carry thirty-six passengers, who are provided with hard or soft sleeping bunks (two lower and two upper), a table, reading lamps, a ceiling light and a mirror on the door.
The comfort level of a compartment car directly depends on the type of train and the year of manufacture of the car.
In the compartment, luggage is placed under the lower bunk or above the aisle of the carriage, in a niche specially designed for this. The main advantage of a compartment carriage is the lockability of a four-seat compartment and a relatively smaller number of passengers as compared to a reserved seat carriage. Today, some Russian Railways trains sell tickets only to women in women's compartments - this service is not provided to men.
Soft wagon
A soft compartment carriage, in contrast to a standard compartment, has large dimensions (1, 5 or 2 times). It has two sleeping places (a sofa that converts into a semi-double bed and an upper shelf), as well as a folding table and an armchair. In addition, each soft compartment has a vacuum toilet, washbasin, heated floor and even a shower cubicle. Passengers of the soft carriage are provided with a complete hygiene kit, which includes absolutely all the necessary toiletries.
Some soft-class cars have a safe in which passengers can put their valuables.
Also, soft carriages are equipped with air conditioning, TV, radio and DVD-player. If desired, the passenger can call the conductor by pressing the call button. In addition, there is an assortment of alcoholic drinks, hot supper or breakfast for passengers. The cost of alcohol is included in the ticket price. Another difference between a soft wagon and a compartment wagon is the absence of random fellow travelers, since it is sold exclusively as a whole. You can travel in soft cars either alone or as a couple. A child under the age of ten can travel in a "soft" class carriage for free. Some trains offer the purchase of a soft carriage as a whole or as a single passenger seat.
Thus, a soft carriage significantly differs from a standard compartment in the level of comfort and the ability to travel in pleasant solitude.
