Problems with morning journeys from Węgliniec to Bolesławiec and Legnica arose in mid-December, when the new train timetable came into effect. They were related to decisions by PKP Intercity, which discontinued the Zgorzelec–Legnica–Wrocław–Warsaw express train. It was supposed to be replaced by the Jelenia Góra–Węgliniec–Legnica–Wrocław–Warsaw express train, but PKP IC withdrew from launching it in November.
The situation will improve thanks to cooperation between Przewozy Regionalne and Koleje Dolnośląskie. From 18 January 2010 rail buses operated by Koleje Dolnośląskie will run on the Węgliniec–Legnica route. A pair of trains will be launched:
- Legnica (5:37) – Bolesławiec (6:15) – Węgliniec (6:39)
- Węgliniec (approx. 6:55) – Bolesławiec (approx. 7:20) – Legnica (approx. 7:50)
The rail buses will stop at all intermediate stations on the Węgliniec–Legnica route. What is more, the Koleje Dolnośląskie train will be coordinated with the Legnica–Przemyśl interREGIO train. The exact departure times will be known at the beginning of next week.
The morning Węgliniec–Legnica service will be subsidised from funds provided by the Lower Silesian regional government. The authorities of Lower Silesia are responding to the needs of residents of the western part of the region, especially students travelling to schools in Bolesławiec.
Koleje Dolnośląskie belongs to the Lower Silesian regional government. Koleje Dolnośląskie accept tourist tickets, REGIO passes and network tickets issued by Przewozy Regionalne, as well as Euro-Nysa ZVON tickets. This means that the most popular Przewozy Regionalne offers, including the REGIOkarta, which entitles holders to purchase cheaper tickets, are valid on all regional trains operating in Lower Silesia. On Koleje Dolnośląskie trains, tickets can be purchased from the conductor without any additional fees.
(UMWD/PKP Bolesławiec information/ii)