Belarusian Railways will raise the prices for the tickets for long-distance trips by 12% on average. The increase will be valid from December 22 to December 30 this year, BelTA learnt in the main office of Belarusian Railways. According to specialists, this is a routine practice. In summer and during the Christmas period the passenger traffic usually grows. At the same time, during the autumn period the prices for the tickets for these trips are reduced. As of today, a ticket for a sleeping car of the passenger train Minsk-Moscow costs Br102,770. On December 22, the price will go up to Br120,680; the price for a ticket for a sleeping car of the passenger train Minsk-St. Petersburg will increase from Br112,210 to Br131,870. However, on December 31, the price for the tickets for these trains will be two times cheaper. A ticket for the passenger train Minsk-Moscow will cost Br70,700 and a ticket for the train Minsk-St. Petersburg – Br77,030. “Though most people get prepared to celebrate the New Year Eve on December 31, the demand for the long distance trains does not reduce,” specialists noted. Belarusian Railways accounts for 75% and 50% of all the cargo and passenger transportation in Belarus respectively. The total length of the railways is 5,500 kilometers. Today the Belarusian Railways manages 21 major railway stations, over 560 local stations and 320 railway junctions.