Passing through Warsaw West (W-wa Zachodnia) as my gateway into Warsaw from the Radom line, I observe little progress in the main part of the station since the end of last year. However, at last the electronic timetables and signboards are working on Platform 9 (and indeed on the rest of the platforms and footbridge), below. The information is up to date, with delays shown in real time. This is a huge advance over the paper timetables, which along with loudspeaker announcements were hitherto the only source of passenger information.
Below: not so good at the other (north-west) end of Platform 9. The passenger exit via a pedestrian level crossing has not yet been reopened; most other works on the platform having been completed. Passengers push through the corrugated-steel fence and the barrier on the near side anyway. This really is most inconvenient, given that a perfectly adequate path was built here to connect the station to the Expo XXI exhibition and conference centre (behind the block of flats under construction).
While the underground passage (which will include the tram tunnel – a long way from completion!) remains unopened, passengers wishing to transfer between Platforms 1-8 and the distant Platform 9 have to tackle a flight of 48 stairs (no lift). Below: imagine getting up there with heavy baggage, small children or with impaired mobility. If you need level access – it's a 600m detour via a ramp to get up to the footbridge. If you have arrived late because of a delayed train, and your connection leaves in five minutes – tough. But work is getting on. Interestingly, walking down these very steps, I passed two construction workers in hard hats and hi-vis who were talking to each other in... Spanish. Something 'mi trabajo'.
Below: looking down from the top of the stairs. The bus stops on the north side of the station are already being served by buses. It's coming together nicely, it will be fantastic once all done, but it's still a long way off. The fifth year of the project.
Below: stepping off the southbound train at Chynów, and emerging from the pedestrian tunnel under the tracks on the Jakubowizna side; this is the view. I love it. Purest Kodachrome nostalgia. And yet little more than half an hour by train from town.
This time two years ago:
Major rail project for the south of Warsaw
This time three years ago:
Prime spring, Jakubowizna
This time nine years ago:
Classic car show, Nadarzyn
This time 12 years ago:
Malodorous passengers on Warsaw's public transport
This time 14 years ago:
Inside Filtry - Warsaw's waterworks (Museum Night 2011)
This time 15 years ago:
Warsaw's Museum Night 2010
This time 16 years ago:
On Transcendence
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