Councilors Rafał Komarewicz and Dominik Homa from the presidential club “Przyjazny Krakow” submitted a joint interpellation to the president of Krakow with an application for the purchase of new minibusses and the launch of new bus lines in Krakow.
“We are asking you to buy more Karsan minibusses, which are able to reach more residents with the offer of Krakow public transport” – emphasize the councilors Komarewicz and Homa.
Lack of public transport in certain areas
They point out that due to various difficulties in road traffic and the ownership structure, residents of the areas of Bochenka, Bronowice, Przegorzał, and Wola Justowska streets are doomed to lack of public transport in the vicinity.
The Councillors proposition
The Councillors proposed to launch 2 new bus lines operated by Karsan minibuses:
Bronowice (Widok estate) – Na Błonie – Wola Justowska – Przegorzały – Salwator;
Kurdwanów – Cechowa – Podedworze – Loaf – Łużycka – Nowosądecka – Piaski Nowe or the 2nd option: Kurdwanów – Cechowa – Łużycka – Loaf – Podedworze – Piaski Nowe.
The councilors also ask in the interpellation that the answer to it should include an analysis of the proposed variants. “In the event that it is not possible to service the above-mentioned routes, please provide other communication solutions for the above-mentioned areas” – we read in the interpellation.
Minibusses are already in Krakow!
Let us recall that recently 2 minibusses, Karsany, with a length of approximately 6 m, have arrived in Krakow. There is room for 21 passengers inside. These are the smallest and most agile vehicles in the MPK SA fleet in Krakow.
Higher performance in narrow spaces
As the MPK in Krakow admits, the biggest advantage of these small buses is the ability to drive along narrow streets and through small intersections. Karsan mini buses are expected to perform well on routes such as line No. 176 (Bodzów – Kostrze OSP), where there are both very narrow roads and small loops, where there is very little space to turn back.
Passenger friendly – charge your tablet/phone on the go!
Apart from the maneuverability advantages of the Karsans, the vehicles are also passenger-friendly. They have a low floor. For people in wheelchairs, there is also a special place inside the vehicles and a folding platform by the door. The vehicles were also equipped with a passenger information system, air conditioning, and USB ports for charging the batteries of phones, tablets, and other mobile devices.
Driver comfort – they have that too!
With the driver’s comfort in mind, the door has been designed exclusively for the driver. Panoramic windshield and large mirrors provide excellent visibility for drivers.
How much would it cost?
The purchase of 2 minibusses costs PLN 812 thousand PLN net. Before they can go to the streets and be able to carry passengers, they still have to undergo technical checks.
Marek Gancarczyk, the MPK spokesman, admits that this type of specialized buses are brought to a specific route. So first there is a decision to launch a new line, and then the rolling stock adapted to it as needed.
A tender for a new electric city bike is to be announced in February. The city plans that if all goes well, there will be 1000 bicycles at 100 stations available for residents already around the holidays. These are also to be located on the periphery and in less urbanized neighborhoods. The new municipal electrics are to be access function to means of public collective transport.
A tender for electric bikes is up!
“We will announce the tender in February. To start with, we want a thousand bikes. The inhabitants do not massively use and do not know electric bikes, so we want to distribute them. That is why we do not go straight to the level of three thousand bikes. We will be the first city in Poland to offer an electric city bike” – says Łukasz Franek, director of the Public Transport Authority (ZTP).
A new system – lease for min 4 years
The new system of the Krakow city bike (there is no official name yet) works differently from the Wavelo system, where the costs of the system, but also the income, were on the operator’s side. Now, Krakow wants to have a service, at least for 4 years, for which it will pay, as it pays MPK and Mobillis for transport services.
The costs behind it
What costs are we talking about? ZTP estimates that it will be approx. PLN 5-7 million per year. For the implementation of the bicycle policy, including the city bicycle system in Krakow, in 2021 the city budget has allocated less than PLN 10 million.
“The interested companies declare that they are able to prepare the system in 3 months. Theoretically, the bike could be available during the holidays, I do not want to declare it. The situation is what it is. It may turn out that there are no bikes or companies will miss financially. You also have to take into account appeals from the tender” – emphasizes Łukasz Franek.
1000 bicycles at 100 stations, including a lot on the outskirts
ZTP officials assume that the basic function of the new city bike will be the function of accessing public means of collective transport. In addition, the electric bicycle is to play an important communication function in the more peripheral, less urbanized regions of Krakow. Initially, there will be about 100 stations (10 bikes for each station) and they are to be evenly distributed throughout the city. Thus, there will be less accumulation of stations in the very center of Krakow.
Hubs outside of the city + on the outskirts
The stations would appear, among others in such locations as Tyniec or the area of ul. Klasztorna. It is also about places where there is a bicycle infrastructure, there are paths for bicycles, thanks to which you can cover longer distances on electrics, up to 10-15 km. For now, it remains unknown how much the residents will pay for the new city bike, whether it will be somehow related to the public transport ticket tariff, etc.
“If we were to make an ordinary bicycle, we can repeat the Wavelo model, but here we want flexibility, where the stations are integrated with public transport, where it is possible to change and correct it” – adds Łukasz Franek.
Wavelo bikes left Krakow
Let us remind you that Wavelo has been operating in Krakow since 2016. It was very popular among residents and tourists. The Krakow authorities have signed a contract with BikeU to run a city bike rental facility for as many as eight years, until 2024. As part of it, BikeU provided residents with up to 1500 bicycles available at one time at 168 stations located throughout the city.
The Krakow city bike solution was quite innovative, because all costs and responsibility for the system were borne by the concessionaire, i.e. BikeU. The city paid only PLN 1 month for each bike, i.e. PLN 1,500. In addition, the city got 1 percent. loan receipts.
At the end of 2019, however, the BikeU company suddenly submitted a letter to the Krakow City Hall terminating the contract for running the Wavelo bicycle rental. More Wavelo two-wheelers began to disappear from Krakow. Ultimately, it happened at the beginning of 2020.
The government has adopted a draft amendment to the provisions on mobility, including electric scooters. Their users are waiting for big changes. The so-called arbitrary regulations contained in the draft act prohibit, inter alia, transporting other people on a scooter (which was often visible on the streets of Krakow) and leaving electric scooters and personal transport devices on the pavement other than parallel to its outer edge.
The Road Traffic Act prepared the draft
The Council of Ministers adopted the draft amendment to the Road Traffic Act prepared by the Minister of Infrastructure. The draft regulates the legal status of electrically powered devices (including scooters) and muscle powered devices intended for use on public roads.
Finally: Pedestrian Priority!!!
The project introduces pedestrian priority over an electric scooter or UTO driver moving on a part of the infrastructure intended for pedestrian traffic. The new regulations also prohibit, inter alia, leaving electric and UTO scooters on the pavement other than parallel to its outer edge.
Until now, the legal status of electric scooters and personal transport devices has remained unregulated. This created a real safety risk on roads and sidewalks. That is why we have prepared solutions that will increase the safety, in particular of the least protected road users
Minister of Infrastructure – Andrzej Adamczyk
What new things does the regulation bring?
The regulations contained in the draft act prohibit, among others:
driving the electric scooter on a road with a speed limit greater than 30 km / h,
driving a scooter or a personal transport device to a person under the influence of alcohol or alcohol or something similar to alcohol,
transporting other people, animals, and objects with an electric scooter and personal transport device,
pulling or towing other vehicles with an electric scooter and personal transport device,
leaving electric scooters and personal transport devices on the pavement other than parallel to its outer edge
What is defined as an electric scooter?
The draft act defines an electric scooter as an electrically powered, two-axle vehicle with a steering wheel, without a seat and pedals, and designed to be driven only by a rider on that vehicle. The driver of an electric scooter is obliged to use a bicycle lane or a bicycle lane if they are designated for the direction in which he is moving or intends to turn – with a speed limit of 20 km / h.
In addition, he is obliged to use the road on which vehicle traffic is allowed at a speed of not more than 30 km / h, if there is no separate road for bicycles and a lane for bicycles – with the permissible speed of 20 km / h. The driver may exceptionally move along a pavement or a pedestrian road when the pavement is located along a road where traffic is allowed at speeds greater than 30 km / h and there is no dedicated cycle path and a cycle lane – with the following rules: driving with speed close to the speed of a pedestrian, taking special care, giving way to pedestrians and not obstructing pedestrian traffic.
Who can drive an electric scooter?
To drive an electric scooter by people from 10 to 18 years of age, it will be required to have the same qualifications as for cycling, i.e. a bicycle card or driving license of categories AM, A1, B1, or T. For people over 18 years of age, such a document is not required.
Moving the electric scooter on a public road by a child under 10 years of age is prohibited in any situation, also under the supervision of an adult. Children up to 10 years of age will be able to ride the electric scooter only in the residential area, under the supervision of an adult.
Personal transport devices – UTO
A personal transport device is an electrically powered vehicle, without a seat and pedals, designed to be moved only by the rider on that vehicle (e.g. electric skateboard, electric self-leveling device).
The driver of a personal transport device is obliged to use a cycle path, if it is designated for the direction in which it is moving or intends to turn – with a speed limit of 20 km / h. It may exceptionally move along a sidewalk or a pedestrian road, in the absence of a cycle path, with the following rules: driving at a speed close to the speed of a pedestrian, special caution, giving way to pedestrians and not obstructing pedestrian traffic.
What is forbidden in regards to a UTO?
Moving the personal transport device on public roads by a child under 10 years of age is forbidden in any situation, also under the supervision of an adult. Children up to 10 years of age will be able to use a personal transport device only in the residential area under the supervision of an adult.
To drive a personal transport device by people aged 10 to 18, it will be required to have the same qualifications as in the case of cycling, i.e. a bicycle card or driving license of category AM, A1, B1 or T. For people over 18 years of age such document is not required.
Movement aids
It is a device or sports and recreational equipment designed to move in a standing position, powered by muscles (e.g. roller skates, roller skates, skateboard). A person using this type of device will be able to move on a bicycle path (without speed limit) or on a sidewalk and pedestrian path, with the following rules: driving at a speed close to the speed of a pedestrian, taking special care, giving way to pedestrians and not obstructing traffic pedestrian. Moving a device supporting movement powered by muscles does not require any permission and is allowed without age restrictions.
Electric scooters can not be parked everywhere
The bill introduces the obligation to leave, inter alia, an electric scooter on the pavement in a designated place (designated by the road administrator). In the absence of such a place, leaving the vehicle on the pavement will be possible only under the following conditions:
the electric scooter will be positioned as close as possible to the outer edge of the pavement, the farthest from the road,
the electric scooter will be placed parallel to the edge of the pavement,
the width of the sidewalk left for pedestrians’ traffic is such that it will not hinder their traffic and is not less than 1.5 m.
Electric scooters or personal transport devices can be removed from the road at the owner’s expense, incl. in the case of leaving them in a place where it is forbidden and obstructs movement or otherwise endangers safety. The order to remove the vehicle from the road may be issued by a policeman or a municipal (city) guard.
New regulations – new obligations
The draft provides for penalties for the movement of an electric scooter or personal transport device driver, or a person moving with a sidewalk or pedestrian assist device at a speed greater than a speed close to pedestrian speed, or for failing to give way to a pedestrian. Therefore, the draft act introduces changes to the act – Code of Petty Offenses.
There will be fines! (Up to 500 PLN!)
A fine of PLN 200 is provided for using the phone while driving, requiring the driver to hold the handset or microphone in the hand. Transporting another person, animal or cargo will be punishable by a fine of PLN 100. For driving a vehicle other than a motor vehicle on a public road, in a residential area, or in a traffic zone, the fine will be from PLN 300 to PLN 500. Violation of the conditions of stopping or parking the vehicle on the pavement will result in a fine of PLN 100. A fine of PLN 350 is provided for the driver failing to give way to a pedestrian on the crossing.
The control authorities may also impose a penalty for the infringement committed, including on the driver of an electric scooter or a personal transport device or a person moving with the use of a traffic assist device, which violates other provisions of the Act – Road Traffic Law or provisions issued on its basis.
More details coming soon!
Detailed technical parameters of electric scooters and personal transport devices will be regulated in the provisions of the Regulation of the Minister of Infrastructure on the technical conditions of vehicles and the scope of their necessary equipment. The provisions on the new technical conditions will only apply to electric scooters and personal transport devices placed on the market after December 31, 2021. In addition, the draft act contains a provision allowing electric scooters and personal transport devices that do not meet the new technical conditions, if these vehicles have been placed on the market before 1 January 2022
The new regulations will enter into force 30 days after their publication in the Journal of Laws.
The Polish language article in Gazeta Krakowska can be found HERE.
MPK is modernizing the bus fleet. New electric buses from the pool of 50 purchased by the city carrier are slowly starting to arrive in Krakow.
On Monday, January 25, the first of 50 new electric buses ordered by MPK in Krakow left the Solaris Bus & Coach factory in Bolechowice near Poznań. The bus will be delivered on a special tow truck to the Wola Duchacka Bus Service Station.
After delivery, the technical acceptance of the new bus will begin. It will be carried out entirely at the MPK depot (due to the limitations related to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, it is currently not possible for these technical approvals to take place at the manufacturer’s factory as before).
50 new buses for Krakow
The contract for the delivery of 50 electric buses and 50 charging devices via a plug-in connector, dedicated to each vehicle, was signed on May 25, 2020. All new buses will carry passengers on four lines No. 144, 173, 179, and partially 503, running through Aleja Trzech Wieszczów, i.e. in the area of the city, where the greatest exceedances of the permissible air pollution standards occur.
The electric buses that Solaris will deliver to Kraków will be driven by axles with integrated electric motors. Articulated buses will be structurally prepared for charging in 2 ways: through a 4-pole roof pantograph located above the first axle of the vehicle or through a plug-in connector. The energy storage will be Solaris High Energy + batteries.
European Union Funds ON!
Electric articulators will be able to offer a journey for 141 passengers at a time, 43 of whom will be able to use seats. The newest buses for Krakow will be equipped with monitoring, passenger information system, air conditioning, USB chargers and an electric heating system. People on wheelchairs will be able to use a platform that will facilitate getting on and off the bus. The ramp will be mounted at the second door. For the purchase of these vehicles, MPK SA obtained approx. PLN 110 million in subsidies from the European Union funds.
These are the next electric buses in the capital of Małopolska. The residents of Krakow can currently use 29 emission-free vehicles.
The article is taken from Gazeta Krakowska – you can find it here in Polish language.
In 2019, Krakow liquidated almost twice as many outdated boilers as all neighbouring communes. Despite this, the capital of Lesser Poland is still under heavy smog. The reason is pollution flowing into our city from neighboring towns. It is estimated that around 30,000 coal furnaces are still smoking around Krakow. What is needed is the involvement of other Małopolska communes in the fight for clean air, argue the authorities of Krakow. In turn, in the Marshal’s Office, we hear assurances that more and more outdated boilers are replaced year by year in the neighboring communes.
Air quality – always horrible at the beginning of the year!
The beginning of the year is terrible when it comes to air quality in Poland. Our country has become a red point on the map of Europe in the last few days. In many cities, including those from Małopolska, air pollution standards were exceeded even several times. In our voivodeship, the worst was in Nowy Targ and Kraków. The capital of Małopolska was even ranked 5th among the most polluted cities in the world.
This fact may come as a surprise as Krakow is very good at replacing obsolete boilers, which are the main source of air pollution. In 2019, the city liquidated almost twice as many as all neighboring communes. At the moment there are just over 2.8 thousand obsolete heat sourcesto be replaced.
Despite this, in recent days the smog cap has hung over our city again, and its authorities, due to the exceeding the average pollution level for PM10 dust, had to introduce free public transport.
The slow pace of replacement of obsolete boilers in municipalities around Krakow
MEPs from Krakow who deal with smog, have no doubt that the impact on this situation is, among others, the slow pace of replacement of obsolete furnaces and boilers in municipalities around our city.
In each of them, there are thousands of furnaces, in which solid fuels are still burned. Krakow lies in a basin, where pollution from neighboring towns is deposited.
MP Aleksander Miszalski from the Civic Coalition (during the online meeting on smog)
Polish Smog Alarm takes notice!
Recently, the Polish Smog Alarm presented data which clearly shows that the replacement of furnaces and boilers is very slow across the country. Krakow seems to be an exception. Among voivodeship cities, a record number of boilers was replaced here – over 4.1 thousand. Let us recall that in the capital of Małopolska, coal and wood smoking are prohibited from September 2019.
When sending inquiries to the municipalities, we expected that the number of boilers mentioned would not be significant, but what we saw in the responses showed a complete crisis in the area of replacing obsolete boilers.
said Andrzej Guła, PAS leader
We decided to check the situation in the communes around Krakow. For example, last year in the commune of Świątniki Górne over 90 coal-fired boilers were replaced with gas ones. “Additionally, 2 heat pumps and 2 biomass boilers were installed. 42 photovoltaic panels and 5 solar collectors were installed” – emphasizes the eco-manager Aleksander Piegza.
Replacement of old stoves in smaller cities around Krakow is crucial!
More obsolete stoves were replaced in the Niepołomice commune: last year, nearly 150. “It should be noted that the number refers only to investments made under the municipal subsidy projects and the Clean Air government program” – Anna Szewczyk from the Niepołomice City and Commune Office assures us.
1% for activities related to air protection
Let us recall that during the consultations on the new air protection program for the Małopolskie Voivodeship, it was proposed that all communes should allocate 1 % off for activities related to air protection, including subsidies for the replacement of boilers. Such a provision appeared in the final version of the program. Communes of the so-called “obwarzanek krakowski” complied with these recommendations, although it was not possible to reach 1% everywhere.
“As part of activities related to air protection, the Świątniki Górne commune secured about 0.7 % in the budget for 2021. The activities include: employment of eco-managers (2 jobs), implementation of subsidy programs for the exchange of heat sources and the installation of renewable energy sources, etc.” – informs Piegza. At the same time, he emphasizes that the commune has also managed to obtain funds from outside for investments related to air protection. “Therefore, if you count the total funds for this purpose, it would be approx. 4 % budget” – the eco-manager confirms.
Why does Krakow still have smog?
We asked the Krakow authorities why, despite the quick replacement of outdated boilers, smog continued to suffocate residents. Paweł Ścigalski, the plenipotentiary of President Jacek Majchrowski for air quality, emphasizes that there are many factors.
First, Krakow has a terrible geographical location – in the valley of the Vistula river, which makes it difficult to ventilate the city. In addition, especially in the autumn and winter period, there are temperature inversions, fogging, periods of wind silence, and air humidity. Despite the anti-smog resolution in force for Krakow, which mentions the ban on the use of solid fuels, there are still locations in the city where it is used.
Ścigalski
The air circulation knows no borders…
Like MP Miszalski, the president’s adviser draws attention to the situation in neighboring communes. “It is estimated that around 30,000 coal furnaces are still smoking around Krakow. The air has no borders and hence other Małopolska communes need to be involved in the fight for clean air, especially those in its immediate vicinity from the perspective of Kraków“, adds Ścigalski. However, it indicates that the air in our city is getting better every year.
You can see the effects of anti-smog activities. It is worth noting that the dust level has dropped by half in the last 7 years. For 2 years now, we have been in the annual average PM10 standard, the number of days with daily exceedances is decreasing, in 2020 there were less than 50 (average from the CIEP station in Krakow) – he says.
Kraków remains the leader in Małopolska
In turn, Michał Drewnicki, the press spokesman of the Marshal’s Office of the Małopolska Region, emphasizes that more and more outdated boilers are replaced in the neighboring communes of Krakow. “On the scale of Małopolska, Krakow remains the leader, which in 2019 liquidated almost twice as many outdated boilers than all neighboring communes. In previous years, this advantage was even greater” – says Drewnicki.
It indicates that among the communes of the so-called “Obwarzanek krakowski”, but also on the voivodeship level, Skawina stands out in particular. “The commune not only lists the most heat sources but also carries out the most inspections of furnaces, installs renewable energy sources in residential buildings, and has made an inventory of almost all heat sources” – he acknowledges.
The Gazeta Krakowska article, in PL language, can be found on the link provided.
The city commissioned a feasibility study for collision-free transport, including the metro in Krakow. One of the analyzed solutions is the construction of a tram line partially running underground.
The study for collision-free communication in Krakow, including the metro, was to be completed by December 16, 2019. However, there is a long delay associated with the creation of the document. Currently, the office informs that the study should be accepted in the first quarter of 2021.
So far, 4 out of 6 stages of the “Feasibility study for the construction of fast, collision-free rail transport in Krakow” were completed.
informs the Office
Implementation of Stage 4
The magistracy emphasizes that as part of the implementation of stage 4, the prepared documentation is the most extensive and thematically diverse part of the document, which includes:
detailed route mapping for various types of transport and development of a concept along with design drawings;
rolling stock analysis,
train traffic control,
power supply,
assessment of technologies adopted for implementation,
preliminary conservation conditions (opinions and arrangements),
preliminary assessment of legal conditions,
geological and engineering study, geotechnical opinion and hydrogeological study (e.g. based on field research – 140 research holes were made to a total depth of approx. 4500 m),
opinions of municipal units and municipal units (including the Road Administration of the City of Krakow, Public Transport Authority in Krakow, Municipal Investments Board in Krakow, Department of Spatial Planning, Department of Environmental Management, Department of Municipal Traffic Engineer).
What are the current technical possibilities?
The main goal of this stage was to determine the technical possibilities of implementing the new means of transport and to indicate the conditions that should be paid special attention to when performing further works. A multi-sector technical analysis allowed to obtain extremely valuable information in the field of technology of works (both route and station sections) and the construction of the geological substrate.
The optimal rolling stock and its parameters for each of the analyzed variants were also indicated. A very important aspect was the design of routes, stations, and stops in such a way as to preserve the unique character of the city. The areas particularly valuable in terms of monument protection were the center of Krakow and Nowa Huta – they add.
Conservation Works underway
Let us recall that in the case of the metro, the connection on the Nowa Huta – city center – Bronowice route was taken into account. In this case, arrangements were made with the conservation authorities as to the location of underground stops in the center. It was found that they could be located under the Mogilskie roundabout, in the vicinity of the Main Railway Station – under the Nowaka-Jeziorański square and under the square at ul. Karmelicka, where there is now an above-ground car park, and a park is to be built by mid-2022.
Multiple variants were taken into account!
One of the analyzed variants is also the construction of another fast tram line, which would partially run in the tunnel.
“The route of this variant coincides with the route of the variant assuming the implementation of the metro line, however, the tunnel section was designed in the central section, where the greatest difficulties occur on the tram network. The rest of the route is overground with partial use of the existing tram tracks (mainly in the Nowa Huta area), and the construction of new overground infrastructure would be partially required” – explains the Office.
How would the tram tunnel route look like?
The central (tunnel) section would run from the Barei roundabout along ul. Lublańska and Pilotów, where it would intersect with the railway line no. 100. Then the route was mapped towards the Mogilskie roundabout, where it would turn west along ul. Lubicz to the area of the railway station, thus creating a large interchange junction (tram, bus, railway) in this place. Next, the route would run along the outline of the Planty (1st ring road), along Rajska and ul. Reymont, where the end of the tunnel section was established.
The proposed stops for the tunnel part are: Polsadu roundabout, Młyńskie roundabout, Olsza, Mogilskie roundabout, Dworzec Główny, Stare Miasto, and Akademia Górniczo-Hutnicza.
The May 2014 referendum
Let us recall that in May 2014, the inhabitants of Krakow voted in favor of the construction of the metro in Krakow in a referendum. In September 2018, the city signed an agreement with ILF Consulting Engineers Polska to develop (for PLN 9.4 million) a study for collision-free communication in Krakow, including the metro. The provisions of the contract were such that the document was to be drafted up to 68 weeks from the date of the contract, but no later than December 16, 2019.
The Polish government plans to minimize the movement of Poles during the Christmas and New Year period. Krakow’s public transport will also operate in a reduced form at this time.
Suspended tram and bus lines!
Fewer rounds, suspended tram and bus lines – these are changes in the Krakow public transport schedule, which are to apply from December 24 to January 8. But now the Public Transport Authority reserves that trams and buses may run according to the changed timetable until January 15th.
Tram lines schedule
For now, from Christmas Eve to January 8, tram lines have been planned:
No. 1, 13, 18, 20, 24 – will run every 10 minutes during peak hours and every 20 minutes off-peak on weekdays
No. 2, 4, 5, 9, 10, 11, 14, 19, 21, 22 – will run on weekdays every 20 minutes throughout the day
No. 3, 8, 50, 52 – will run every 10 minutes on weekdays. Additionally, line 52 will run every 20 minutes on Saturdays
6, 12, 17 – will continue to be suspended
No. 16, 49 – will run on weekdays in the current hours, every 20 minutes
No. 44 – will be restored and will run every 20 minutes during rush hours on weekdays (except 24 and 31 December).
Bus lines schedule
No. 106, 136 – will run on weekdays in rush hours with a frequency limited to 30 minutes
No.111, 131, 141, 161, 171, 181, 271 – timetable adjustments on weekdays will be introduced in order to adapt to the new hours of arrivals and departures of tram lines
132, 166, 429, 482 – will continue to be suspended
No. 137, 179 – will run on weekdays with a frequency limited to 15 minutes
144, 164, 169, 173, 469, 503 – will run during rush hours on weekdays with a frequency limited to 15 minutes
155, 413 – will be suspended in the period from December 24 to January 8
172, 174, 178, 572, 578 – they will run on weekdays with a frequency limited to 20 minutes (line 572 as before only during rush hours)
No. 194 – from December 24 to January 3 it will run on weekdays every 15 minutes during peak hours and every 20 minutes off-peak; Regular frequency will be restored from 4 January.
Christmas Eve and Christmas
In addition, on December 24, on Christmas Eve, public transport will operate according to daily timetables, with the following changes:
Tram lines:
No. 3, 8, 50, 52 – until approx. 16 will run unchanged, then the frequency will be reduced to 20 minutes
5, 9, 16, 19 – they will not run from approx. 17
No. 13 – will run every 20 minutes all day long
44, 49 – will be suspended.
Bus lines:
No.100, 101, 109, 114, 116, 124, 127, 128, 134, 136, 140, 158, 159, 160, 165, 168, 176, 183, 184, 189, 192, 193, 502, 537, 578 – they will not run from approx. 17
No. 139, 502 – they will run all day every 15 minutes (without peak reinforcements up to 10 minutes)
475, 511, 572 – will be suspended.
On Friday, December 25 – Christmas, public transport will operate according to holiday timetables, with the following changes:
Tram lines:
5, 9, 19 – will be suspended
No. 50 – it will run every 20 minutes all day (except in the morning when it runs every 30 minutes).
Bus lines:
100, 101, 103, 124, 128, 134, 158, 159, 165, 184, 189, 192, 194, 240, 502, 537 – they will run from approx. 13; line No. 134 will perform additional courses: approx. 6.30 from “Cracovia Stadion” and approx. 7 from the “Zoo”.
109, 114, 168, 578 – will be suspended.
On Saturday, December 26 – the second day of Christmas, public transport will operate according to holiday timetables, with the following changes:
Tram lines:
5, 9, 19 – will be suspended
No. 50 – it will run every 20 minutes all day (except in the morning when it runs every 30 minutes).
Bus lines:
100, 101, 103, 124, 128, 134, 158, 159, 165, 184, 189, 192, 194, 240, 502, 537 – they will run from approx. 13; line No. 134 will perform additional courses: approx. 6.30 from “Cracovia Stadion” and approx. 7 from the “Zoo”.
109, 114, 168, 578 – will be suspended.
New Year’s Eve and New Years
On Thursday, December 31 – New Year’s Eve, public transport will operate according to holiday timetables, with the following changes:
Tram lines:
No. 13 – will run every 20 minutes all day long
44, 49 – will be suspended.
Bus lines:
No. 139, 502 – they will run all day every 15 minutes (without peak reinforcements up to 10 minutes)
475, 511, 572 – will be suspended
on the night of December 31 to January 1, the night lines will run according to the current timetables without additional reinforcements.
On New Year’s Day, public transport will operate according to holiday timetables, with the following changes:
Tram lines:
5, 9, 19 – will be suspended
No. 50 – it will run every 20 minutes all day (except in the morning when it runs every 30 minutes).
Bus lines:
100, 101, 103, 124, 128, 134, 158, 159, 165, 184, 189, 192, 194, 240, 502, 537 – they will run from approx. 13; line No. 134 will perform additional courses: approx. 6.30 from “Cracovia Stadion” and approx. 7 from “Zoo”
The construction of the tram line from Krowodrza Górka to Górka Narodowa is in progress. The investment will take 2 years, and during this time the residents will have to take into account considerable nuisance and traffic difficulties. The latest photos & videos (check them out below) show how the construction is going.
Before the 5.5-kilometer-long track to the north of the city is built, a large area must be rebuilt on the section between the Krowodrza Górka terminus and the outskirts of the city on the national road No. 7. Officials from the Municipal Investments Board remind that the construction of the tram line to Górka Narodowa has begun July 8. The construction of the tram line from the Krowodrza Górka terminus to the Górka Narodowa is to take 2 years.
Cutting down trees and leveling the ground
“The first stage of works can hardly be called spectacular, but it is a necessary stage to be able to start the main works: detours are being built, demolition works and preliminary archaeological surveys are underway, underground utilities are being repositioned. Recently, excavations of foundations for segments of the concrete structure, the so-called bathtub, the line of which will run between Kuźnica Kołłątajowska and Banacha Streets. This solution is to reduce the nuisance for the inhabitants of the surrounding buildings” – emphasize in ZIM.
Greenery is gone! Trees replanting?
As part of the construction of the Krakow Fast Tram to the Górka Narodowa, only the greenery that collides with the planned road and tram system has been cleared and reduced to the necessary minimum. To implement the project, 3,477 pieces of woody plants (deciduous and coniferous) will be removed in total.
Due to the extensive infrastructure of the project and collisions with many technical networks, tree plantings in the investment area cannot be carried out in a 1: 1 ratio. Nevertheless, within the boundaries of the investment, 2,680 tree plantings were planned, and the missing 797 trees will be planted as replacement plantings on plots belonging to the Municipality of Krakow.
Where will the tracks lead?
From Krowodrza Górka (where the existing loop will be completely rebuilt), the tram will travel through the green area between the car showroom and the hospital.
At the intersection with ul. Opolska, a two-level intersection will be built. We will go down Opolska Street and the tram line will go higher.
Then the tram will go straight to ul. Pachoński. Before the crossing with Pachońskiego, Park & Ride parking is planned.
The line will run along ul. Pachońskiego, then slightly turn right, connecting the intersections of Pachońskiego and Zielińska streets, and Białoprądnicka and Bularnia streets.
Between the intersections with ul. Bularnia and Pleszowska, the tram will turn left and reach Górnickiego Street, and further, on the southern side of ul. Pachońskiego, to Siewna Street.
At Siewna, the track will be moved to the northern side of the road and between the buildings (behind the buildings at 30 and 32 Siewna Streets) it will reach ul. Bociana.
The tram will reach building No. 17 along Bociana Street, where it will turn north and through the area of the existing concrete plant, towards the railway tracks.
After passing under the railway tracks, the tram will cross ul. Kuźnicy Kołłątajowskiej and ul. Słomczyńskiego, and then behind the estate at ul. Banacha will go straight ahead for a while to turn right towards al. 29th of November. The loop is planned south of ul. Belwederczyk.
What does the investment include?
The route of the Krakow Fast Tram to Górka Narodowa also includes a two-chamber road tunnel with a length of approx. 100 m along ul. Opolska. This solution is to ensure a collision-free and problem-free passage of tram communication from northern housing estates to the city center.
The investment planned for implementation includes: • construction of a tram line with a length of approx. 5 km along with full road infrastructure, including the construction and reconstruction of communication routes, the construction of bicycle paths, the construction of sidewalks and the construction of lighting • reconstruction of the existing Krowodrza Górka tram terminus and construction a new tram and bus terminus in the area of Górka Narodowa • construction of 3 new traction substations and thorough modernization of 1 substation • construction of a multi-level intersection with a tunnel along ul. Opolska • construction of 3 parking lots in the Park & Ride system: – at the Krowodrza Górka tram and bus terminus with approximately 110 parking spaces – at ul. Pachońskiego in the area of ul. Szopkarzy with approx. 94 parking spaces – at the Górka Narodowa tram and bus terminus – a two-level car park with approx. 240 parking spaces • construction of seven engineering structures: – tunnel along ul. Opolska – road flyover over the Sudół valley – tramway overpass over the Sudół valley – footbridge at the level of Szopkarzy and Danka Streets – bridge over the Białucha river – culvert on the Bibiczanka stream – railway viaduct.
How much will it cost? Who will do it?
The task is carried out in the “design and build” mode. According to the contract signed on May 22, 2017, the contractor for the investment is a consortium of companies: Przedsiębiorstwo Usług Technicznych “INTERCOR” Sp. z o. o. and Przedsiębiorstwo Inżynieryjnych Robót Kolejowych “TOR-KRAK” Sp. z o. o. Before selecting the contractor, the City obtained decisions on environmental conditions (March 15, 2016).
The project is co-financed by the European Union from the Cohesion Fund under the Operational Program Infrastructure and Environment for 2014-2020.
The value of the project is in accordance with the financing agreement of 03/10/2017. Total project value: PLN 378,914,203.93 Eligible expenditure under the project: PLN 216,735 206.67 Co-financing from EU funds: PLN 151,233,429.65
More info can be found, in Polish language, on the ZIM KRAKOW page (Zarzad Inwestycji Miejskich w Krakowie).
The increase in ticket prices for public transport in Krakow has become a fact. We will start paying more for tickets from February 2021. The councilors eventually lowered the rates proposed by President Jacek Majchrowski, but we will pay more. A single ticket will cost PLN 6, a 20-minute ticket PLN 4, and a monthly ticket for all lines for persons with a Krakow Card will cost PLN 80. The semi-annual ticket will be a novelty.
We knew this was coming…
The ticket price hike epic started during the summer holidays. The most important changes, after a few corrections, proposed by officials and Jacek Majchrowski, are a 20-minute ticket for PLN 4 (now PLN 3.40) and a one-way ticket for PLN 6.60 (now PLN 4.60). In addition, monthly tickets for one and two lines were to be canceled, and the monthly ticket for all lines was to go from PLN 69 to PLN 96.
What are the new rates for public transport in Krakow?
Such rates would not come into force. The councilors have submitted their proposals as amendments and these will eventually come into force. The decision was made at a city council session during a nightly vote on November 18-19. From February 1, 2021, the following rates will apply:
monthly ticket for one line (on the Krakow Card) – PLN 54 (discounted PLN 27), the ticket now costs PLN 45,
monthly ticket for all lines (on the Krakow Card) – PLN 80 (discount PLN 40)
monthly ticket for all lines (without the Krakow Card) – PLN 148
half-year ticket for all lines (on the Krakow Card) – PLN 420 (PLN 210).
Amendments done by Civic Coalition and Friendly Krakow
Amendments lowering the rates proposed by officials were submitted by councilors from the Civic Coalition and Friendly Krakow (they practically did not differ from each other). 24 councilors from these two clubs voted for. The PiS councilors and 2 councilors from the Kraków dla Mieszkańców club were against. Two councilors abstained.
New tickets available
The novelty is a six-month ticket, which requires the resident to buy a ticket for six months every month, without a day off, and then the ticket for the sixth month will cost PLN 20. Thus, the price of one ticket per month is PLN 70, which is one PLN more than before the increase. The resident will be able to connect his payment card to the city system, and the fee will be automatically charged every month – first PLN 80, and in the sixth month PLN 20.
The councilors also decided to keep a monthly ticket for one line. Its liquidation assumed the original plan of the officials.
Ticket price increases and a change in the entire tariff in Krakow
The pay rise officials explain the crisis caused by the coronavirus epidemic. We are faced with a dramatic decision regarding the further fate of public transport. Annual public transport maintenance is PLN 650 million. Each decrease from this amount will automatically mean decisions of a different nature – a change in the length of the line, frequency of driving, and at a certain threshold will have to have consequences for employment in both transport companies – vice-president Andrzej Kulig argued in October councilors.
I’ve said this before, but Krakow is a magical city that can be visited at any time in the year. You will always find events to join, museums to visit, cafe’s/bars/restaurants to test. So without any further ado, let me tell you 5 Things You Should Know About Krakow:
1. Poland’s currency is not Euro, it’s zloty!
Even though Poland is part of the EU they keep their own currency strong. Zloty (with the small denomination of groszy) can be used to buy products in Poland. Or you can just use a credit card. If you are looking for exchange houses, they are named Kantor. I suggest you don’t go to Market Square to find one as they will have bad rates. The one in the Galeria Krakowska, top floor, though is always decent. They also speak English there. Unlike in Romania, you will not be asked to present an ID/passport to change the money.
2. Public transport (or walking) is the way to go!
Everything important is within walking distance. It would be a shame not to walk down the cobbled stone paths and enjoy the local vibes. Public transport is highly developed and highly recommended – especially the trams! The tickets can be bought according to the time spent in transit. You need also to pay attention to the zone in which you are going (strefa I and II or I +II). For example, if you take a bus to Wieliczka Salt Mine from the station next to Galeria Krakowska, you would have to buy a strefa I+II ticket valid for 60 min (a 40 min one might not be enough).
3. Polish breakfasts are a must!
There are so many nice places in the Old Town or Kazimierz or Podgorze region. Places where you can have a nice and quiet breakfast. You just need to pick and choose. From the English breakfast that everyone praises at Milkbar Tomasza, to the French option in Charlotte (plac Szczepanski). From the typical polish breakfast with bread & butter + jam or ham or cheese or tomatoes or pickles… to all at the same time!
4. Krakow Free Walking Tour
If you really wanna get under Krakow’s skin, I really recommend you take a tour with a local. Or someone who lived in Krakow for a long while and loves this magical city. All you need to do is follow the yellow umbrellas of the Free Walking Tour Krakow team. I absolutely love them! They put so much passion and knowledge and fun in what they are doing. They are contagious and even after one tour with them, you will love them! #FreeWalkingTourKrakow offers the best walking tours in town, so check out their offer:
FreeWalkingTourKrakow – StreetArt – FreeWalkingTourKrakow provides city tours in Polish, English & Spanish.You can find them on Facebook or on their website or you can just call them at +48 513 875 814. I joined them in a StreetArt Tour and it was amazing!
FreeWalkingTourKrakow – Macabre Krakow – stories about ghost and real vampires… Methods of torture, bodies under the Main Market Square with their hands and legs tied, stories of impaling living people… dark and twisted and perfect for a rainy Saturday evening 🙂
FreeWalkingTourKrakow – Her Story – there is a saying that if the men are considered to be the head of the family than the heart belongs to the woman.
FreeWalkingTourKrakow – Pagan Krakow – do you wish to know about the old beliefs of Polish people but also about interesting facts like: “Did you know that General Hans Frank along with other members of the Nazi party celebrated the Yule holiday when they were living inside the Wawel Castle?” – join this tour once you see it up and running 😉 (Beginning of March)
FreeWalkingTourKrakow – Foods Of Krakow – traditional foods and drinks from Krakow. Lasts around 2 to 3 hours and takes one around Old Town and Kazimierz (a lovely Sunday afternoon in August 2015)
FreeWalkingTourKrakow – Centre of the World – learn why Krakow can compete with other grand(er) cities, for being the possible center of the world (28th of November 2015 – around 2 hours (and a bit))
5. Authentic homemade food at any bar mleczny
The bar mleczny is a reminiscence of the communist times. They are basically places where local food is cooked in large amounts, that can be bought at a really low price. It’s a “push the tray” environment, very unpretentious. They are still somehow funded by the state and can be found in every city in Poland. You will hear the local radio playing, sit with a stranger on the same table, sharing salt and pepper… And at the end taking your tray back to the special racks – no service, no waiter, no fuss. Don’t you dare miss out on the traditional pierogi – be it fried or boiled – or some homemade serniczek (cheesecake).
Yours very much truly,
The Twisted Red Ladybug That Loves Krakow
*** This article was first published on my old blog, back on 5th March 2018 – this one here is slightly updated 😉 ***
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