Koleje Śląskie

Contrary to appearances, rail transport did not play a key role in the country's economic policy after 1945. Therefore, despite intensive industrial development, including heavy industry, a significant increase in coal mining and military needs, over the years, the underinvestment in the Polish State Railways (Polskie Koleje Państwowe – PKP) – the key railway operator and carrier in Poland – became increasingly apparent. This resulted in a railway crisis, which had been evident since at least the mid-1970s. Initially, it was not yet visible due to the steady growth in passenger and freight traffic. It was not widely recognised until the following decade and became chronic in the 1990s (passenger shift to road transport, new roads, job changes, progressive infrastructure degradation). One of the effects of this crisis was the systematic pursuit by the General Directorate of PKP (formally the most important governing body of the company) of 'suspending' transport on individual lines, reducing the number of trains in service, and 'suspending' and closing sections of railway lines. In view of the drastic decline in PKP transport in the 1990s, the need for reforms (especially those related to adapting PKP to European legislation) and the lack of state support, PKP had to undertake the difficult task of modernisation on its own. A symbolic step was the adoption of the Act on the Commercialisation, Restructuring and Privatisation of Polish State Railways PKP (2000), which, especially in terms of regional railways, did not solve anything in essence. At the beginning of the 21st century, a pattern had been cyclically observed, in which attempts were made to make the financing of regional transport more realistic, the concepts for these changes were changed, and passengers were regularly left in a situation of uncertainty as to whether transport would continue in their province or town. The successful reform associated with the establishment of Mazovia Railways (Koleje Mazowieckie) was not continued in other voivodships. Instead, voivodship authorities were obliged to bear the costs of passenger transport in their regions without having any real influence (for various reasons defined in the literature) on the amount of these costs or the quality of the service received. == Railways in Upper Silesia and the Silesian (Śląskie) Voivodship ==

Historically, the railway network in the Silesian Voivodship was mainly developed in the 19th century. The first sections ran from Wrocław to Mysłowice (1842–1846), from Warsaw to Granica (Sosnowiec-Maczki, 1845–1848), and from Kędzierzyn-Koźle to Chałupki and Bogumin (1846–1848). During the following decades, the public and private (including narrow-gauge) networks grew steadily, not only in length but also in transport volume. In the first half of the 20th century, the last major investment projects were completed (the Ustroń–Wisła Głębce, Rybnik–Pszczyna and Kalety–Podzamcze lines). During the 20th century, Upper Silesia handled a significant proportion of the country's passenger traffic and most of its goods (especially bulk cargo). After 1945, the area of Upper Silesia (including Opole Silesia), the Dąbrowa Basin, part of the Kraków Basin, Cieszyn Silesia, and Podbeskidzie was subordinated to the Silesian DOKP (Regional Directorate of State Railways in Katowice). Despite its liquidation along with the transformation of the PKP, this situation persisted both in terms of transport directions and the organisation of transport lines. Due to the volume of transport in the Silesian DOKP, low-capacity rolling stock was not used until the beginning of the 21st century. On the contrary, high-capacity rolling stock (double-decker coaches, EN57 electric multiple units) was used. == Establishment of the Silesian Railways Company ==

Source: In the second decade of the 21st century, as a result of many years of negative experiences with the former Regional Transport (Przewozy Regionalne) Company, the authorities of the Silesian Voivodship decided to establish their own railway operator. These difficult relations were symbolised by the suspension (justified by the insufficient amount of the deficit covered by the voivodship authorities (the legal transport organiser)) of transport services on successive sections (including (e.g. Cieszyn – Bielsko-Biała – 10 January 2009, Herby Nowe – Chorzew Siemkowice – 12 December 2009, Żywiec – Sucha Beskidzka – from 12 December 2010 Railway Bus Transport, 11 December 2011). The founding act of Koleje Śląskie Sp. z o.o. was signed on 8 April 2010; the supervisory board was elected on 15 April; and on 28 April, the management board and its president, Anna Patalong, were appointed. On 20 May the company was entered into the National Court Register, on 6 July it obtained a licence for passenger transport, on 9 December it obtained a safety certificate part A, and on 10 January 2011 Part B. On 1 December 2010, the European Union Agency for Railways granted the company the 'KSL' distinction. The company has been established as an internal operator (within the meaning of the Regulation (EC) No 1370/2007 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2007 on public passenger transport services by rail and by road and repealing Council Regulations (EEC) Nos 1191/69 and 1107/70). In 2011, the Company focused on preparations for launching transport services. The voivodship authorities decided that, initially, the company will take over traffic on the Częstochowa – Gliwice section (and, on weekends, Częstochowa – Wisła Głębce). At that time, it was the line with the greatest transport potential. It was mentioned that trains ran here every 10 minutes in the 1970s and 1980s. To provide transport services, the voivodship transferred to the Company 13 rolling stock units (12 in operation, 1 undergoing accident repairs) owned by the voivodship (previously purchased). In addition (as at the end of 2011), two EN57 units were leased from the Silesian Voivodship, one EN57 AKŚ unit, two TRAXX locomotives, and 10 compartment carriages were leased. On 25 March 2011, an agreement was signed with the Marshal's Office of the Silesian Voivodship (annexed on 23 September 2011). Previous rolling stock purchases by the Silesian Voivodship and the Company On 28 January 2003, the Silesian Voivodship signed a contract for the purchase of two rail buses SA109 from Kolzam, of which only the first was delivered, as the production of the second was interrupted by the bankruptcy of the plant. On 27 July 2006, the contract was signed with Stadler Rail for the delivery of 4 FLIRTs which were initially used by the Regional Transport (Przewozy Regionalne) Company and on 1 October 2011 were transferred to the Silesian Railways. On 22 December 2009, the Silesian Voivodship signed the contract with Pesa for the delivery of 8 Elf, which, upon delivery, were handed over to the Silesian Railways. On 30 March 2011, the contract was signed with Pesa for the delivery of the ninth Elf, On 20 September, the contract was signed with a consortium of companies consisting of Newag, ING Lease and ZNLE for a 7-year financial lease of five modernised EN57 units. On 29 September, the contract was signed to lease 10 wagons from České dráhy. On 14 November, the contract was signed with a consortium of companies consisting of ZNTK "Minsk Mazowiecki" and Pesa for the delivery of two modernised EN57s. On 19 December, the new contract was signed for the lease of two Traxx F140 MS locomotives from Lotos Railways. On 22 December, the company announced its intention to purchase 14 diesel multiple units from the Italian company Railconsult srl. Newag and ZNTK Mińsk Mazowiecki appealed against this decision to the National Appeals Chamber, which ruled in their favour on 13 January 2012. In June 2012, the voivodship authorities decided to discontinue ordering transport services from the Regional Transport (Przewozy Regionalne) Company and to sign a contract with Silesian Railways for passenger transport services in the Silesian Voivodship. The contract for the period from 1 January 2013 to 31 December 2015 was signed in September 2012. The following months were filled with intensive organisational work related to acquiring rolling stock, hiring employees, establishing ticketing rules (including fares), and developing the timetable for the planned trains (see Controversies). Acquisition of rolling stock for the Company in 2012. On 20 June the provincial board awarded the contract to Tabor Szynowy Opole Company for the repair and modernisation of the first SA109, on 7 August to Newag for the delivery of one modernised EN57, on 7 November for the delivery of one 6-car electric multiple unit 35WE Impuls and on 30 November for the delivery of one diesel multiple unit SA138. In August the company, together with Newag and ZNLE, established Silesia Rail Company. On 10 September the Silesian Railways signed a contract with Pesa for a three-year lease with an option to purchase of 6 six-unit Elf trains. On 14 September, the contract was signed with a consortium of Newag and ING Lease for the 7-year lease of 2 modernised EN71. In the first half of November, the Company signed a contract with SKM Warszawa for an annual lease of two 14WE, with an option to purchase at the end of the lease. In November and December, agreements were signed with a consortium of companies consisting of Railpool Austria and Lotos Kolej for the annual lease of 15 Bombardier Traxx electric locomotives, including maintenance; with Heros Rail Rent Company for the annual lease of 17 passenger coaches; with České dráhy for the annual lease of 50 passenger coaches and with Sigma Tabor for a 3-year lease of 8 three-unit diesel multiple units VT614 (SN84) (28 November 2012), as well as a 5-year financial lease with purchase at the end of the lease for 3 diesel railcars DH1 and 5 two-unit diesel multiple units DH2. However, the wagons supplied by Heros Rail Rent Company were not approved for operation in Poland and therefore did not enter service. The Sigma Tabor Company, due to its inability to deliver 8 VT614 (SN84) Diesel Multiple Units on time, delivered 8 EN57 electric multiple units (EMU) leased from the Regional Transport (Przewozy Regionalne) Company. Immediately prior to 9 December 2012, the carrier additionally acquired, without a tender, 45 coaches from PKP Intercity (until 19 December) and 5 electric locomotives ET22 from PKP Cargo (for 3 months), and a few days later another 7 locomotives from PKP Cargo. The SA109-011 was also introduced into service in December 2012. The Silesian Railway made its debut in the new scope of operation on 9 December 2012. 629 services were planned to be run on weekdays. At the same time, the company authorities (and the voivodship) decided not to run services on the sections Wodzisław Śląski-Chałupki and Częstochowa-Zduńska Wola; some stops were excluded from the timetable. After several years, services were resumed between Kłobuck and Herby Nowe. In the first few days, it was not possible to deliver all the courses ordered. 3 trains were cancelled on Sunday, 9 December, and on the following days, 58 (10 December) and 73 trains (11 December). Some of the remaining trains were significantly delayed or operated with insufficiently capacious rolling stock. On 12, 13 and 14 December, a replacement bus service was launched instead of 92 connections, and on 15 and 16 December (Saturday and Sunday) instead of 50 connections. On 17 December, train services were restored on the S31 line (the section Katowice – Imielin) and on the entire S58 line. As a result, the number of replacement connections dropped to 58 on weekdays and to 37–41 on holidays and public holidays. On 29 December trains returned to line S52 and partly to lines S72 and S74. On 12 December, the company's CEO, Marek Worach, tendered his resignation, and on 13 December vice-president Artur Nastala. Stanisław Biega (chief timetable designer) and Piotr Kazimierowski (president of Silesia Rail, the company owned by Silesian Railways) were relieved of their duties. On 13 December, the Marshal of the Silesian Voivodeship, Adam Matusiewicz, also resigned. On 13 December, the voivodship authorities signed a contract with the Regional Transport (Przewozy Regionalne) Company to take back five inter-voivodship connections from 15 December: Częstochowa – Piotrków Trybunalski (S11), Częstochowa – Kielce (S12), Kędzierzyn-Koźle – Gliwice (S17), Strzelce Opolskie – Gliwice (S18), Kędzierzyn-Koźle– Racibórz (S79). As a result of this takeover, Silesian Railways was left with approximately 450 services to operate on working days. == Transport operations since 2013. ==

As a result of the Regional Transport (Przewozy Regionalne) Company's complaint to the administrative court, the voivodship board shortened the company's contract to a one-year period in January. In the following weeks, train traffic was gradually restored, and a repair programme was prepared and implemented (see Controversies). On 2 April 2013, the Railway Transport Office suspended the operator's licence indefinitely and issued a six-month temporary licence. On 2 October 2013, the company was reissued an indefinite licence. Between 2013 and 2014, the scope of the company's activities was tidied up, its participation in the project to expand the Silesian Public Services Card was abandoned (to which, however, an attempt was later made to return), rolling stock was acquired (mainly in the form of leases) and the route network was modified. The most important change after the December 2012 crisis was the aforementioned handover of the operation of so-called contact connections to the Regional Transport (Przewozy Regionalne) Company by the Silesian Voivodship government. On 31 December 2013, another transport agreement was concluded with the Silesian Voivodship (valid until 31 December 2015). On 24 November 2015, an agreement was signed for a further 10 years (from 1 January 2016 to 31 December 2025 – 10 July 2017 annexed to 31 December 2030), covering the following railway line sections: Częstochowa – Zawiercie – Katowice – Gliwice, Sosnowiec – Katowice – Tychy Lodowisko, Katowice – Bielsko Biała – Zwardoń, Katowice – Skoczów – Wisła Głębce, Katowice – Orzesze – Rybnik – Racibórz, Katowice – Orzesze – Rybnik – Wodzisław Śląski – Chałupki – Voivodship border, Katowice – Bytom – Tarnowskie Góry – Lubliniec, Katowice – Voivodship border – Oświęcim – Voivodship border – Czechowice-Dziedzice, Czechowice-Dziedzice – Zebrzydowice – Cieszyn – Voivodship border, Rybnik – Żory – Pszczyna – Bielsko Biała, Racibórz – Chałupki – Voivodship border, Częstochowa – Lubliniec. Provision was then made for the annual signing of implementing agreements. On 29 February 2016, the Company signed with the Regional Transport (Przewozy Regionalne) Company the lease agreement for the former base of the Silesian Regional Transport Company in Katowice at Raciborska Street. This contract was concluded for 15 years and provided for a buyout option, which was executed at the end of 2019 (PLN 17.2 million). On 26 February 2024, the carrier signed a contract with Budimex for the extension of the technical facilities at Raciborska Street in Katowice, covering, among other things, the enlargement of the rolling stock maintenance hall by 4,000 sq m, the rebuilding of the tracks and traction network, the delivery of an underfloor wheel lathe, the construction of a year-round washing station and the creation of facilities for employees. 3 February 2025 Silesian Railways and Polish Mining Group signed letters of intent to build technical facilities on the site of the former Bojków shaft in Gliwice. ---- == Lines operated by the Silesian Railways ==

S1 line Gliwice – Częstochowa The S1 line is the first line (in addition to the S6 line) that is operated by the Silesian Railways. The first Silesian Railways train on this line departed in October 2011. In the 2017/2018 – 2022/2023 timetables, some services on this line ran or started at Tychy Lodowisko station. From the 2023/2024 timetable, due to the upcoming reconstruction of the Katowice railway junction, all services that terminated at Tychy Lodowisko station, were again directed to Gliwice. This is the line that is most popular among passengers. As part of the S1 line, the Dąbrowa Górnicza Pogoria station is operated seasonally. In December 2023, the Będzin station was taken out of service. This was due to the start of the E65 main line modernisation. On working days, fast trains are launched on this line on the section between Częstochowa and Gliwice, which have names associated with the region along which they run. On weekends, fast trains are launched to mountain destinations: Zwardoń (Rachowiec train), Wisła Głębiec (Czantoria train), Zakopane (Ornak train). S13 line Częstochowa – Lubliniec Line S13 has been in operation since the 2012/2013 timetable. Trains on this line run between Częstochowa - Herby Stare - Lubliniec. Initially, 11 pairs of services ran on this line on working days (10 pairs on weekends and holidays), while after the so-called repair plan, 3 pairs of services remained on working days (1 pair on weekends and holidays). In the following years, i.e., 2013/2014 – 2014/15 timetables, Silesian Railways did not operate services on this line. As of the 2015/2016 timetable, services on this line were resumed with 6 pairs running on working days (4 running on weekends and holidays). In the following years, the number of services steadily increased. Currently (2025), 9 pairs of services run daily on this line. Initially served by 4 pairs of services, in the next stage from 1 September 2024 the number of services increased to 9 daily pairs of services, and from 15 December 2024, the line is served by 11 pairs of services on working days and 10 on weekends and holidays. Some train relations have been extended to Racibórz/Wodzisław Śląski. The reactivation of this line, already under the name S18, took place in the 2021/2022 timetable. The line is served by 15 pairs of services on working days, 11 pairs of services on weekends and holidays. As of December 2024, two new stops were opened on this line Zabrze Maciejów, Zabrze Północne. S19 line Gliwice – Pyskowice – Lubliniec (terminated) The line only operated in the 2012/2013 timetable and was served by 1 pair of services. The following stops were served on line S19: Gliwice Łabędy, Gliwice Kuźnica, Pyskowice, Paczyna. S3 line Katowice – Kraków Główny (Kraków Płaszów) The operation of Silesian Railways' trains on this line began on 13 December 2020, following the completion of the reconstruction of railway line No. 133 from Jaworzno Szczakowa to Kraków Główny. The Silesian Railways run 4 pairs of train services on the S3 line, which run daily. Originally, the Silesian Railways only ran fast connections named Gibki Cug and connecting stations such as Katowice Zawodzie, Katowice Szopienice Południowe, Mysłowice, Jaworzno Szczakowa, Jaworzno Ciężkowice, Trzebinia, Krzeszowice, Kraków Bronowice, Kraków Łobzów. From 15 December 2024, the timetable offer on the line from Katowice to Kraków was restructured, as well as the speed of trains. The train service has been extended to Kraków Płaszów station. Fast trains run at 160 km/h, standard trains at 130 km/h. Standard trains stop at all stations on the line from Katowice to Kraków Płaszów, including the Sosnowiec Jęzor Południowy station, opened in December 2024. In the 2017/2018 – 2020/2021 timetables, the line was linked to the S8 line, with trains running in the relation (Kluczbork) Lubliniec – Tarnowskie Góry – Chorzów Batory – Katowice – Mysłowice – Oświęcim. Currently, 13 pairs of services run on this line on working days, and 9 pairs on weekends and holidays. From 1 September 2024, trains will run between Mysłowice and Oświęcim due to capacity constraints caused by the ongoing modernisation of the Katowice railway junction. S4 line (Sosnowiec Główny) Katowice – Tychy – Tychy Lodowisko From the 2012/2013 timetable, the S4 line operated as the Fast Regional Railway between Sosnowiec Główny and Tychy Lodowisko. Since 1 September 2024, selected services have been running in a shortened Tychy – Tychy Lodowisko service due to the modernisation of the Katowice railway junction. There are currently (2025) 35 pairs of trains on working days and 19 pairs of trains on weekends and holidays. S51 line Katowice – Bielsko-Biała – Zakopane (Ornak train) Only 1 pair of trains runs on the S51 line during the winter and summer seasons. The Ornak train was launched in the 2017/2018 timetable. Depending on the situation with closures on single-track lines, it runs either via Żywiec, Jeleśnia, or Lachowice Centrum using line no. 97 or Kęty, Andrychów, Wadowice using line no. 117. As part of the S51 timetable, the Ornak entered railway line no. 104 to serve the Rabka-Zdrój station. December 2023 saw the commissioning of the new Chabówka Stadion station, as well as a new junction, which eliminated the change of train frontage at Chabówka. From June 2024, the Ornak train ran on an extended service from Częstochowa. In December of the same year, the Ornak was diverted to the route via Wadowice LK 117 for the comprehensive modernisation of LK 97 line requiring the suspension of traffic between Żywiec and Sucha Beskidzka. S6 line Katowice – Wisła Głębce The S6 line (in addition to the S1 line) is the first line operated by the Silesian Railways. Initially, Silesian Railways provided weekend services with 2 pairs of trains. In the 2011/2022 timetable, there were more services, also on working days. The number of service pairs fluctuated between 5 and 6 on working days, and between 4 and 7 on weekends and holidays. Currently (2024/25 timetable), there are 8 pairs of trains running on working days, and 10 on weekends and holidays. In the summer season, i.e., from the weekend preceding May Day to the end of September, additional services are launched to make the offer thicker, such as the Równica train. This was possible, thanks to the modernisation of railway line No. 190 on the Goleszów – Cieszyn section. As part of the S62 line, we serve the following stations: Goleszów Górny, Bażanowice, and Cieszyn University. Currently (2025), on the S62 line, there are 11 pairs of trains running on working days and 9 pairs on weekends and holidays. Trains are synchronised at Skoczów/Goleszów station with trains of the S6 line, thus providing the possibility of travelling from Katowice to Cieszyn. Also in December 2023, a new station – Wodzisław Śląski Centrum – was put into service. S72 line Rybnik – Pszczyna (Żory) From the 2012/2013 timetable, on the S72 line there were 4 pairs of services on working days, and on weekends and holidays, The service is scheduled to resume on 15 June 2025 as part of the S74 line. Trains will run between Orzesze Jaśkowice and Tychy, serving the following stations: Orzesze Miasto, Łaziska Średnie, and Wyry. S75 line Gliwice – Rybnik – Chybie – Żywiec – Zwardoń (Salmopol train) The line has been operating since the 2021/2022 timetable, with one pair of trains running exclusively on weekends. The line was created by redirecting the Kubalonka train to Żywiec instead of Wisła Głębiec for the duration of the modernisation of the railway line to Wisła. From December 2023, the line was permanently included in the timetable, and from December 2024, the Salmopol train runs between Gliwice and Zwardoń. It is also worth mentioning the newly opened stations Warszowice and Pawłowice Śląskie Centrum, which are also served by the Salmopol train. S76 line Gliwice – Rybnik – Chybie – Wisła Głębce (Kubalonka train) The line has been operating since the 2018/2019 timetable. It is a weekend line, served by one pair of services. In the 2019/2020 timetable, the Przyszowice station was added to the service. During the reconstruction of the line to Wisła, the S76 line was redirected to the Żywiec station. In September 2023, a new station, Warszowice, was added to the service, as well as the station Pawłowice Śląskie Centrum in December 2023. S77 line Racibórz – Rybnik – Chybie – Wisła Głębce (Stożek train) The line has been operating since 15 December 2024. It is a weekend line, served by one pair of trains. The line runs through Jejkowice on railway line No. 174, and not on railway line No. 140 like the S7 line service through Rydułtowy. In the 2019/2020 timetable, the S8 line was extended from Lubliniec to Kluczbork. Currently, there are 18 pairs of services on working days and 10 pairs on weekends and holidays. After the modernisation of railway line No. 131, new stations were put into operation: Chorzów Uniwersytet and Bytom Stroszek (from 8 March 2025). S82 line Tarnowskie Góry – Kalety – Herby Nowe (Krzepice) (terminated) In the 2012/2013 timetable, there was a line Tarnowskie Góry – Kalety – Herby Nowe – Krzepice. It was served by five pairs of trains running on working days and three pairs running on weekends and holidays. In the 2013/2014 timetable, there was a line Tarnowskie Góry – Kalety – Herby Nowe. It was served by five trains on working days and four on weekends and holidays. After the 2013/2014 timetable, Silesian Railways did not operate line S82. == Commercial offer ==

Ticket distribution systems The Company distributes tickets through ticket offices, ticket machines, mobile applications, and websites, as well as on trains through the conductors' team. As of March 2025, it has active ticket offices at the following stations: Będzin Miasto, Bielsko-Biała Główna, Czechowice-Dziedzice, Częstochowa Osobowa, Dąbrowa Górnicza, Gliwice, Katowice, Lubliniec, Łaży, Myszków, Pszczyna, Racibórz, Rybnik, Sosnowiec Główny, Tychy, Zabrze, Zawiercie, Żywiec. The ticket offices previously operating in Chorzów Batory, Poraj, and Tarnowskie Góry have been closed. Ticket sales system at the Silesian Railways Company Between 2012 and 2022, the ticket sales system at Silesian Railways underwent gradual changes and expansions. Initially (2012), the company had 35 ticket offices. Tickets were also sold on trains using mobile terminals and through the e-Silesian Railways and CallPay systems. In 2013, the number of ticket offices increased to 36. New sales channels were introduced: ticket machines, agency sales points as part of the 'Szybki Bilet' (fast ticket) system and the sale of the 'Taryfa Pomarańczowa' (orange tariff) offer ticket machines of the Municipal Transport Company in Tychy (MZK Tychy). In 2014–2016, the Company maintained 36 (2014) and 37 (2015–2016) ticket offices, continuing sales through the existing channels. In 2017, the number of ticket offices increased to 38. In January, sales were launched through the SkyCash system, and in October through e-podróżnik. In 2019, there were 37 ticket offices. At that time, the METROBILET offer was introduced in cooperation with the Municipal Transport Authority, available in the ŚKUP system. In December 2020, sales were launched through the mPay system. In 2021, cooperation with AVISTA commenced, enabling ticket purchases through the company's ticket machines. In 2022, the number of ticket offices was reduced to 28 and new sales channels were introduced: Bilkom and KOLEO. Ticket sales systems • own ticket offices and those of other carriers • mobile terminals of conductor teams • Kaeśka app • KOLEO • e-KŚ • e-podróżnik • mPay • SkyCash • Bilkom • AVISTA ticket machines • own ticket machines • MKA system Kaeśka, the mobile app developed by the Silesian Railways, has been available to passengers since 1 January 2025. Thanks to this app, users could purchase train tickets at a 30% discount until 31 March 2025 as part of the 'Test with Us' ('Testuj z Nami') promotion. The offer did not include annual tickets, tickets under the Max Bilet tariff, tickets under the Krakowska tariff, and Zakopiański tickets. The app can be downloaded free of charge on Android and iOS phones and tablets. From 1 April to 31 December 2025, the 'Test with Us' offer was replaced by the 'Travel with a discount' (Podróżuj z rabatem) offer, which gives a 10% discount on ticket purchases. Kaeśka app not only allows for convenient ticket purchase, but also generates invoices, makes refunds and searches for train services – both direct and indirect (with stopovers) – and provides information on how to use the Replacement Bus Service, if necessary. Selected offers (including outdated ones): Airport Tariff – offer introduced on 10 December 2023 on the Częstochowa – Tarnowskie Góry section via Pyrzowice Airport in connection with the launch of trains on the S9 line. Thirteen (Trzynastka) – special fare offer valid on the Częstochowa – Lubliniec section (via Herby Stare). METRO – offer valid from 1 April 2023, tickets for PLN 1 for passengers travelling between neighbouring stations in the city of Tychy. Zakopane Ticket – a special offer for passengers travelling to Zakopane. Initially, it covered the section between Nowy Targ and Zakopane, but was gradually extended and, since 15 January 2025, it has been valid on the Bielsko-Biała Główna – Zakopane section. Kraków Tariff – a special offer available from 13 December 2020 on the Katowice – Kraków Płaszów section. It was introduced with the launch of the Silesian Railways service to Kraków Główny, initially covering more stations. Joint Ticket – an offer created on the initiative of the Ministry of Infrastructure, which Silesian Railways joined in 2019. Joint Local Government Ticket – introduced on 1 August 2017 as part of a joint initiative by local government transport operators. This is a special offer of 24-hour tickets valid on trains operated by these carriers. Silesia24 – a special 24-hour ticket offer, originally called a daily ticket. For a certain period of time, it was accepted on Municipal Transport Authority (ZTM) public transport. It also entitled holders to travel by train across the border crossings in Cieszyn – Český Těšín and Chałupki – Bohumin. EuroSilesia24 – a special 24-hour ticket offer allowing travel throughout the Moravian-Silesian Region in the Czech Republic in second class on České dráhy trains. For a certain period of time, it was accepted on Municipal Transport Authority (ZTM) public transport. Silesia Weekend – allowed the purchase of cheaper tickets according to the normal tariff for a one-way or return travel. The offer was valid from 6:00 p.m. on the day preceding the weekend and holidays until 6:00 a.m. on the first working day. Family ticket – intended for groups of 2 to 6 people travelling together, provided that at least one person is under 16 years of age. Currently, this offer is available under the name Family. Senior 65+ – an offer for people aged 65 and over. Over the years, the age limit for using this ticket has been lowered to 60. Silesian Railways 26 – intended for persons under 26 years of age who were not entitled to statutory discounts. Silesian Ticket – included cheaper travel by train and public transport. Over time, it changed its name to Silesian Railways + Municipal Transport Authority Monthly Super Package, then returned to its original name, until it was finally cancelled. 'Orange tariff (Taryfa pomarańczowa)' – the offer was valid on the Katowice – Tychy Lodowisko section, with the possibility of entering the Tychy Żwaków station, on the basis of which it was also possible to use public transport in the city of Tychy, first in the Municipal Transport Company in Tychy (MZK Tychy), and later in the Communal Transport Union of the Upper Silesian Industrial Region (KZK GOP) and the Municipal Transport Authority (ZTM). It was launched in 2008 together with the agglomeration railway system – Fast Regional Railway (Szybka Kolej Regionalna). In addition, the carrier regularly introduces special offers valid for specific events, including winter holidays (children's tickets for PLN 1), summer holidays, Car-Free Day, and Christmas. == Rolling stock ==

Source: Acquisition of rolling stock after 2013. In January 2013, the company again leased 15 wagons from PKP Intercity, to replace those leased from the Heros Rail Rent Company. Silesian Railways wanted to withdraw from the contract with Heros Rail Rent, but ultimately this did not happen as the company provided additional documents. On 31 January 2013, Silesian Railways took delivery of 4 Elf trains with a one-month delay. On 25 February, the first of the 8 ordered Diesel Multiple Units, VT614 (SN84), arrived in Katowice, but it was not handed over to the Silesian Railways. These vehicles then, at that time, did not have an operating authorisation issued by the Railway Transport Office. After their subsequent sale to a bailiff, these vehicles are still in use today in Poland by the Association of Local Railroad Transport (SKPL). On 20 February, the Company leased 9 electric locomotives from the PKP Cargo, and on 27 March it leased until the end of the year 8 EN57 from the Regional Transport (Przewozy Regionalne) Company. On 26 August 2013, the Company decided to award a contract to a consortium of Newag and Newag Gliwice for the supply of a modernised EN57, and on 28 August the Marshal's Office of the Silesian Voivodship signed a contract with Newag for the delivery of 6 pcs of 3-unit Impuls trains (3 of them were handed over to the Silesian Railways after delivery, and 3 to the Regional Transport). At the end of October, the Company terminated its contract with Sigma Tabor for the delivery of 8 Diesel Multiple Units VT614 (SN84), which never entered service. In November, Silesian Railways signed with the Regional Transport (Przewozy Regionalne) Company a contract for the 13-month lease of 9 EN57, and in December for a 12-month lease of a further 9 units. At the end of November 2013, the carrier ceased to use the carriages. In July 2014, the Company signed a contract with the Regional Transport (Przewozy Regionalne) Company for the lease of a further 8 EN57 units, between 1 August and 31 December, and in December for the lease of 28 EN57s units, between 1 January 2015 and 31 December 2017. This number was later successively reduced, with 23 units leased by Silesian Railways in March 2016 and 22 in October. On 9 March 2016, representatives of the Silesian Railways signed a contract with the consortium of Bank Pekao and Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego for the issuance of bonds, the redemption of leased units 27WEb Elf, and the purchase of new trains. At the beginning of June 2016, the carrier temporarily withdrew some of the EN57AKŚ and EN71AKŚ units modernised by Newag from service due to cracks in certain frame components. The withdrawal of these units caused a rolling stock shortage, resulting in delays or replacement bus services on some routes. In mid-October 2016, the carrier signed a contract with the Rail Rolling Stock Repair Workshops (ZNTK "Minsk Mazowiecki") a contract for level 4 repairs of both units 14WE combined with modernisation including: installation of toilets, modifications to the monitoring and passenger information system, and repainting the trains in the colours of the Silesian Railways. On 18 October 2016 Silesian Railways, together with the Silesian Voivodship, ordered 13 pcs of the Elf II (10 pcs of 4-unit 22WEd for the Silesian Voivodship and 2 pcs of 3-unit 31WEa and 1 pc of 2-unit 34WEa for the Silesian Railways). The contract includes an option to purchase 6 additional units (2 for the voivodship and 4 for Silesian Railways). which Silesian Railways decided to exercise at the end of the year, ordering 4 additional units (3 pcs of 2-units and 1 pc of 3-unit). On 31 January 2017, the Board of the Silesian Voivodeship passed a resolution to exercise the right of option for 2 additional 4-unit Elfy II and made a declaration to that effect a week later. On 31 July 2017, a vehicle 14WE-02 arrived at the carrier's base (owned by the Company Industrial Division) which was a replacement vehicle for Pesa's undelivered elf II. A month later, further replacement vehicles were handed over to the operator: a second set of 14WE and 2 vehicles EN81. Finally, the first elf II (21WEa-002) was received on 9 September. In the following months, Pesa delivered some vehicles (e.g., by April 2018, all 34 were ordered) or further replacement vehicles for those delayed. In the second half of October 2018, the Silesian Railways made a temporary exchange of rolling stock with the Regional Transport (Przewozy Regionalne) Company. Diesel multiple unit SA138-005 was replaced by electric multiple unit EN57-1823. On 27 April 2022 the vehicle was purchased by POLREGIO for PLN 6,100,000.00 net, or PLN 7,503,000.00 gross. On 19 December 2018, a tender was awarded for the sale of 2 rail buses of the series SA109. A total of 12 units of 22Wed had arrived at Silesian Railways by May 2019. On 31 December 2018, Silesian Railways signed another contract with the Regional Transport (Przewozy Regionalne) Company for the lease of 8 EN57s. The carrier decided to hire these units due to delays in the delivery of the ELF 2. On 30 May 2020, the 20th Elf II - unit 21WEa-009 - was delivered. In the last days of 2020, the carrier began leasing 4 EN57 Feniks units from the rolling stock pool Polish Rolling Stock (Polski Tabor Szynowy). On 12 December 2021, the Silesian Railways received three additional units of type 36WEa, which have so far served inter-voivodship routes in the service of Polregio (purchased as part of a joint order from the Silesian (Śląskie), Lesser Poland (Małopolskie) and Podkarpackie voivodships in 2013). On 23 August 2023, the operator signed a contract with Newag for the supply of 3 electric multiple units (EMU) Impuls 2 (31WEbc), with an option to purchase 2 additional units, and on 29 February 2024, the Silesian Voivodeship concluded a contract with Newag for the supply of 22 EMU Impuls 2 (31WEBc), with an option to purchase 8 additional units. At the beginning of April 2024, the manufacturer received a declaration from the Silesian Voivodeship to exercise its option for 4 additional trains. The carrier's permanent rolling stock, therefore, consists of dozens of electric multiple units owned by both the carrier and the Silesian Voivodship. ---- == Social promotion activities ==

In the first year of the company's operations, promotional activities focused on familiarising customers with the new carrier (especially on the Gliwice-Częstochowa and Katowice-Wisła Głębce lines), for example, a pilgrimage train to Częstochowa was launched in August 2011. The following year, similar initiatives were taken incidentally (the 'Amber' train between Łazy and Kołobrzeg). At that time, most activities focused on providing all railway passengers in the voivodship with information about the planned December timetable changes and the carrier. The company had its own information display cabinets at some of the stations and train stops it operated. Due to the wide range of modernisation activities carried out by PKP Polskie Linie Kolejowe S.A. and the introduction of so-called closure adjustments in successive editions of the annual timetables (e.g., as many as six different timetables in 2014), the Company decided to carry out periodic information campaigns for passengers, conducted at key stations at information points and through mobile information officers. In 2014, the company also began providing ongoing information on train obstructions via a dedicated section of the website. Since 2016, the company has also undertaken a number of activities related to its involvement in local, national, and international cultural and social events. Since 2016, the company has also undertaken a number of activities related to its involvement in local, national, and international cultural and social events. A special transport offer was provided for participants of, among others, World Youth Day 2016 (including Days in the Dioceses), the 'Industriada' Festival of the Route of Industrial Monuments (since 2016), the Night of Museums (in selected years), Car Free Day or spectators of the ski jumping sports competition in Wisła. It should also be noted the company's involvement in special activities on the occasion of Children's Day, New Year's Eve events (including through the organisation of special, night trains) or the promotion of mountain tourism (also through an offer combined with visits to Wisła, mountain tours - 'Train to Beskid Mountains (Kolej na Beskidy)' - or carrying more bicycles). In 2016, the Company celebrated its first anniversary - the 5th anniversary - one element of which was the organisation of special rides on lines in the Upper Silesian Industrial District not used by passenger carriers on a daily basis. A continuation of these activities were special journeys in 2017–2019, along the Upper Silesian Industrial District Railway Ring Road (using the 'Elf 2' vehicle) and in the area of the Ornontowice Coal Mine and the 'Pokój' steelworks (using the oldest EN57 vehicle in operation in Poland at the time - in 2017). In 2016, a special offer 'Silver Train' was also introduced, organised jointly with the operators of the Upper Silesian Narrow Gauge Railway and the Historic Silver Mine in Tarnowskie Góry, allowing several attractions to be combined (valid until 2020). In 2017, a cooperation with the museums of the Silesian voivodship was launched, which combined a discount to these cultural institutions and the purchase of the company's ticket (until 2019). In 2018, additional free trains for fans were launched in connection with sporting events at the Silesian Stadium (matches of the Polish national football team). In 2018, sales of the company's gadgets were launched at the Passenger Service Centre at Katowice station, and the mobile game Free Track (Wolny Tor) was introduced. During this time, the company was also involved in activities concerning railway modelling (cooperation with the Love Of Trains And Railways Association in Katowice) (2018–2019). In 2019, the conference 'Silesian Railways yesterday, today and tomorrow' was organised. In 2020, as part of the promotion of the service to Kraków, among others, a 'Train without barriers' was organised for people with special needs (similar events were continued in subsequent years). The Company took active measures to improve the accessibility of its vehicles and offers for people with disabilities, e.g., by equipping ticket offices with induction loops, providing an online Polish Sign Language interpreter service or making it easier for blind people using screen readers to read the company's transport documents. In 2020, as part of the celebration of the company's 10th anniversary, special rides were organised using a historical train with a steam locomotive. In 2022, the company began to be intensively present at a number of cultural or sporting events organised in the Silesian voivodship, building its recognisability and promoting the use of the railway. The company also organises Open Days, during which passengers can learn about the daily work of railwaymen, the principles of safe transport and railway use, as well as historical curiosities. Since 2023, the company has been the publisher of the monthly newspaper 'Dwa Kwadranse'. In 2023, the Company became a partner of the conference series 'And yet the railway' for researchers of the history of railways in Poland. On the occasion of the 20th anniversary of Poland's membership in the European Union, a special journey was organised by a commemoratively wrapped train between Katowice and Cieszyn (1 May 2024). Similar activities have been carried out before. In 2019, on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Silesian Uprisings, a train of the Silesian Railways was commemoratively veneered ('Silesian Insurgent, EN75-009). In 2020, meanwhile, a depot remembering Wojciech Korfanty (EN76-001) was veneered. In 2022, on the occasion of the return of trains to Wisła Głębce, a train was veneered with the slogan 'Sky over the Beskids' (21WEa-001). == Company authorities ==

Management Board Supervisory Board == Controversies ==

Source: Controversies have been associated with the company's establishment and its first months. Some of them concerned a dispute with the employees of the local branch of the Regional Transport Company, who feared redundancies. In public discussions, the company was accused of focusing on the most profitable (i.e., the one carrying the most traffic) line in the voivodship. As a result of problems with rolling stock, the date for the commencement of transport operations was postponed several times (in March and June 2011). The background to these disputes was also the policy towards regional railways at that time and the difficult relations between local authorities and the Regional Transport (Przewozy Regionalne) Company (in the first half of 2012 alone, the Regional Transport (Przewozy Regionalne) Company deleted 100 out of 480 planned trains from the timetable in two stages, i.e. almost 20%). This resulted, among other things, in the local government's decision to significantly expand the original plans to transfer transport tasks to the company (while simultaneously abandoning the previously announced tender for transport services). At the beginning of 2012, it was envisaged that the company would commence transport between Sosnowiec and Tychy ('Fast Regional Rail') and between Katowice and Bielsko Biała as of 8 December. Meanwhile, in June 2012, the voivodship decided to entrust the entire voivodship's transport to the company, a decision confirmed by a relevant three-year contract on 5 September 2012. Problems with the implementation of the timetable in December 2012 led to staff changes and, in the first months of 2013, to the preparation and implementation of the company's recovery programme. Its solutions were criticised, especially in terms of ticket price increases and a reduction in transport work. The latter affected (from 1 June 2013) the S15 Gliwice – Bytom, S77 Kędzierzyn-Koźle – Rybnik, and S83 Tarnowskie Góry – Kłobuck. This caused considerable protests, coming from various parties. As part of its recovery programme, the company, among other things, sold its shares in Silesia Rail, and on 23 December 2013, a bankruptcy petition was filed against its subsidiary INTEKO. == Affiliated companies ==

Source: In 2012, the Inteko Company published a signal (test) issue of the monthly on-board magazine of the Silesian Railways Company Koleją po Śląsku. Due to its poor financial situation, a bankruptcy petition was filed on 23 December 2013, and a liquidation petition was filed on 29 November 2014. The company was finally deleted from the National Court of Register on 3 February 2024. The Silesia Rail Company was established, according to its defined objectives, to provide improved cleaning and decontamination services for the rolling stock operated by the Silesian Railways. On 15 May 2013, following an earlier decision to cease operations, the shares were sold to companies from the Newag group (entry dated 4 June 2013). The company filed for liquidation on 2 August 2013 and was finally deleted from the National Court of Register on 12 May 2015. == Gallery ==

file:EN57-1178, Katowice, 2014-08-17 (Muri WK14).jpg|EN57AKŚ file:EN57-3002 Glebce.jpg|EN57 km file:EN71AKS-100.jpg|EN71AKŚ file:EN75-003 Laliki (02).jpg|EN75 FLIRT file:EN76-007 Koleje Śląskie.jpg|EN76 Elf file:14WE-03, Skierniewice, 2017-03-08.jpg|14WE file:Pesa ELF II (21WEa-002), Katowice.jpg|21WEa Elf II file:22WEd KŚ Bielsko-Biała 1.jpg|22WEd Elf II file:27WEb-003 Katowice peron3.jpg|27WEb Elf file:34WEa-002A na szlaku Tarnowskie Góry - Nakło Śląskie.jpg|34WEa Elf II file:35We-007 w Żywcu 2.jpg|35WE Impuls file:36WEa-009.jpg|36WEa Impuls ==References==