Way to Russia Talk Lounge

robyn_schroeder · Just Starting Joined: 24 Jul 2007 Posts: 1

I am sorry if this topic has been covered before but I feel the need to vent anyway and to possibly warn people of using www.conectrussia.net to book train tickets.

I have read a few posts where people have received satisfactory service, my experience however was not positive and alas is still continuing.

We are relatively new to Russia, having arrived in January and heeded warnings regarding service and the need to plan significantly in advance.

Back in May I booked 4 one way tickets to St Petersburg from Moscow (paid what locals have told me was an exhorbitant amount for 2nd class!) for travel in the last weekend in June. The customer service to the point of receiving my order, providing me with times, options, then finally selecting an paying by credit card was exceptional. They always replied to emails, answered the hotline and were even proactive in chasing me for a decision. Once the money was whipped out of my card however was where the honeymoon ended. I was told for some bizarre reason that tickets would only be on sale 10 days before and then delivered to us. (Why then take the money immediately?) Then the panic set in, still no tickets 8, 7, 6 then 5 days before. Then 4, 3, 2 and finally 1 day before and even on the day still NO TICKETS.

I got through on the hotline around day 6 and was told not to worry. I was told then 3 days beofre that no-one had actually bought the tickets and that somebody would be contacted. After that conversation with the company was non-existant. I had about 7 people plus myself emailing, leaving messages and calling to NO avail. I also had the unfortunate luck of having my parents-in-law over and it was my father-in-law's birthday; the whole reason for us going on the train to Petersburg.

On the DAY we were to travel - Alexander informed us that we were not going to get tickets - sorry - that they hadn't been bought. No more, no less.

So with hotel booked and no way of getting there we started looking for flights - we only managed to get there a day later and so missed a night in St Petes and surprise, surpise, I STILL haven't received a refund or a reply to my emails!

SHOCKING service and I am astounded at the attitude to customers. I would NEVER recommend this company to anyone who doesn't want to have a heart attack from the stress that they can cause.

Hopefully this warns people to seek other options. Holding thumbs for myself that I will even see my money again.