Abstract 7/2025

Table of content

Andrzej Krych, Elżbieta Plucińska – Probabilistic approach to determining course time in tram networks

Tomasz Czauderna – Overview of low-floor tram designs and their drive systems, including those operated by MPK SA in Kraków

Anna Wojnarowicz, Dominika Hyży, Emilia Kruczek, Zuzanna Kurowska, Michał Małysz –

The development model of railway connections in the Sudetes as a stimulus for tourist traffic

Karol Kozak – Analysis of the effectiveness and seasonality of the hybrid parking enforcement model in Gdynia

 

Abstracts

Andrzej Krych, Elżbieta Plucińska

Probabilistic approach to determining course time in tram networks

Abstract: Travel time on tram lines is a fundamental element of timetables and carriers’ operational plans. It is influenced by many random factors in passenger service. Timetable periodization based on integer minutes is historically stable and resistant to the benefits of long-term system modernization. Therefore, the potential for implementing a timetable based on seconds was analyzed. A formula was used that takes into account kinetically free travel conditions and a probabilistic margin for random delays. A group of three tram lines in the Poznań network was selected. Preliminary calculations revealed unreasonably long travel times based on stringent regulatory conditions. This demonstrates the influence of sensory factors on driver decisions and travel kinetics. Applying a sensory approach proved interesting and provides a good basis for developing alternative, second-based methods for optimizing robust timetables. The potential of the operator’s IT resources for ongoing support of optimization procedures was demonstrated.

Key words: urban transport, tram transport, solid tram timetables, course time of the line, stochastic process

 

Tomasz Czauderna

Overview of low-floor tram designs and their drive systems, including those operated by MPK SA in Kraków

Abstract: The article presents an overview of selected low-floor tram designs and an overview of the low-floor tram fleet operated in Kraków. Various low-floor tram design solutions are discussed, starting with the oldest ones, as well as examples of some of the more interesting design solutions. The article also describes the carriages operated in Krakow: both those purchased as low-floor from the outset and older carriages which, as a result of modernisation, have become partially low-floor vehicles. Finally, a visualisation of the new Kraków carriages for which implementation contracts have been signed is presented.

Key words: tram construction, low-floor tram, trams in Kraków

 

Anna Wojnarowicz, Dominika Hyży, Emilia Kruczek, Zuzanna Kurowska, Michał Małysz 

The development model of railway connections in the Sudetes as a stimulus for tourist traffic

Abstract:  The Sudetes, including the Karkonosze, Izerskie and Sowie Mountains, as well as the Kłodzko region, are examples of mountainous areas in the Lower Silesian Voivodeship with access to rail transport. Thanks to the revitalization of railways, a growing number of tourist destinations are accessible by train. This group of Sudeten resorts includes, above all: Szklarska Poręba, Kudowa-Zdrój, Duszniki-Zdrój, Polanica-Zdrój, Świeradów-Zdrój and Karpacz, and forecasts indicate that in the future this may also include Lądek-Zdrój, Stronie Śląskie and even Kowary, where work to restore rail connections is currently underway and is scheduled for completion in 2025. This, in turn, opens up opportunities for utilizing rail to develop tourism in the Sudetes region and attract more tourists. At the same time, connections can be planned to connect tourist subregions, increasing the transport accessibility of the Sudetes mountains, making them as attractive a tourist region on the same level as, for example, Podhale. The aim of this article is to present an original model for the development of rail connections in the Sudetes, based on the assumptions of the timetable for summer 2025, in the context of stimulating tourism. The proposed solutions require as few changes to the timetable as possible, expand existing connections, and fully utilize the potential of rail infrastructure to serve tourist traffic. They can serve as a source of inspiration for the future development of the rail connections in the Sudetes.

Key words: rail transport, railway tourist traffic, Lower Silesian Railways, PKP Intercity

 

Karol Kozak

Analysis of the effectiveness and seasonality of the hybrid parking enforcement model in Gdynia

Abstract: This paper presents an analysis of the innovative hybrid parking enforcement system implemented in Gdynia, Poland, which combines automated scanning vehicles with traditional foot patrols. The system utilizes electric vehicles equipped with high-resolution ANPR cameras, LiDAR sensors, and a GPS RTK positioning system with an accuracy of up to 30 cm. The study covers the period from September 2022 to August 2025, evaluating the system’s effectiveness in the context of seasonal variations in urban traffic. The research methodology includes an analysis of operational data, focusing on key performance indicators such as the number of checks performed, the number of penalty charge notices issued, and the overall efficiency rate. The results demonstrate a significant increase in the efficiency of mobile enforcement, which accounted for over 80% of all detected violations in 2024, while optimizing human resources. The system dynamically adjusts the intensity of patrols in response to seasonal indicators, including a verified 49.4% increase in traffic during the summer tourist season and a 27-29% increase during major city events like the Gdynia’s Birthday or the Polish Film Festival.  The economic analysis reveals that the cost of detecting a single violation by a scanning vehicle is over four times lower than by a foot patrol (€1.06 vs. €4.34, assuming an exchange rate of 4.5 PLN/EUR) . Furthermore, a gradual decrease in the violation rate from 2.84% in 2023 to 2.56% in 2025 suggests a positive “educational effect” on drivers’ payment habits. The paper concludes that the hybrid model, leveraging the synergy between automated technology and human oversight, is a highly effective solution for smart city mobility management, adaptable to the complex urban environment.

Key words: intelligent transport systems, parking enforcement, autonomous vehicles, LiDAR, traffic seasonality