Officially termed the “public transport authority” under the Public Transport Act, this refers to either the “appropriate local government unit” or the “minister responsible for transport” who ensures the operation of public transport within a specific area. In rail transport, the Minister of Infrastructure oversees domestic and internationallong-distance services. For regional services, responsibility falls to the regional governors (voivodes). Additionally, the Warsaw Public Transport Authority (Zarząd Transportu Miejskiego w Warszawie) manages metropolitan services, including the Fast Urban Railway (Szybka Kolej Miejska). The Upper Silesian-Zagłębie Metropolis (Górnośląsko-Zagłębiowska Metropolia) could formally act as a metropolitan transport provider, but in practice, it delegates this role to the regional transport provider. Nevertheless, due to its crucial decision-making role in metropolitan transport, GZM is regarded as a transport provider within the Horizontal Timetable project. The primary task of the transport provider is to develop the transport system, including defining train routes and timetable assumptions, selecting train operators, and overseeing the implementation of the timetable. 

In railways, operational performance refers to the distance travelled by a train, measured in train-kilometers. This is a fundamental metric used to evaluate the extent of rail operations. It should not be confused with transport performance, which encompasses additional factors such as the amount of passengers or cargo carried. 

A Transport Plan is a local legal act or regulation issued by the minister responsible for transport. It defines the public transport network within a specific area where public service obligations (PSO) are planned. The plan outlines market organisation principles and standards for service delivery. As a fundamental tool, it establishes the public transport system’s framework for the area, guiding its operation and development over many years. 

Revenue Passenger Kilometers (RPK) is a key metric in passenger transport, calculated as the total distance traveled by all revenue-generating passengers. This measurement can be reported for a single train or across the entire network. Transport performance can also be represented in passenger-hours, which sums the time each passenger spends traveling. This measure is particularly useful in modeling and forecasting, helping to evaluate the effectiveness of a transport system. 

In the context of rail transport, a Public Service Contract is a formal agreement between a public authority and a train operator. This contract stipulates the terms under which the operator will deliver specific public transport services. The PSC outlines the scope of services to be provided, including route coverage, service frequency, and quality standards, as well as fare structures and ticketing arrangements. It also defines the obligations of the operator regarding punctuality, safety, and accessibility. The contract may include financial aspects, such as subsidies or compensation provided to the operator to cover any shortfall between operational costs and fare revenues, ensuring the viability of providing essential services that might not be commercially profitable. Additionally, the PSC typically includes performance metrics and reporting requirements to ensure accountability and continuous improvement. In essence, a Public Service Contract ensures that essential rail services are maintained and operate in the public interest, particularly on routes or services that are not sufficiently profitable to attract private operators on a purely commercial basis. 

Many people are already familiar with a cyclical timetable. This system features departure and arrival times repeating at consistent minute intervals each hour, such as 10:23, 10:53, 11:23, 11:53, 12:23, and so on. This approach not only aids passengers in memorising the schedule but also simplifies timetable design by introducing consistency in operational patterns. An integrated timetable seeks to align train routes to enable convenient transfers at major junction stations. 

In rail transport, Public Service Obligation refers to a formal requirement imposed by a government or relevant authority on a railway operator to provide specific services that are deemed essential for the public but may not be commercially viable. These obligations ensure that essential rail services are available to the public, including routes that might otherwise be neglected due to low profitability. PSOs typically include requirements for frequency, coverage, and affordability, aiming to guarantee access to transport for all passengers, especially in underserved or remote areas. The costs associated with fulfilling these obligations are often covered through subsidies or financial support from public funds. 

Operational work is a key metric in rail services, often measured in train-kilometers or vehicle-kilometers, indicating the total extent of operational activities.