The internet was set abuzz following reports that German ICE trains are to appear on Polish railways. Netizens fear high ticket prices, regional exclusion, and unnecessary waste of money.
Are we letting the Germans profit again?
For several weeks, the media have been circulating reports about tests of German ICE 3neo trains in Poland. These machines belong to Deutsche Bahn, which is adapting part of its fleet to run on international routes, including Berlin-Warsaw. This does not mean, however, that Poland is purchasing these vehicles; it is an investment by the German operator. At the same time, speculation has arisen that older ICE units might be resold and end up on Polish tracks.
Internet users quickly picked up on the topic and began commenting en masse on social media. Many express concerns that the introduction of German trains will lead to higher ticket prices and reduced railway accessibility in smaller towns.
“Apparently, we’re buying German trains we don’t need, which will be five times more expensive than ours and less suited to our needs,” commentators write.
“But of course we’ll do it quickly to make sure it happens before the elections,” others add.
Many commentators remain sceptical of assurances that Poland is not buying new trains from Deutsche Bahn but merely providing a test track in Żmigród. Online discourse is dominated by critical voices, pointing to fears of favouring international routes at the expense of domestic connections.