On 24-25 October Centralny Port Komunikacyjny Sp. z o.o. (CPK) and Rail Baltica held an in-person workshop in Warsaw. This workshop was organised within a broader institutional cooperation between the two megaprojects that aspire to the same objectives – to ensure modern connectivity for the people of Poland and the Baltic states, as well as to establish an effective link to the European railway network.
“During the workshop, we agreed that there should be an exchange of information on expected operational services. Significant differences in passenger demand forecasting were observed between the two transport models, and the two parties agreed to share their transport models with their counterparts for a thorough review of their inputs, assumptions, and methodologies. Additionally, it was stated that the two parties should continue to collaborate to reach a common understanding regarding the expected number of services and other technical implications,” said Stefano Manzo, Transport Economist and Team Leader at RB Rail AS.
Both parties presented their respective transport models, engaging in discussions about their methodologies, data sources, modeling capabilities, limitations, and forecasts. Notably, the operational concept of Rail Baltica, encompassing timetables and potential routes in Poland and beyond, was a central topic of discussion.
“The question of possible destinations in Poland and beyond for high-speed and night trains from the Baltics was addressed during this workshop. This encompassed various possibilities for train routes through Poland, service to key cities, travel times, and types of train services. The discussion also touched upon potential final destinations beyond Poland, including the Czech Republic, Germany, Slovakia, Ukraine, and Austria, as part of a medium- and long-term vision for the TEN-T network and railway infrastructure projects planned in Eastern Europe and the Baltics. These ongoing discussions, which will continue, are of utmost importance for enhancing connectivity, promoting economic prosperity, and safeguarding environmental protection in the Baltic States,” said Jean-Marc Bedmar, Head of the Systems and Operations Department at RB Rail AS.
Moreover, both parties deliberated on traffic demand data and transport forecast outcomes for the Rail Baltica corridor spanning between Poland and the three Baltic countries. They also explored the alignment of their respective operational models within the RailSys software and explored the potential for harmonizing Rail Baltica and CPK models. Internal procedures in both organizations will be established and followed in this regard.
“At the event, which was attended by CPK, RB Rail AS as well as Polish Ministry of Transport, the assumptions of the train services and the principles of composition of the timetable on the future connection between Poland and Baltic States were discussed. These arrangements are crucial in the context of the Horizontal Timetable (Clock-face Integrated Timetable for Poland) being created in Poland. Proposals for routes of trains and assumptions for the timetabling process were touched, which will be analysed in detail by national working teams. The goal is to implement a common services and timetable”, said Bartosz Uryga, Railway Lines Functions and Timetabling Team Manager in Railway Subprogramme Strategy & Planning, Design & Engineering Department at CPK.
The workshop organized by the CPK and Rail Baltica joint venture RB Rail AS aims to promote cooperation by facilitating the exchange of knowledge, experience, and insights on important topics and common challenges.
