Almost half a billion from the European Funds for the development of public transport

At the turn of August and September this year, the Centre for EU Transport Projects has signed a co-financing agreement for public transport investments with a total value exceeding PLN 466.9 million. Financial backing comes from the European Funds for Infrastructure, Climate and Environment 2021–2027 programme under the FEN.03.01 “Transport miejski” (Public Transport) priority.

With those funds, many Polish cities and municipalities will receive new transport hubs, Park & Ride (P&R) and Bike & Ride (B&R) parking spaces, as well as dynamic passenger information systems, which will improve travel comfort for residents and contribute to the reduction of CO₂ emissions.

Huge projects in Bielsko-Biała and Zielona Góra

The largest funding – over PLN 219.4 million – went to Bielsko-Biała, where an Integrated Transfer Centre is being built near the railway station. Total cost of the investment amounts nearly PLN 366.8 million.

The scope of investment covers, among others:

• construction of a new bus station,
• creation of several new infrastructures: P&R, B&R and Kiss & Ride,
• implementation of a dynamic passenger information system and ITS.

The centre will integrate railway station with personal and bus transport, and will connect to the Bielsko-Biała city ringway currently under construction. Both projects will create a modern transport system, facilitating urban traffic and improving passenger comfort. We have signed a co-financing agreement with the city authorities at the end of August this year. Link to the agreement: HERE.

Meanwhile, in early September, we have granted PLN 180 million in funding towards a project titled “Poprawa efektywności komunikacji miejskiej w Zielonej Górze – Etap II” (Increasing efficiency of public transport in Zielona Góra – Stage II). The project covers, among others:

• modernisation of the Passenger Information System, including replacement of 15 information boards and installation of 29 more, as well as implementation of a modern content and announcements management system,
• construction and development of an Intelligent Transport System (ITS), including connection of traffic lights on intersections and pedestrian crossings to a Central Traffic Management System, extension of the system control area, adaptation of traffic lights infrastructure to prioritise collective transport (modernisation and construction of lights), reconstruction of intersections to ensure proper functioning of ITS, as well as construction of traffic measuring stations.

Other tasks within the investment:

• development of a bus terminal at Jędrzychowska Street,
• construction of 12 RES installations, along with energy storage units, to charge electric buses,
• creation of over 2 km of bike paths,
• construction of bus lanes along Łużycka and Batorego streets.

Projects co-financed at the end of August

At the end of August, we supported:

• development of existing transfer hubs in Siechnice and Święta Katarzyna, as well as construction of new P&R parking spaces in: Ziębice, Kotowice, Smardzów and Iwiny. Amount of funding: nearly PLN 14.6 million. Link to the agreement: HERE.
• construction of “Park & Ride” and “Bike & Ride” parking spaces in the town of Pęgów, as well as Oborniki Śląskie municipality. Link to the agreement: HERE.
• creation of a transport hub in Kobierzyce, which will handle bus communication on a route between Wrocław and Kobierzyce municipality, as well as further locations along the railway line no. 285 in the following towns: Wierzbice, Domasław and Solna. As part of the project, Park&Ride and Bike&Ride parking spaces, as well as pedestrian-cyclist paths (along the Domasław – Księginice section) will be constructed. Moreover, the scope of works covers such elements as – among others – a dynamic passenger information system, RES and circular economy solutions, as well as facilities for people with limited mobility. Link to the agreement: HERE.
• construction of Park & Ride transfer hubs on the area of Skawina municipality at the following locations: Skawina Zachodnia, Radziszów Centrum, Jaśkowice and Rzozów. Link to the agreement: HERE.

From Racibórz to Mielno

Meanwhile, in September, within the European Funds for Infrastructure, Climate and Environment 2021–2027 operational programme under the 03.01. “Transport miejski” (Public Transport) action, financial support went to:

• Racibórz – for over PLN 14 million, of which over PLN 9.6 million comes from the European Funds support, the city will reconstruct the transport hub at Konstytucji 3 Maja Square. The project also involves implementation of an advanced Dynamic Passenger Information System at over 60 stops, as well as adaptation of 43 bus stops to meet the needs of people with disabilities. Link to the agreement: HERE.
• Kowary municipality, which will construct a new Intermodal Bus Stop and Transfer Centre next to the Przystanek Kowary railway station for over PLN 15.6 million, of which over PLN 6.9 million comes from the European Funds. The hub will handle, among others, buses, trains, trams, and scooters. The project also involves such works as: reconstruction of pavement and bike paths, creation of P&R parking spaces and e-bike charging stations powered by renewable energy sources, as well as elements of green infrastructure. A key element is also adaptation of infrastructure to meet the needs of people with disabilities, as well as improving safety by installing surveillance cameras. Link to the agreement: HERE.
• Ostrów Wielkopolski, with nearly PLN 3.7 million of support from the European Funds, will construct a new Park & Ride type car park along Staroprzygodzka Street, able to accommodate 50 parking spaces, as well as extend the transport hub at Paderewskiego Street. Link to the agreement: HERE.
• Mielno – thanks to the financial support in the amount of PLN 5.1 million, the city will expand the existing transfer centre. The project involves, among others, construction of a railway platform, reconstruction of the tracks and the creation of a bicycle shed. The new infrastructure should be ready before the next holiday season. Link to the agreement: HERE.
• Kryniczno – co-financing in the amount of over PLN 4.9 million will support the construction of a transfer hub, which will consist of – among others – a P&R car park with spaces for 49 passenger cars, as well as 2 spots for people with disabilities and a bus bay. A bicycle shed, fitting at least 22 bikes, parking spots for electric vehicles, as well as a pedestrian-cyclist path along Spacerowa Street on the Kryniczno – Malin route will also be created. Link to the agreement: HERE.

About FEnIKS and public transport

The European Funds for Infrastructure, Climate and Environment 2021–2027 is the largest domestic programme in Poland, one of the priorities of which is the development of modern, eco-friendly and accessible public transport. Within the programme, the FEN.03.01 – “Transport miejski” (Public Transport) priority plays a significant role. Its goal is to:

• support sustainable mobility in cities and their functional areas,
• create and expand transfer hubs,
• develop Park & Ride and Bike & Ride infrastructure,
• invest in low-emission and zero-emission rolling stock (e.g., electric and fuel cell buses, trams),
• implement traffic management and dynamic passenger information systems,
• improve transport accessibility for people with disabilities,
• conduct pro-environmental actions: area greening, using RES solutions, development of bike infrastructure.

Poland received PLN 8.5 billion for this goal.

This priority supports projects that increase comfort of daily travels, reduce traffic jams and emissions, as well as improve quality of life in cities and municipalities in the entire country.

Such investments are extremely important, because they:

• increase accessibility of public transport and improve daily travels for the residents,
• improve consistency of the entire communication network, reducing travel time and eliminating mobility barriers,
• support eco-friendly transport, decreasing the number of passenger cars on the roads and reducing CO₂ emissions,
• contribute to local and regional growth – as well-planned hubs can become social and economic activity centres.