I had a lot of free time today, which I used to work on this project. I analyzed the potential possibilities for creating commuter rail lines for Olsztyn and the surrounding areas and began drawing. I focused on creating lines that could run on already existing tracks but also introduced possible new segments of railway infrastructure. So, I present five ideas for lines. I want to emphasize that this is only a vision of what such a railway system could look like in Olsztyn. In reality, this project would be difficult to implement and not very cost-effective, especially since Olsztyn is not a half-million metropolis like Gdańsk.

Line 1 – Pieczewo–Barczewo
This line would be the backbone of the railway network. It would connect the southern districts of Olsztyn with the university, Lake Ukiel, the main railway station, a planned industrial park, and end in Barczewo. To create this line, several kilometers of new tracks would need to be built. The main drawbacks are the difficult marshy terrain near the Łyna River and issues with routing around the university campus.

Line 2 – Jonkowo–Olsztyn Główny
This line would serve as a connection for residents of the fairly large village of Jonkowo to the center of Olsztyn. It could run along existing tracks.

Line 3 – Olsztynek–Olsztyn Główny
This line would provide access to Olsztyn for residents of Olsztynek and the dynamically growing Stawiguda municipality. Here too, no new tracks would be needed.

Line 4 – Klewki–Olsztyn Zachodni
This line would serve residents of villages such as Klewki, Szczęsne, and Ostrzeszewo.

Line 5 – Dywity–Olsztyn Główny
This line would provide access to Olsztyn for residents of the also rapidly growing Dywity municipality. It would require the construction of new tracks, which would have to bypass the environmentally valuable municipal forest.

These solutions could help solve the problem of transport exclusion in surrounding municipalities and reduce traffic congestion during peak hours.

Currently, Olsztyn has a "taste" of a commuter rail system in the form of the Olsztyn Główny–Szymany Airport route. However, this route is mainly designed to get people to the airport, and its service frequency does not meet the definition of a true commuter rail system. Another important fact is that Olsztyn is actively investing in public transport through the expansion of its tram network and the construction of new regional rail stations in the city, which is a big plus.

Are there any commuter rail specialists here who could comment on this vision? I would be very grateful for any feedback.

by KAEM-17

1 comment
  1. Solid, would make getting around the city less painful. The trams are good, but can always be better

Comments are closed.