New trains put to test [PHOTOS]

"Yesterday, we entered the last stage in the tests. The trains will be used as regular passenger trains. Before this happens, however, we are planning a real treat for those in the know. The are planning to give the residents of Wroclaw a free ride from Wroclaw to Legnica and back on 19 October (next Sunday). We are planning a number of attractions. More details will be available soon. Just follow us on Facebook," encourages Justyna Stachniewicz from Koleje Dolnośląskie.

It must be mentioned that the project to purchase 6 new Impuls trains has been subsidised by the EU. These modern three-component electric-powered trains will be serving the passengers of Koleje Dolnośląskie. Each train has 165 seats available and is fitted with air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, individual electric sockets and passenger information systems on the outside and inside the train.

"Each passenger will be offered a number of improvements. We put a lot of emphasis on the facilities for disabled passengers. Apart from specially designed areas for disabled passengers, we will also provide specially designed toilets and equipment that helps such passengers enter the train, including retractable steps to cover the gap between the train and the platform. We willalso provide a baby changing table for passengers travelling with small children," says the Koleje Dolnośląskie representative.

Trains will be able to reach speeds of up to 160 km/h. The manufacturer has already supplied three such trains, they will provide another three by the end of November. The trains are expected to serve passengers as of Decemeber this year, and they will operate on the following routes: Wrocław - Wałbrzych, Wrocław - Jelenia Góra and Szklarska Poręba Górna - Wrocław, Wałbrzych, Jelenia Góra. Koleje Dolnośląskie has similar EU-subsidised trains in its fleet. They provide service on the Wrocław-Węgliniec route.

Janusz Krzeszowski