The 20th anniversary edition of the National, International Scientific-Technical Conference Public Trans 2026 is being held in Zakopane. The event, organized by the Radom branch of the Association of Engineers and Technicians of Transport of the Republic of Poland (SITK RP), focuses on the key challenge of contemporary mobility: the integration of transport modes and technologies. The goal of the conference is to discuss strategies for building a coherent European transport area, which remains a significant challenge for Polish operators and decision-makers.
Integration Challenges on a European Scale
For years, the conference has served as a forum where representatives of public administration, carriers, scientists, and industry experts meet. This year’s edition, marking the 20th anniversary of the event, places particular emphasis on technological and organizational issues. Participants are analyzing the development directions of public transport, seeking solutions that enable smooth integration of different transport branches at the local, national, and international levels. For Warsaw, participation in such debates is an opportunity to exchange experiences and draw inspiration from practices applied in other metropolitan areas.
Warsaw as a Leader in Integration
During the first day of proceedings, special attention was drawn to the participation of the Warsaw Urban Transport Authority (ZTM). ZTM Director Katarzyna Strzegowska was honored with the anniversary award granted by SITK RP. This distinction recognizes her long-term contribution to the development of a modern, passenger-friendly, and integrated public transport system. The award is a testament to her consistent efforts to improve the quality of urban transport in the capital.
A key element of Director Strzegowska’s speech was a presentation titled “One Journey. Many Possibilities.” The presentation focused on the mechanisms that allow residents of Warsaw and its surroundings to use various types of transport within a single, coherent system. Central to the discussion was the “Joint Ticket” (Wspólny Bilet) system, which enables seamless combination of trips operated by different carriers.
Simple Ticketing, Complex Engineering
ZTM management emphasizes that the fundamental goal of integration is to provide passengers with simplicity and comfort. By combining tariff and organizational integration, passengers can move freely by metro, tram, bus, and train, often without noticing the formal boundaries between individual transport networks. This approach, in which the technical complexity of the system remains invisible to the user, is today one of the pillars of modern urban mobility and directly influences the willingness to use public transport.
The Warsaw experience presented at the conference became an example of effective cooperation between local governments, transport organizers, and carriers. It shows how to create a system that responds to the real needs of the entire metropolitan area’s residents, rather than just individual municipalities.
Full ZTM Delegation in Zakopane
At this current industry meeting, ZTM Warsaw is also represented by Agnieszka Siekierska-Otłowska, Director of the Commercial Division, and Iwona Kaim, Chief Accountant. Their presence underscores the comprehensive nature of Warsaw’s approach to public transport management, extending beyond purely operational or technological issues.
Participation in Public Trans 2026 is an opportunity for the Warsaw team not only to promote achievements but, above all, to acquire knowledge that supports further network development. Exchanging best practices with other centers is key to raising passenger service standards in the capital.
Decisions
The SITK RP anniversary award was granted to Katarzyna Strzegowska for her commitment to the development of modern, integrated, and passenger-friendly public transport.