“Ukrzaliznytsia is preparing a new format of travel to Warsaw in 2025
16 December 11:55
Ukrzaliznytsia JSC (UZ) has made its third test trip to Warsaw with standard Ukrainian wide cars that are converted to European bogies for use on European 1435 mm wide roads. This step brings the company closer to launching a regular service between Kyiv and Warsaw in a new format. This was announced by the head of the Passenger Company branch, Oleh Holovashchenko, during the ceremonial departure of the first Kyiv-Budapest train, Komersant ukrainskyi reports, citing Interfax-Ukraine.
According to him, UZ expects to introduce regular wide-carriage service as early as 2025.
“A second test trip with wide cars to Warsaw has been made. This work does not stand still… We have a great hope that in 2025 we will go to Warsaw with wide cars,” Golovashchenko said.
Why are test trips needed?
The main purpose of the tests is to confirm the compatibility of Ukrainian standard railcars with the modernized infrastructure of Polish Railways. The intensification of work in this area made it possible to successfully carry out the third test trip. Earlier, as part of similar tests, a train of 14 cars was checked, which were switched to European bogies for narrow gauge at Yagodyn station.
How will this affect passengers?
If the regular “wide” carriage service between Kyiv and Warsaw is launched, UZ plans to significantly increase the number of available seats for passengers. The company estimates that the supply of seats could increase by two to three times.
Currently, the route is served by RIC (Regolamento Internazionale Carrozze) cars that meet European standards. However, the fleet of such cars is limited, which creates a high demand for tickets, especially during holidays and peak seasons.
The launch of wide cars will not only meet the growing demand but also make travel to the Polish capital more affordable for more Ukrainians.
