PKP Intercity & SIM Factor: Train Simulator Tech for Polish Railways

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Introduction

PKP Intercity has contracted SIM Factor to supply four new train driver simulators for over PLN 2.1 million gross, with delivery scheduled for 2026. These simulators will be installed in PKP Intercity’s training branches located in Katowice, Kraków, Wrocław, and Poznań.

Contract Details

PKP Intercity has awarded SIM Factor a contract for the delivery of four train driver simulators. The total value of this contract exceeds PLN 2.1 million gross. The simulators are slated for delivery in 2026 and will be deployed across PKP Intercity’s training locations.

Simulator Features and Capabilities

SIM Factor’s simulators are designed to replicate the full driving experience, including adverse conditions such as heavy rain, snow, and fog. The simulators also simulate technical malfunctions and unexpected events, like animals crossing tracks, to enhance driver training. These simulators offer virtual simulations covering over 8,000 kilometers of Polish railway routes, including corridors such as Warsaw–Gdynia, Katowice–Kraków, Poznań–Wrocław, and Warsaw–Szczecin. The software accurately reflects real infrastructure, including tracks, signals, platforms, bridges, and viaducts.

Training and Operational Impact

Simulator training is a core element of the nearly two-month driver licensing course. It is also mandatory for candidates working towards a driver’s certificate, once they have completed at least 480 hours of supervised practical driving. The state examination conducted by the Office of Rail Transport also uses simulators. All active PKP Intercity drivers undergo mandatory annual simulator sessions to refresh their skills and demonstrate compliance with safety rules. Instructors assess drivers’ reactions, adherence to traffic regulations, and their ability to interpret signals. Simulators are also used to evaluate drivers involved in accidents.

Company Overview and Workforce

PKP Intercity currently employs 1,508 drivers, including 54 instructors, with the largest group aged between 27 and 48. A further 491 trainees are preparing to join the profession, with the majority under 26 years old. SIM Factor’s current contracts for PKP Intercity and other customers are valued close to PLN 20 million gross (EUR 4.86m). The company has reported revenues of PLN 17.7 million gross (EUR 4.1m) by the end of September 2025.

Conclusion

PKP Intercity is investing in modern training technologies to enhance passenger safety and operational efficiency. The company’s recent contract with SIM Factor is part of a long-term strategy. This investment follows the introduction of the first simulator for the Griffin locomotive in Gdynia earlier this year, and the existing simulators for EP09 and EU44 (Husarz) locomotives in Warsaw, in use since 2015.

Company Summary

PKP Intercity: The operator currently employs 1,508 drivers, including 54 instructors, with the largest group aged between 27 and 48. A further 491 trainees are preparing to join the profession, with the majority under 26 years old.

SIM Factor: SIM Factor is a fast-growing Polish simulation technology company, and the total value of contracts currently being delivered for PKP Intercity and other customers is close to PLN 20 million gross (EUR 4.86m). The company has already reported revenues of PLN 17.7 million gross (EUR 4.1m) by the end of September 2025.

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