PKP Intercity simulators now number seven units after SIM Factor supplied four additional training stations. The Polish long-distance operator installed them in Kraków, Katowice, Wrocław, and Poznań. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

PKP Intercity simulators add four training sites
PKP Intercity simulators add four training sites

According to PKP Intercity, the contract is worth more than 2.1 million zlotys gross. The simulators are intended for more than 900 train drivers and candidates preparing to become train drivers.

The systems include software with around 8,000 km of virtual railway routes. They are based on real sections of Poland’s railway network. The routes include Warsaw–Gdynia, Katowice–Kraków, Poznań–Wrocław, and Warsaw–Szczecin.

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PKP Intercity simulators recreate a full-scale cab

As RailwayPro reported, the new PKP Intercity simulators are static units. Each unit recreates a driver’s cab at full 1:1 scale. The layout is based on the control desk of the EU200 Griffin locomotive.

The virtual environment includes tracks, signalling, platforms, and other railway infrastructure. Also, it reflects distinctive buildings, bridges, viaducts, and the natural surroundings along the line.

PKP Intercity is developing its simulator base as part of efforts to improve safety. It is also updating its train driver training methods. This work includes the Engineer’s Academy, the operator’s in-house training programme.

Training now available in seven locations

PKP Intercity introduced its first training simulator in 2015 on an industrial line in Warsaw. Two upgraded simulator stations now operate at that site.

The modernised EP09 locomotive simulator has been available since October 2024. Meanwhile, the upgraded EU44 locomotive simulator has been in use since March 2025. Also last year, PKP Intercity launched a simulator for the Polish Griffin EU160 locomotive in Gdynia. It was the first device of this kind in northern Poland. It has already been used by more than 300 train drivers.

After the latest deliveries, PKP Intercity can provide simulator training in seven locations. This reduces the need for drivers and instructors to travel to Warsaw. In addition, it makes training schedules easier to organise.

Emergency scenarios, severe weather, and technical failures

The simulators reproduce train operation from the driver’s cab in standard and demanding conditions. Training can take place in simulated rain, snow, or fog.

Instructors can add emergency situations and unexpected events during a session. For example, a car may suddenly appear at a level crossing. An animal may be on the tracks. An unplanned locomotive fault may also occur during the exercise.

The equipment is used to check how drivers respond in routine and unusual circumstances. The assessment covers reaction time, signal interpretation, compliance with traffic rules, and safety procedures.

The simulators are also used when evaluating drivers who have been involved in railway accidents.

Use by candidates and active drivers

Simulator work is an additional part of the nearly two-month training course for a train driver’s licence. It is also included in the process for obtaining an engineer’s certificate. Part of the practical training hours is completed on this equipment.

Candidates can enter this stage after at least 480 hours of supervised practical training. Similar systems are also used in engineer’s certificate examinations organised by Urząd Transportu Kolejowego. The Polish railway authority runs them through the Engineer Examination and Monitoring Center.

Active PKP Intercity drivers also train on simulators. Every driver completes a compulsory annual session lasting several hours. During that session, skills are checked in typical and atypical operating situations.

PKP Intercity currently employs more than 1,600 train drivers, including over 60 instructor drivers. The largest age group is between 27 and 48 years old. Meanwhile, more than 360 candidates are also training for the profession. People under 26 form the largest share.

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