This phase of upgrades to the tram system in Szczecin, capital of Poland’s Western Pomeranian region, targets 12.88 km of tracks and supporting tram infrastructure. Works include a refurbished depot and lines, increased access for people with disabilities and better links with bike infrastructure. The refurbishment enables more residents, commuters and tourists to choose environmentally friendly transport within the city, while improving local quality of life.
Tram upgrade enters second phase for greener, more accessible transport in Szczecin, Poland
- 14 August 2019
To achieve these goals, tram lines and their overhead contact lines are being reconstructed along the targeted tracks to reduce noise and vibrations from trams. The Golęcin district tram depot is also being rebuilt. Both sets of work will adapt facilities to the needs of people with disabilities and connect trams with Szczecin’s extensive low-cost bike rental scheme.
The upgraded tram system will be more reliable, with lower operating costs. It is expected to encourage a switch from cars to public transport for better road safety, air quality and public health.
A modern transport system
This phase of the tram refurbishment builds on work done from 2007 to 2013 to develop public transport in Szczecin, which the EU supported with a contribution of almost EUR 42 million. The new work targets the sections of track in most immediate need of renovation and adds the earlier introduction of accessible low-floor trams. As well as being quieter, the new tram lines will be less susceptible to breakdowns and reduce repair and maintenance costs.
The changes will connect the city’s 12 tram lines and one daily tourist tram service with the Szczecin cycle network of 82 stations and 702 bikes for more integrated, city-wide public transport.
More sustainable travel
A major aim of the project is to increase the use of public transport. Szczecin is Poland’s seventh-largest city and has important sea and river ports. Although its tram services cover about 110 km of track spread over about 64 km of routes, public transport still has relatively low uptake among the city’s over 400 000 inhabitants.
In addition to providing more attractive, accessible tram facilities, the municipal authorities are publicising the public transport network to improve uptake. Related development of park-and-ride facilities near public transport hubs will further enable people living outside Szczecin to travel into the city without their cars.
A switch from private to public transport will reduce congestion and emissions. Air quality and city inhabitants’ health should improve as transport-related pollution is generally higher from private vehicles. In addition, increasing the proportion of journeys made by public transport, which is safer than private transport, should reduce fatalities and injuries from road accidents.
The entire reconstruction project is planned to be completed in July 2023
Total investment and EU funding
Total investment for the project “Reconstruction of tramway tracks in Szczecin, stage II” is EUR 77 014 409, with the EU’s Cohesion Fund contributing EUR 40 133 940 through the “Infrastructure and Environment” Operational Programme for the 2014-2020 programming period. The investment falls under the priority “Low-carbon economy”.