20 Years of SKM on the Tracks of Warsaw and the Metropolitan Area
On 3 October 2005, the first Szybka Kolej Miejska (SKM) train departed from Warszawa Zachodnia to Falenica. At the beginning, SKM operated only 14 stations and 2 vehicles, including one leased train. Today, 20 years later, 47 modern trains serve passengers from 60 stations, helping to reduce transport exclusion across the Warsaw metropolitan area.
Anyone using Warsaw Public Transport – whether living in the city or in surrounding towns – will certainly recognize our trains, painted in the distinctive yellow and red city colors. SKM trains complement the network of buses, trams, and the metro, offering passengers smooth connections across the metropolitan area.
324 Million Passengers in 20 Years
Over the past two decades, SKM trains have carried 324 million people – all using a single, integrated ticket valid across all public transport modes. This allows passengers to travel using the same ticket on the train, metro, tram, or bus, whether commuting to work, school, or university.
More Trains, More Stations
SKM started with one line, 14 stations, 26 employees (today over 120 train drivers) and just two trains, one of which was leased from the Tricity area. A key milestone in SKM’s development came in 2007, when Poland and Ukraine were selected to host EURO 2012. As a result, in 2008, Warsaw announced that the future rail connection to Chopin Airport – crucial for football fans and tourists – would be operated by SKM.
The capacity of the network remains essential for SKM’s growth – the company uses infrastructure owned by PKP Polskie Linie Kolejowe. Decisions on expanding SKM services are based on available track capacity, in coordination with the Warsaw Public Transport Authority.
New Connections
Today, SKM trains run on five lines and are the primary means of transport for many residents of Warsaw. At the same time, they contribute to reducing transport exclusion in the wider metropolitan area. Currently, SKM reaches: Piaseczno, Pruszków, Otwock, Sulejówek Miłosna, Legionowo, Radzymin, and Zegrze Południowe.
“Looking at the map, SKM lines act like a ‘reacher’, reaching peripheral and less-developed areas. The proximity of SKM stations is an advantage that also influences residents when choosing where to live,” emphasizes Maria Wasiak, CEO of Szybka Kolej Miejska.
Celebrating 20 Years
On the 20th anniversary, Friday, 3 October, SKM passengers on morning trains were welcomed with sweet gifts and commemorative surprises.
All SKM achievements would not have been possible without people – passengers, who shared their sincere and spontaneous congratulations, and above all, the employees who create, develop, and grow SKM with passion, energy, ideas, kindness, and dedication.
