RUSSIA: RZD's ongoing structural reform programme will see its suburban passenger activities spun off into separate businesses this year, along with the end of cross-subsidy from freight.

By the end the year RZD will have 27 commuter rail subsidiaries including Moscow airport train operator Aeroexpress, up from 22 at present. The creation of distinct subsidiaries is expected to make it easier to attract private investment in areas such as train maintenance.