The story of Kamil Szymański, a 24-year-old tram driver, became known throughout Poland in October. The driver of a delivery van failed to yield at Olszewskiego Street in Wrocław and caused a collision with a tram full of passengers. As a result, the tram caught fire. Thanks only to the tram driver's swift and professional reaction, no one was injured. The tram driver ensured the safe evacuation of 40 passengers and was the last to leave the burning vehicle.
The young tram driver has been interested in transport and railways since childhood, and in the future he would like to become a train driver. Koleje Dolnośląskie have now decided to make his dream come true by inviting him to their headquarters in Legnica.
“We always look with appreciation at examples of the professionalism demonstrated by Mr Kamil. Working in public transport brings great satisfaction, but it also involves immense responsibility for the health and lives of our passengers,” said Bartosz Dziwak, head of the Koleje Dolnośląskie Training Centre. “We appreciate Mr Kamil's attitude because these are precisely the behavioural models we instil in our candidates during training,” Dziwak added.
Kamil Szymański had the opportunity to find out what it is like to drive the most modern trains on Polish tracks while using the simulator located at the Koleje Dolnośląskie base in Legnica. The simulator can generate the full range of conditions a train driver may encounter at work. It is possible to change the intensity of precipitation, the time of day and season, as well as wind strength, fog and many other factors.
“I am very pleased to have the opportunity to drive a real train today, because this simulator is a complete replica of a normal train. It is a challenge on the one hand, but it went quite easily for me. Driving a train turned out to be somewhat similar to driving a tram; the joy of driving is enormous.” Kamil Szymański said during a meeting with journalists. “I would certainly like to start training to become a train driver in the future,” the young tram driver concluded.
Koleje Dolnośląskie made this opportunity possible by inviting him to training for a train driver's licence, which he will be able to attend after meeting the requirements set for candidates.
“Mr Kamil has extensive knowledge of railways and the skills that qualify him to work as a train driver. We are looking for candidates like him and invite them to training at our centre, where we offer them comprehensive support,” concluded Bartosz Dziwak, head of the Koleje Dolnośląskie Training Centre.