K. Małecki’s article addresses the topic of safety in logistics, presenting the actions taken by Koleje Mazowieckie Sp. z o.o., the second-largest passenger rail carrier in the country in terms of passenger numbers, to ensure the highest possible level of passenger transport safety – both in terms of the safety of the passengers themselves and the technical condition of the rolling stock in operation.
Editorial Team
For the last dozen or so years, the Polish railway has been making up for colossal neglect from the PRL era. The effects of underinvestment, stagnation, and the failure to appreciate the prospects offered by this branch of transport will unfortunately be felt for years to come. On the other hand, it is already clear today how many major changes have been made in the recent period.
If one were to attempt to find a common denominator to which changes in the Polish railway in the field of passenger transport should boil down, it would undoubtedly be passenger comfort. The ability to travel in the shortest possible time, a convenient network of connections, modern rolling stock, and finally, a guarantee of safety. This last factor is extremely important and multifaceted. It concerns travel, passengers, and their luggage. Ensuring comprehensive protection requires significant expenditure related not only to the installation of monitoring or labor costs for additional patrols. Above all, it is a matter of investment in modern rolling stock that meets the latest requirements. An example of the fact that good solutions can be effectively implemented in this area is “Koleje Mazowieckie – KM” Sp. z o.o., one of the three largest passenger rail carriers in Poland.
Fewer incidents, greater savings
Some lines served by Koleje Mazowieckie (KM) trains have a bad reputation. This is not just about incidents where passengers are victims (mainly thefts), but above all about acts of vandalism (devastation of compartments, breaking windows, etc.). In 2010, the Company’s Management Board intensified cooperation with the police – at the level of the Provincial Headquarters, the Metropolitan Headquarters, and district headquarters in major cities in the Mazovia region. The result is an increase in the number of police patrols on KM trains – both uniformed and plainclothes. The allocation of patrols takes place in close consultation with the KM Security Department. The accuracy of this decision is evidenced by data from last year. Let’s start with vandalism: a comparison of 2010 and 2009 shows a downward trend. The number of broken windows decreased by 20%, and cases of trains being pelted with stones fell by as much as half. There were 43% fewer acts of vandalism, and the area of carriages covered in graffiti decreased by almost 18%. The value of losses resulting from the above incidents fell from almost 903,000 PLN to 634,700 PLN. In the case of offenses or violations of travel regulations in 2010, over 900 such events were recorded (excluding fare evasion). Of this number, 144 cases were violations of public order regulations (for example, drinking alcohol or smoking tobacco), 33 were crimes against property, and 27 were crimes against life and health. The lower number of such acts compared to previous years is undoubtedly related to the aforementioned cooperation with the police. Exemplary results can illustrate the outcomes of the operation on the Ząbki – Wołomin – Tłuszcz – Urle line, which is one of the less safe ones. In total, 373 people were identified, 121 people were cautioned, 211 fines were issued for a total amount of 13,200 PLN, and 5 motions were directed to the petty offenses court. Preventive measures will also be continued this year, and it is to be expected that they will bring further results.
Safe and modern rolling stock
The safety of travel and passengers also means modern rolling stock that meets strict and demanding standards. Koleje Mazowieckie, in deciding to modernize the electric multiple units (EMUs) currently in operation, as well as purchasing new trains and locomotives, considers safety to be one of its priorities. This is best illustrated by the example of the purchase of modern TRAXX locomotives. In April of last year, “Koleje Mazowieckie – KM” Sp. z o.o. and Bombardier Transportation concluded a contract for the supply of 11 TRAXX electric locomotives. The value of the contract is approximately 41 million euros. Its financing is possible thanks to the use of EU funds under the Regional Operational Program of the Mazowieckie Voivodeship. The first locomotives will hit the Mazovian tracks in mid-2011. One of the advantages of the TRAXX locomotives are solutions that allow for increased driving safety. The locomotives are equipped with an automatic brake, powered indirectly by compressed air, which cannot be exhausted. The brake control system provides the ability to select G, P, and R braking positions in accordance with UIC leaflet 540. The TRAXX is equipped with an anti-skid system, which is activated when the pneumatic brake is used. It also has a parking brake with a pressure spring, which prevents the unintended movement of the locomotive. The TRAXX locomotives have a specially constructed driver’s cab, which significantly increases the protection of health and life in the event of an accident.
The article comes from the magazine “Logistyka” 2/2011.