A qualitative leap forward for the regional railways due to POLREGIO

This year, POLREGIO has announced a tender for the delivery of 200 new trains, an order long awaited by our passengers and the entire railway industry. We will allocate PLN 5 billion for this project, which will be the largest purchase in the history of regional railways in Poland. As a result passengers from smaller towns all over Poland will gain access to modern and comfortable rail transportation.

The regional railway plays an important role in the functioning of social and economic life. Access to public transport, especially in smaller towns, which as separate markets are often not economically viable for commercial carriers to launch regular connections, is one of the pillars of social solidarity, among access to health care and education. Thanks to the financing of regional rail transport by the Marshal’s Offices, regional carriers, including POLREGIO – as the largest passenger carrier in Poland – can effectively neutralize transport exclusion, which is a particular threat to less wealthy people who can’t afford a car.

A resident of any town in Poland has the right to comfortable travel by train, regardless of whether or not he has a car. POLREGIO S.A. has set aside PLN 5 billion for all passengers. The sum will allow to buy 200 new electric trains, which will completely change the Polish passenger rail transport. It will be the largest purchase in the history of regional railways in Poland. Our strategic goal is a qualitative leap in terms of rolling stock by replacing old EN57 type vehicles with the most modern trains available on the market. POLREGIO aims to buy two types of vehicles: 55-meter long vehicles with 130-160 seats and 80-meter vehicles with 210 seats. This order is one of the largest purchases of rolling stock in the history of Polish railways, and it is certainly the largest when it comes to the regional railways. POLREGIO controls over 25% share in the passenger rail transport market, and it will further strengthen its position with the upcoming purchase of 200 modern trains.

In order to execute such an ambitious and financially demanding project, we will apply for EU funds from the FENiKS program as well as from Krajowy Plan Odbudowy (KPO). We are ready for each and every scenario as we have elaborated various financing options, including those in which the amount of funding does not exceed 50% of the entire project. Debt instruments are also on the table.

The company will develop its fleet in order to own several hundred new trains by 2030. Due to the 4th Railway Package at the end of the decade not less than 8 voivodeships in Poland will have to announce open tenders for the operation of regional railways connections. Having our own and modern fleet will be important for POLREGIO to sustain a competitive advantage, since from this year on foreign carriers will be able to compete in tenders for the operation of regional routes in Poland.

Our new rolling stock, air conditioned and wi-fi for passengers, will fully meet the requirements of both customers and transport organizers, i.e. Marshal’s Offices. We aim to do the entire service of new trains at our rolling stock maintenance points, in which we are also investing. Currently, at the cost of PLN 40 million, we are building a modern hall with full social and office facilities, workshops and a professional high-bay warehouse in Skarżysko-Kamienna. This investment is in line with POLREGIO’s strategy, which is to achieve a long-term competitive advantage by increasing cost efficiency in the field of maintenance and repair of modern railway vehicles. This will increase company potential for development both in the implementation of PSC contracts in south-eastern Poland and in commercial activities. We are planning similar investments in other parts of Poland.

Our own service and modern, fast trains will increase the number and frequency of routes operated by POLREGIO. As a result, regional and suburban trains will be more accessible, on time and will offer at least the same travel comfort as the trains currently used on long-distance routes.