PKP Intercity: New Train Simulator Boosts Driver Training in Poland

Poland, June 2024

PKP Intercity (Polish State Railways Intercity) has recently inaugurated its first train driving simulator in the northern region of Poland, specifically in Gdynia, a city within the Tri-City area (Gdańsk, Gdynia, and Sopot). This significant investment marks a strategic move to enhance the safety and operational proficiency of its locomotive drivers. The simulator, modeled after the modern Griffin locomotive, is designed to provide comprehensive training and assessment capabilities. This initiative addresses the growing need for advanced training methodologies in the rail industry, ensuring drivers are well-prepared to handle a wide range of operational scenarios. The launch of this simulator, coupled with other planned upgrades, reflects PKP Intercity’s commitment to continuous improvement in rail safety and operational excellence. This article will delve into the specifics of the new simulator, its functionalities, and its role in shaping the future of driver training within PKP Intercity.

Boosting Training Capabilities

The primary objective of the new simulator is to augment the existing training infrastructure and enhance the skill set of PKP Intercity’s drivers. Until now, the majority of training was conducted in Warsaw, where a simulator has been operational since 2015. The introduction of the Gdynia simulator substantially increases PKP Intercity’s capacity to provide in-house training. This strategic expansion allows drivers to consolidate their knowledge and perfect their operational skills, particularly on the Griffin locomotives. The Griffin locomotives, manufactured by NEWAG, are a key part of PKP Intercity’s modern fleet. The simulator investment, valued at over PLN 5 million, is part of a larger project totaling PLN 846 million, supported by the EU’s National Recovery Plan. This comprehensive approach to driver training is vital for ensuring the highest standards of safety and efficiency across PKP Intercity’s network.

The Simulator’s Technical Features

The Gdynia simulator is a sophisticated training tool featuring two main components: a moving platform and an instructor’s control station. The moving platform houses a full-size replica of the Griffin locomotive cab, providing drivers with a realistic operating environment. The instructor’s station allows trainers to design and oversee a variety of driving scenarios. They can monitor trainees via a video feed, adjust route conditions, and simulate various operational challenges. The simulator recreates over 5,000 km of railway track, offering realistic motion feedback using a six-degree-of-freedom movement system. This system accurately replicates the dynamics of real-world train operations, including the experience of navigating points and curves. This level of realism allows drivers to experience a wide array of situations, from routine operations to complex emergency scenarios, within a safe and controlled environment.

Comprehensive Training Programs

PKP Intercity’s driver training program is designed to be thorough and multifaceted. Approximately 1,500 drivers, currently employed by the company, are mandated to participate in several hours of simulator training each year. Moreover, the simulator is employed to provide training for trainee drivers who are preparing for certification, a crucial requirement stipulated by the Office of Rail Transport. The training modules encompass a broad spectrum of skills and knowledge areas, including signal recognition, the use of the European Train Control System (ETCS), safety procedures, multitasking, and reaction speed. Furthermore, the simulator is utilized to assess the skills of drivers involved in rail incidents. The simulation scenarios include both routine operational challenges and complex emergency situations, such as technical faults, signalling issues, adverse weather conditions, and encounters with animals or people on the tracks. Each training session concludes with a performance report prepared by the instructor, followed by a detailed debriefing with the trainee to provide feedback and identify areas for improvement.

Looking Ahead

The recent introduction of the train driving simulator in Gdynia signifies a substantial advancement in PKP Intercity’s commitment to railway safety and operational excellence. This investment not only improves the training infrastructure but also strengthens the skills of its drivers, ensuring they are well-prepared for diverse operational challenges. The simulator’s sophisticated features, including its realistic replication of the Griffin locomotive cab and dynamic simulation capabilities, offer a comprehensive training environment. The training program is designed to provide drivers with the essential skills needed for safe and efficient operation, including signal recognition, ETCS usage, and emergency response protocols. The integration of the new simulator with the existing training facilities in Warsaw, and the future plans for additional simulators across Poland, demonstrates PKP Intercity’s strategic approach to continuous improvement. The collaboration with NEWAG and Autocomp Management, key players in this project, reinforces the importance of industry partnerships. This holistic strategy, which prioritizes both modern rolling stock and driver skill development, is crucial for maintaining high safety standards and improving operational efficiency. PKP Intercity’s ongoing investments in training and technology clearly reflect its dedication to excellence in the rail transport sector.

Summary of Companies:

PKP Intercity: Polish State Railways Intercity, the primary operator of long-distance passenger trains in Poland.

NEWAG: A Polish manufacturer of railway rolling stock, responsible for producing the Griffin locomotives.

Autocomp Management: A Szczecin-based company and subcontractor that supplied the train driving simulator.