Environmental research

Monopolistic state railway company PKP is reducing gradually many local and reguional train connection, situation of a local narrow-gauge railways operating previously as cargo and passenger carrier is under threat.Local NGO is extending their operations (now 5 tracks in Poland) by bringing back (being owner) public transportation services. Projects targets are to extend capacity (load, speed) by renovation of the track and construction of biofuel refinery (based on rape-seed oil and used oil from pizzerias,restaurants etc) in order to sustain and expand own operations based on own fuel resources, not exposed to external market wwith growing prices.refinery capacity should cover demands for fuel for other 4 tracks in other part of Poland.Expected reduction of emission of GHG due to capturing some local trips by narrow gauge railway as well as change of fuel (biological fuel instead of diesell). At the end of the project planned workshop and debate of the role of local governments,NGOs in public transportation vis-a-vis non-reformed monopolistic state company.This political debate should promote local initiatives in taking-over local tracks, of economic value (when they are run by local NGOs and companies). In summer time extra trips are organized for touristic purposes, generating extra income to NGO, local farmers (secure market for rape).Education and policy elements (final seminar, promotion of sustainable public transportation addressed to the central, regional and local governments) will be implemented by Green Mazovia/Zielone Mazowsze from Warsaw, partner in implementation. Green Mazowsze received mini-grant for project preparation (feasibility study) see: POL/04/3p

Poland