The 3rd edition of the “Commuter and Regional Train Services” (CRTS) International Training organised by PKP S.A together with UIC, was held from 28 – 30 May at PKP Headquarters in Warsaw.
The aim of this training was to provide insights into the main aspects of regional transport, devoted not only to European railway companies, but also to local authorities, for about 30 participants.
Among the speakers – in addition to experts in European and international regional transport – where representatives of international associations (UIC, CIT), professors of the University of Gdańsk as well as representatives of the Railway Regulatory Body in Poland (UTK), the supply industry such as Newag S.A. and PESA Bydgoszcz S.A. and not forgetting the Polish Government Authorities.
The main topics dealt with over the three days were, among others, the Integration of Services and Offers, Financing and Trust in Services, Security, Technological Innovations and Initiatives on Sustainability.
Mr Mamińsk, President of the Management Board of PKP S.A opened the first session focused on providing the international panorama of the commuter sector, interoperability with other means of transport, planning of CRTS services and business activities in stations.
The second day covered the regulatory aspects of Passenger Service Obligations (PSO), tenders, passenger rights in rail and multimodal transport, as well as public transport funding under the double national and European perspective. Another key issue was security, dealt with in several aspects: anti-fraud measures, communication policies, the opportunities for rail tourism and customer information through the use of social networks.
The third day was devoted to IT solutions for rail transport in agglomerations and regions and to the e-ticketing development. Finally, the supply industry (PESA and Newag) gave their vision of the future of CRTS from the rolling stock point of view.
The training is part of the UIC Commuter and Regional Train Services (CRTS) working group which aims to enhance international cooperation and exchange of best practice on this concrete subject.
The next CRTS meeting will be held in Paris in June.
