Mateusz Pawlak
16-03-2023, last update 16-03-2023 12:07
PKP Polskie Linie Kolejowe – a few days following introducing the correction to the timetable – made cuts in the running of SKM trains and Koleje Mazowieckie in the Warsaw agglomeration.
source: AdobeStock
Combined with the redevelopment of the West Railway Station, this has caused communication chaos, which prevents the inhabitants of the capital from having timely and safe commuting. The capital’s authorities call on PKP PLK to act quickly and effectively for the benefit of passengers.
– Minister Andrzej Adamczyk announced “the best organized railway in Europe”. Meanwhile, chaos reigns on the tracks and more lines are suspended – including new Fast Urban Railway connections, and railways in war-torn Ukraine are more punctual than PKP. This is a scandal. Someone must answer for this – says Rafał Trzaskowski – Let’s recall 2010 by the way – due to the chaos on the railway, the president of PKP and the deputy minister of infrastructure lost their positions. Of course, the PiS politicians demanded the loudest. I am waiting for similar calls today. And will passengers hear at least a modest “sorry”? – asks the mayor of Warsaw.
The railway communication paralysis in the capital is caused by the reconstruction of the Warszawa Zachodnia station – carried out by PKP Polskie Linie Kolejowe. Due to the works, most passenger trains are redirected to the so-called ring railway line – to Warszawa Gdańska station. Due to repeated traffic difficulties, PKP PLK suspended the operation of selected trains.
Communication and information paralysis
From the railway timetable today, m.in. eight Fast Urban Railway connections – between Piaseczno and Warsaw Główny (line S40).
– As a result of the chaos introduced by the new PKP PLK schedule, both commuters and SKM are affected. Because passengers do not always need to know which railway company is responsible for the timetable. They simply expect safe and timely connections. They have every right to do so – says Alan Beroud, president of the Fast Urban Railway.
PKP PLK also canceled 16 Koleje Mazowieckie trains, and shortened their connections in the case of another 7 trains. Railway chaos affects punctuality in running city trains and huge crowds.
On Monday, March 13, 94 Koleje Mazowieckie trains, which pass through Warszawa Zachodnia station as planned, were delayed. On Tuesday, March 14, the situation was even more difficult – trains were delayed by up to 100 minutes. It’s similar today. That is why we sent a letter to the infrastructure manager, i.e. PKP PLK, in order to take urgent and decisive action that will allow Koleje Mazowieckie to provide transport services, and guarantee punctual and comfortable travel to travelers – says Dariusz Grajda, member of the management board of KM.
Decisive action is needed
Due to the chaos on the railway, the authorities of Warsaw, together with transport companies operating in the capital and in Mazovia, convened an extraordinary press conference, which took place today at the Warszawa Gdańska railway station.
– Dozens of trains have been canceled, travelers are crowding the platforms. Meanwhile, the vice-president of PKP PLK, Mirosław Skubszyński, says that it is the Warsaw local government that is responsible for managing the railway infrastructure, i.e. the tracks. Therefore, we expect that in connection with this scandalous situation, the ruling party will urgently launch corrective measures – not consisting in canceling several dozen trains, but enabling people to function efficiently. Corrective action is a good timetable that will be prepared by professionals. However, if PKP PLK is unable to do this, we will be happy to help – says Tomasz Bratek, Vice-President of Warsaw.
The communication problem on the railway also concerns the inhabitants of the majority of the Mazowieckie Voivodship.
– Because the notorious lateness of trains is not just a matter of this week, they are afraid of losing their jobs. This was also the case in January and February, when there was a breakdown of the railway traction due to an error by subcontractors at the Gołąbki station. Therefore, the Civic Coalition Club will want to convene a special session of the Sejmik of the Mazowieckie Voivodeship, at which we will submit an application for compensation for losses incurred by residents due to delays on the railway – says Marcin Podsędek, vice-chairman of the Sejmik.
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