Horizontal Timetable at World Passenger Festival 

Announcement: Launch of Horizontal Timetable Consultations for New Transport Operators

Implementation of the Horizontal Timetable (HRJ) in Poland from December 2030, and the expected launch of high-speed rail services by the mid-2030s, will present an opportunity to attract new long-distance rail transport operators to the Polish market. 

It is crucial to diversify the number of operators in passenger rail transport. For public service obligation (PSO) trains, this diversification can break the monopoly of the incumbent operator, who is usually the national operator. The primary benefit is a reduction in the cost per service unit, which arises from market competition. This enables the procurement of more trains (increased operational performance) for the same expenditure and leads to improved service standards. The advantages are also apparent in commercial services, which do not receive state subsidies. International examples from the Czech Republic, Italy, and Spain show that having multiple operators competing for passengers on the same route results in a broader range of services (trains run more frequently than with a single operator), lower ticket prices, and enhanced service quality. In both PSO and commercial services, the market expands—more trains are introduced. Ultimately, the incumbent operator loses relatively little market share and simultaneously improves its efficiency due to the competition. 

As part of the Project, efforts are being made to encourage rail operators to explore the development opportunities in Poland’s rail sector. These actions must be proactive—hence, the Ministry of Infrastructure, CPK, and PLK S.A. participated in the World Passenger Festival held on 25-26 June 2024. This event is one of the key gatherings in the passenger transport industry, attracting many significant stakeholders. During the event, representatives of the Horizontal Timetable Project delivered a presentation on “Horizontal Timetable: Integrated Clockface Timetable as a Key Measure to Liberalize the Long-Distance Railway Market in Poland” (available via the link). The presentation outlined the prospects for the rail transport market in Poland, the objectives of the Horizontal Timetable Project, and the details of the consultation process with potential operators. 

The joint participation of the Ministry of Infrastructure, CPK, and PLK S.A. in the event aimed to send a strong message that Poland is serious about its commitment to implementing the Fourth Railway Package for long-distance services from December 2030. The event also highlighted the benefits of market liberalization. Additionally, discussions were held with representatives of transport operators and professional associations, encouraging them to take part in the consultations. 

Current and prospective transport operators wishing to participate in the consultations are requested to register by 31 August 2024 by completing the application form. Details can be found in the “Consultations with Potential Transport Operators” section.