This project, in the Polish capital Warsaw, will buy 21 electric trains and modernise the depot at Szczęśliwice station, for the beneficiary, rail operator Szybka Kolej Miejska (SKM). The aim is to improve public transport and enable SKM to conduct in-house maintenance, to cut costs and increase efficiency.
New electric trains and modernised depot to improve public transport in Warsaw
- 27 November 2020
The 21 electric trains will be interoperable with existing rolling stock and infrastructure. Fifteen will be 85 m to 95 m long (5 carriages), and 6 will be between 70 m and 77 m long (4 carriages). They do not need a separate locomotive. The purchase should be completed by the end of 2022.
The Szczęśliwice station is a parking and service depot. It lacked the capacity to cater for the new trains. The modernisation started in 2014 and was completed in 2017. Maintenance, repair, inspection and cleaning of the vehicles is already being carried out at the facility.
The work included rebuilding the tracks and roads at the station, as well as sewerage, power and telecommunications networks and the train inspection hall. An office, boiler room, a train washing hall and an industrial sewage treatment plant were also constructed.
There is space for further expansion, should more trains be purchased to meet an increase in demand.
Passenger peaks
SKM operates four lines in Warsaw: S1 (Otwock-Pruszków), S2 (Warsaw Chopin Airport-Sulejówek), S3 (Warsaw Chopin Airport-Wieliszew) and S9 (Warszawa Zachodnia-Wieliszew). The new trains will allow for the extension of line S9 as far as Piaseczno.
Passenger demand is high. During the morning peak period, there is overcrowding and long waiting times at stations. The existing service often cannot cope with the number of commuters.
Better transport connections
The project’s overall goals include improving territorial cohesion, contributing to the socio-economic development of Warsaw and promoting a cleaner environment.
The new trains will complement the modernised railway lines in the city and make it easier for people living and working there to get around. A better public transport service should encourage people not to use their cars, which will reduce noise, pollution and traffic accidents.
Newer trains will need less maintenance which will lower costs. The modernised depot and station will enable SKM to concentrate its maintenance services in one location, ensuring more efficient and regular maintenance of trains.
To encourage as many people as possible to use the trains, tariffs will be affordable, and a regular, reliable service will be ensured through maintenance at the modernised depot.
Total investment and EU funding
Total investment for the project “Expanding the transport potential of the metropolitan railway in the Warsaw Functional Area - stage I” is EUR 141 190 630, with the EU’s Cohesion Fund contributing EUR 46 700 866 through the “Infrastructure and Environment” Operational Programme for the 2014-2020 programming period. The investment falls under the priority “transport infrastructure”.