New in PKP Intercity. Passengers have never traveled on such trains before

Although double-decker trains are not unusual for passengers of many Polish regional carriers, we have not yet had the opportunity to use them on longer intercity routes operated by PKP Intercity. Everything is about to change thanks to the recently announced tender. The largest carrier in our country intends to purchase at least 42 double-decker trains that will serve, among others, routes to Warsaw, Wrocław and Krakow.

Double-decker trains for PKP Intercity passengers

Train capacity seems to be an increasingly important element of a successful carrier strategy. During the summer season, during holidays, as well as on holidays and long weekends, popular routes are often sold out for several weeks. To prevent these problems in the future, PKP Intercity decided to announce a tender for the purchase of 42 double-decker trains (with the possibility of ordering another 30 trains). “These are the first vehicles of this type in the carrier’s rolling stock and the largest order, taking into account the number of combined trains and the value – almost PLN 10 billion gross in the basic option,” we read in the latest announcement. The vehicles should be collected no later than 77 months from the date of conclusion of the contract. We can expect double-decker trains at the end or beginning of the next decade.

PKP must compete with other carriers

The gradual entry of new carriers into the Polish railway market makes PKP concerned about its position. “PKP Intercity, wanting to compete with other carriers, needs modern, fast rolling stock that can accommodate a large number of passengers and at the same time be economically effective,” says the press office. The new double-decker train can comfortably accommodate approximately 500 passengers. The vehicles will serve popular routes to Warsaw, Gdańsk, Łódź, Wrocław, Olsztyn and Krakow. among others The minimum speed at which trains will cover the route is 200 km/h.