One System, One Goal: Developing Metropolitan Transport

What is the biggest challenge facing Warsaw’s public transport system today? Why does its further development require investment in both vehicles and infrastructure at the same time? These were among the topics discussed during the conference “Sustainable Transport in Functional Urban Areas – Mobile Warsaw”, held on 16 September 2026 as part of the European Mobility Week.

Rail, metro, trams and buses together form an integrated transport system that meets the needs of residents across the entire metropolitan area. Its strength lies not only in the scale and variety of transport services available, but also in the cooperation between operators and the way different modes of transport complement one another.

The efficient operation of Warsaw Public Transport (WTP) therefore requires the parallel development of rolling stock, infrastructure and technical facilities, as well as the continuous adaptation of transport services to the needs of residents and the growth of the metropolitan area. Cooperation and integration across the entire network play a key role in this process.

These topics, including integration and cooperation between local authorities, transport organisers and operators, were discussed by representatives of Warsaw’s municipal institutions and transport companies. Participants included Katarzyna Strzegowska, Director of the Public Transport Authority in Warsaw; Jerzy Lejk, President of the Management Board of Warsaw Metro; Wojciech Bartelski, President of the Management Board of Warsaw Trams; and Jan Kuźmiński, President of the Management Board of Municipal Bus Company. Our company was represented by Maria Wasiak, President of the Management Board of Szybka Kolej Miejska (SKM), who spoke about the role of rail transport in serving the metropolitan area.

Capacity as the Key Challenge

During her presentation, Maria Wasiak discussed the position of urban rail within the Warsaw metropolitan transport system. She pointed out that SKM, as an operator on behalf of the City of Warsaw, complements the services provided by regional rail operators and plays an important role within the Warsaw Public Transport system.

She emphasised that SKM uses infrastructure managed by PKP Polskie Linie Kolejowe (PKP PLK) together with other railway operators. This means that train services and timetables must be coordinated with other rail traffic. The available capacity on the key railway lines of the Warsaw Railway Junction is already heavily utilised.

Together with Koleje Mazowieckie (Masovian Railways), SKM has essentially filled the available capacity of the key railway lines within the Warsaw Railway Junction. That is why infrastructure investments are so important, as they will enable further development of transport services in the future – said Maria Wasiak.

Maintaining and expanding SKM’s current services depends heavily on the modernisation and development of railway infrastructure. Investments in rail infrastructure are essential to ensure the conditions necessary for the continued operation and future growth of urban rail services in Warsaw.

The future of metropolitan rail is therefore about more than just new trains and new routes. It is also about infrastructure that allows the full potential of the rolling stock to be used, as well as close cooperation between transport operators, transport authorities, local governments and the infrastructure manager.