Funds in Motion. How Poznań is building the city’s tramway axis with residents

4 grudnia 2025 r. w Poznaniu odbyła się wizyta studyjna pod hasłem „Fundusze w ruchu – jak Fundusze Europejskie, samorządy i społeczność kształtują miejską mobilność”, którą zorganizowaliśmy we współpracy z Urzędem Miasta Poznań i MPK Poznań.

It’s a crisp morning, and at the corner of Wierzbięcice and Królowa Jadwigi, instead of the daily hustle and bustle, the sound of hammers and short commands from work managers can be heard. Visitors in helmets and vests enter the construction site: representatives of the administration, social organisations, experts and journalists. It is here that a new streetcar route along Ratajczaka Street is being built – an investment that will connect the Wierzbięcice interchange with Św. Marcin Street and close the “Center Program,” changing the way people move around downtown.

The study visit, titled “Funds in Motion – how European Funds, local governments and the community are shaping urban mobility,“ was organised by the Centre for EU Transport Projects (CUPT) together with the City of Poznań and MPK Poznań. The topic of the day was one: public participation – from consultation and design to practical accessibility testing.

– Poznań has repeatedly proven that it can effectively use EU funds. Changes on Ratajczaka Street will complete the comprehensive program of transformations in the center,” said Marcin Golek, deputy mayor of Poznan. – We are glad that it was this investment that guests from Warsaw and Gdansk, among others, could see – a great opportunity to exchange knowledge and experience.

From plans to practice

Construction began in early November, and it’s showing: the old tracks on Wierzbięcice, Matya and Królowej Jadwigi streets have been demolished, earthworks are underway, the exits to the former underpass at the Wierzbięcice stop are being removed, trees are being replanted, and in the coming weeks heavy equipment will tackle the underground infrastructure.

But this visit is not just a review of progress. It’s a lesson in organizing dialogue with residents.

– Some things you can’t see from behind a desk,” notes Sebastian Mankiewicz, vice president of the Trolley Foundation. – Several dozen years ago, accessible streetcars were scarce in Poznan. Today, the rolling stock is changing, but so is the approach to design. On Ratajczaka Street, for example, there will be surface crossings instead of underground ones. This is a huge convenience for all passengers: people with disabilities, parents with strollers, and cyclists.

A streetcar that tells the story of the future

After the field part, participants board a modern MPK Poznań streetcar – a new acquisition of the city funded by the National Reconstruction Plan. The two-way vehicle, with ramps on both sides, quiet, bright inside, with contrasting markings, is a tangible symbol of “design for all.” As the platform gently lowers to a stop, it’s clear that accessibility is not an add-on to the investment – it’s its foundation.

Participation: a principle, not an add-on

In the panel room, the discussion quickly descends from the slogan “consultation” to the concrete: when, how and with whom to talk to make projects smarter and less onerous.

– In Poznań, public consultations are a standard for every investment,” stresses Grzegorz Kaminski, director of the Office of Project Coordination and City Revitalisation, the Poznań mayor’s plenipotentiary for European funds. – But with such complex tasks as the construction of a route along Ratajczaka Street, we are looking for additional spaces for dialogue with residents. We don’t just want to inform them of impediments – we want to understand their needs and minimise the impact of our work on their daily lives, as well as on the functioning of local businesses. This makes sense and brings results.

Z perspektywy instytucji finansującej partycypacja i dostępność to nie „miłe dodatki”, lecz kryteria oceny.

– Each project applying for funding from the European Funds undergoes a thorough evaluation in terms of accessibility and non-discrimination, as well as verification of public consultation, explains Joanna Swiderska, director of the Department of Public Transport at CEUTP. – Only after a positive evaluation can it receive support. Urban mobility projects are implemented under strict control and are expected to bring lasting benefits to all users of the city, as well as visitors.

Co zmieni się na ul. Ratajczaka

The new route along Ratajczaka Street is the final stage of the Center Program. For passengers, it means shorter access from Wilda and Debiec to the Old Town, as well as an additional north-south axis thanks to a new right turn for streetcars from 27 Grudnia Street to Mielżyńskiego Street and, in prospect, a connection through Garbary towards Naramowice. New stops will be built on Wierzbięcice Street and at Stary Browar.

The scope of work is extensive: new track, roadways, bicycle paths, sidewalks, lighting, underground infrastructure, as well as greenery, small architecture (benches, garbage cans, bicycle racks) and signage for people with disabilities. This is an investment made with the support of the European Funds for Infrastructure, Climate, Environment 2021-2027 (FEnIKS) and an example of how European support translates into local quality of life.

Po co te wizyty?

The study visit showed that best practices are born at the interface between the office, construction and the streetcar in motion. For CEUTP, it’s a way to transparently talk about the process of project evaluation and implementation; for the city and the operator, to hear users and improve solutions together. For NGOs and activists, to test on the ground what was previously just a line in a project.

– The EU funding process is transparent and inclusive, the organisers conclude. – And dialogue with residents is an investment in the sustainability of project outcomes.

The project at a glance

• Scope: construction of a double-track streetcar route in Niezłomnych Street and Ratajczaka Street (from Królowej Jadwigi/Wierzbięcice junction to Św. Marcin Street, without intersection), reconstruction of the Królowej Jadwigi/Wierzbięcice junction, stop infrastructure and elimination of collisions.
• Effects for passengers: shorter travel times, surface crossings, new stops, better accessibility and safety.
• EU funding: support from the European Funds for Infrastructure, Climate, Environment 2021-2027 (FEnIKS 2021-2027); funding value: PLN 100 million (project value: PLN 180 million).
• Beneficiary: City of Poznań (with district rights).

Photo: UM Poznań (photo of construction panorama), other photos CUPT