This summer, Koleje Wielkopolskie travels to the Baltic Sea 'faster than Pendolino'

Koleje Wielkopolskie (KW) is introducing a new weekend train service connecting Poznan to the Baltic coast, aiming to provide the fastest rail journey on this route. The service will operate from June 27 to the end of August, with trains departing Poznan in the morning and returning in the evening.

The planned journey from Poznan to Świnoujście is scheduled to take just over three hours, making it the quickest rail option currently available. Stops will be made in Rokietnica, Szamotuły, Wronki, Krzyż, Stargard, and Międzyzdroje. Marek Nitkowski, President of Koleje Wielkopolskie, highlighted that the reduced travel time is achieved by limiting the number of stops, making it an attractive option for day-trippers.

This new route is a purely commercial initiative by KW, following the success of their summer service to Kołobrzeg last year. Nitkowski explained that the shift to Świnoujście this year is due to ongoing track renovations on the Kołobrzeg line, which would have complicated scheduling. KW is seeking approval for open access to several routes.

Regarding potential future services, such as to the Karkonosze mountains, Nitkowski cited technical limitations, including track capacity, as current obstacles. He indicated that discussions are underway with Koleje Dolnośląskie, which operates in that region, to address these issues. For now, the focus remains on the coastal route.

Nitkowski also commented on passenger demand for more train services, emphasizing that KW's rolling stock is primarily designed for regional and agglomeration traffic. Longer journeys, like those to Mazury, might be less comfortable for passengers. He stressed that passengers choose rail for its comfort and speed compared to other transport modes. Dr. Michał Beim from the Poznan University of Life Sciences' Department of Spatial Economy noted that utilizing spare rolling stock during the summer for tourist routes is a sensible strategy for railway companies, providing additional income.

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Ale to jest kwestia czasu, kiedy infrastruktura będzie tam wyremontowana na tyle, by przyjąć większą liczbę składów. Chodzi m.in. o kwestię pojemności torów odstawczych i jesteśmy na etapie rozmów, także z Kolejami Dolnośląskimi, które realizują przewozy w tym rejonie. Kolejny przewoźnik mógłby być problemem. Dlatego na razie jedziemy nad morze.