Modernised Combo railcars begin joining PKP Intercity

PKP Intercity Combo railcars are starting to join the operator’s fleet. The first six of 50 multifunctional vehicles modernised by H. Cegielski Rail Vehicle Factory have already been delivered in Poland.

The refurbished railcars are intended to improve travel conditions for passengers with reduced mobility, seniors, and families with children. They will enter service gradually. This will include the Easter holiday period, as H. Cegielski Rail Vehicle Factory notes.

PKP Intercity expects to carry about 96 million passengers this year. Demand continues to rise. At the same time, the gradual rollout of the Combo railcars is part of the operator’s broader fleet expansion. It also forms part of rolling stock modernization for peak travel periods, including holidays and the summer season.

PKP Intercity Combo railcars and the modernisation programme

The contract to modernize 50 multifunctional Combo cars was signed in 2024, as Railway Supply reported. Its purpose is to bring the vehicles to the Combo standard. That standard combines solutions for several passenger groups, including people with disabilities and reduced mobility, cyclists, and families.

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The modernised multi-purpose railcars also include a range of technical upgrades. New bogies are intended to reduce noise and improve ride comfort. In addition, the cars are equipped with:

• electrical outlets and USB ports;
• Wi-Fi access and modern passenger information systems;
• dedicated spaces for bicycles;
• vending machines with drinks and snacks.

Accessibility and facilities for families

Accessibility is a central part of the Combo standard railcars. The cars include specially adapted compartments for people with disabilities. They also have access ramps, automatic doors, threshold-free floors, and dedicated safety systems such as SOS buttons and safety belts. In addition, all signage is supplemented with Braille markings. Contrasting visual elements also support easier navigation.

Meanwhile, the railcars also include features for families traveling with children. These include dedicated themed compartments and adapted facilities. They also include rest areas, convertible tables, and changing tables in the restrooms.

Fleet growth and KPO co-financing

PKP Intercity already operates 115 Combo cars. More refurbished vehicles are due from H. Cegielski and PKP Intercity Remtrak. By the end of 2026, the fleet is expected to grow to 172 units.

In 2024, the operator signed two contracts worth 862.4 million zlotys (201 million EUR). They cover the modernization and maintenance of 500 railcars, including the 50 Combo railcars. Separately, the programme is part of a broader rolling stock investment plan. It also covers the purchase of modern locomotives and the modernization of hundreds of railcars with European support.

The Combo car modernization project is valued at 351 million zlotys (EUR 82 million). It is co-financed by European funds through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (KPO).

PKP Intercity is also implementing an investment programme backed by the PNRR. As PKP Intercity notes, the programme includes the purchase of 56 modern locomotives. Also, it covers the modernization of 248 passenger railcars. This includes 50 railcars meeting the Combo standard and manufactured by H. Cegielski Rail Vehicle Factory. So far, the operator has submitted and processed five payment requests. More than 1.81 billion zlotys (422 million EUR) has already been transferred to PKP Intercity’s account. That represents nearly 84% of the allocated funding.

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