Press release, Gdańsk, 25.09.2025

Four more modern simulators will be delivered to PKP Intercity branches in Katowice, Kraków, Wrocław, and Poznań. The railway company chose the offer from SIM Factor, a Polish manufacturer, which will deliver them next year. The contract value exceeds PLN 2.1 million in gross terms.
The purchase of four simulators is another step in the implementation of PKP Intercity’s safety-enhancement strategy, which focuses on the development of modern training tools.
In recent months, the company launched, among other things, a simulator of the Polish Griffin locomotive in Gdynia—the first such device in northern Poland. Previously, training was mainly held in Warsaw, where, since 2015, a simulator of EP09 and EU44 (Husarz) locomotives has been available.
Virtual Obstacles on the Tracks
Simulators enable an increasingly realistic representation of train driving from the driver’s cab—both in normal weather conditions and during rain, snow, fog, or emergency situations and unexpected incidents on the tracks. On a virtual crossing, a car or animal can suddenly appear, or there can be an unexpected locomotive malfunction. The instructor conducting the training can simulate unusual scenarios in railway traffic. This allows drivers to practice their behavior and reactions to both typical and atypical scenarios, which translates to increased passenger safety and more efficient train operations.
Real Routes
The new devices will be equipped with software containing virtual routes of 8,000 km in length, reflecting real railway line sections in Poland, including Warsaw – Gdynia, Katowice – Kraków, Poznań – Wrocław, and Warsaw – Szczecin. The virtual route displays the same infrastructure as the real one, such as tracks, signals, and platforms. There are also characteristic buildings, bridges, and viaducts.
For Trainees and Experienced Drivers
Training using the rail vehicle simulators is an additional part of the nearly 2-month course required to obtain a train driver’s license. Classes on the simulator are also a mandatory component of the training for a driver’s certificate—candidates can take part after completing a minimum of 480 hours of practical driving under supervision. On similar devices, trainees must also pass part of the state exam for a train driver’s certificate conducted by the Office of Rail Transport.
All active PKP Intercity train drivers also use the simulators. Each of them is required to complete a multi-hour session every year, providing a regular check of their train-driving skills in both standard and unusual situations. Instructors then assess the driver’s behavior, including reaction time and conduct, correct interpretation of signal indications, and adherence to railway traffic regulations and safety procedures. The skills of drivers involved in railway accidents are also verified on the simulators.
PKP Intercity currently employs 1,508 drivers, including 54 driver-instructors. The largest group is people aged 27 to 48. A total of 491 trainees are preparing for the profession, with the highest share being under 26 years old.
The value of contracts currently being carried out by SIM Factor amounts to nearly PLN 20 million gross, and the company estimates that its revenue by the end of September this year has already reached PLN 17.7 million gross.

Additional information:
Tomasz Dominiak
E-mail: tomasz.dominiak@pr-komunikator.pl
Telefon: +48 694 841 115