One train ticket for all of Europe. Poland must adapt

No more having to buy separate tickets from each carrier on international rail routes! The European Commission is consistently striving to integrate booking systems, which will make it easier for Europeans to plan trips through different EU countries.

The aim is to make rail travel more competitive with air and road transport. In the case of Poland – more punctual

Europe wants one train ticket

Rail is considered one of the most economical and energy-efficient means of transport. Outperforms others for lowest carbon footprint per passenger. It emits over three times less carbon dioxide into the atmosphere than road transport and as much as eight times less than air transport! It is also the safest means of land transport.

The European Commission has proposed that railway companies make all their tickets and offers available in a neutral and transparent manner on special online platforms. – One ticket sales system, more choice – explained Raffaele Fitto, Vice-President of the European Commission.

– Europeans will be able to buy tickets on international routes with one click, and passenger rights will be guaranteed, emphasized Transport Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas. Also the right to compensation, refund or rebooking if they miss their transfer during the trip.

Big problems with PKP punctuality

However, Polish railway workers do not hide their skepticism. Tomasz Lachowicz, director of the Brussels office of PKP, said on Polish Radio that European railway companies support voluntary actions, not top-down EU regulations. – We have prepared a schedule for developing a common ticket sales system. We want to constantly improve the quality of services, but also to ensure that regulatory burdens equally affect individual modes of transport and are transparent in this competitive service market – explained the head of the PKP office in Brussels.

Needless to say, punctuality is still not PKP’s strong suit. In January 2026, arrivals dropped to just 53.4%, compared to 74.4%. in January 2025. Practically every second train was delayed! At departures it was 78%. – a decrease from 89.3 percent in January 2025. PKP blames it on problems with rolling stock, weather and too little time for passengers to board the carriages.

The Ministry of Infrastructure announced much higher penalties for carriers for delays, especially for a series of cancellations and delays exceeding 120-180 minutes. The current rules for calculating penalties only take into account events attributable to the carrier.