Since the beginning of the year, the problem of a shortage of locomotive crews has sharply worsened in Russia, leading to a significant increase in train stoppages. According to Russian Railways, the average daily number of trains delayed due to the lack of engine drivers and their assistants has increased 3.5 times, reaching 83 trains in January-September, and 173 in the third quarter. The problem was particularly acute in August-September, when this figure exceeded 200 trains.
The company notes a shortage of about 3,000 employees, which is 2.5% of the total need. To combat the problem, emergency measures were taken: an increase in hourly wage rates by 20% from November, an increase in compensation for renting housing up to 100% of the market value, an increase in scholarships for trainee engine drivers, as well as the payment of a lifting allowance of 150,000 rubles upon employment. These measures have already made it possible to increase the staff by more than 1,000 people in a month and a half.
Despite this, experts note that the problem will not be solved by financial measures alone. Mikhail Burmistrov from Infoline-Analitika points to shortcomings in the working conditions of engine drivers: an unpredictable schedule and unpaid waiting time for replacement workers. Pavel Ivankin, president of the National Research Center for Transportation and Infrastructure, emphasizes that one of the key tasks is to improve the management of the existing staff, including reducing cases of inefficient use of employees, such as long waits or being at the post as a locomotive guard.
Against the background of the current situation, Russian Railways' investment program for 2025 may be reduced, which further emphasizes the need to optimize work and improve the working conditions of locomotive crews to stabilize the transportation process.
