BAKU, Azerbaijan - Passengers on the Absheron circular rail line have questioned why a separate cabin remains closed while travelers stand in crowded train cars.
Azerbaijan Railways CJSC said the restricted area is a nine-seat first-class cabin found in four of the nine double-decker trains used on the commuter route, according to Vesti Baku.
The cabin is on the second floor and includes individual lighting, tables, swivel chairs and other premium amenities. The company said intensive daily use on the heavily traveled Absheron line would not be appropriate under technical operating requirements for the space.
The same trains are used on weekends for the Baku-Gabala-Baku route. Azerbaijan Railways said it restricts access during weekday commuter operations to preserve the cabin’s original comfort and first-class service standards for those longer-distance journeys.
The operator said the nine closed seats are part of trains designed for 375 seated passengers and would not materially ease crowding. It added that keeping the section closed does not affect the quality of regular commuter service.
The passenger complaints and the railway’s explanation were featured in a video report.