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Less than three years after its launch, the Transport GZM system achieved another milestone – in August, the millionth account was created. Although over 90% of accounts were created online, the record-breaking passenger didn't use the app or website – he created the account in person at the Passenger Service Point in Chorzów.

"This is very good news! We're seeing more and more residents creating accounts in the system, using the app, and choosing long-term tickets instead of single-use ones, which means they're staying with us for the long haul," says Leszek Pietraszek, chairman of the board of the Upper Silesian-Zagłębie Metropolis. "We don't intend to stop there – we're constantly developing Transport GZM, and soon the app will feature highly anticipated features: new vehicle tracking features and improvements to the Start/Stop Travel function," he adds.

The scale the system has achieved in less than three years of operation is impressive – and it's not just about the millionth account itself. These nearly three years have seen hundreds of updates and fixes, making Transport GZM a product that passengers eagerly and increasingly rely on.

"For most passengers, Transport GZM is simply an app for purchasing tickets. In practice, it's much more – the digital backbone of all public transport organized by GZM," says Grzegorz Stępień, Deputy Director of the Department of IT at the Metropolis GZM. "It keeps the on-board computers in buses and trams running, powers ticket machines and controllers, and generates data on the current vehicle position, which is then used by dozens of other applications and systems. If Transport GZM were to cease operations, ticket purchases in popular banking and commercial apps would also cease to function – they all rely on the same centralized mechanism," he explains.

3 Years of Transport GZM in Numbers

• Millionth passenger account – established in August 2026 at the Passenger Service Point in Chorzów

• Nearly 20 million tickets sold, with a total value of nearly PLN 400 million

• Daily ticket sales record set on August 31, 2026, when tickets worth over PLN 1.75 million were sold

• Approximately 850,000 mobile app downloads

• Approximately half a million active Metrocards in circulation

About the Transport GZM system

Transport GZM is an IT system implemented in October 2023, responsible for managing public transport organized by the Upper Silesian-Zagłębie Metropolis – from ticket sales, through the operation of on-board computers, ticket machines, and control devices, to vehicle position data that powers other applications and systems, including commercial banking applications.

The Upper Silesian-Zagłębie Metropolis will receive over PLN 321.4 million in EU funding for the purchase of 16 modern trains. This is the first time in GZM's history that it has purchased its own rolling stock. The new vehicles are intended to become the core of Metrorail – a planned system of fast and frequent rail connections in the Metropolis.

The Centre for EU Transport Projects has completed the evaluation of applications in the competition for the "Purchase of Zero-Emission Rolling Stock for Passenger Transport," implemented under the European Funds for Infrastructure, Climate, and Environment 2021–2027 program. The Upper Silesian-Zagłębie Metropolis project has been selected for funding.

"This is one of the most important moments in the history of GZM and, at the same time, a very concrete step towards Metrorail. For the first time, we are purchasing our own trains, which will be part of the Metropolis's integrated transport system. We want the residents of our Metropolis and the entire region to be able to travel between cities quickly, safely, and comfortably," says Leszek Pietraszek, Chairman of the Management Board of GZM.

The "Zero-Emission Rolling Stock for the Upper Silesian-Zagłębie Metropolis" project involves the purchase of 16 electric multiple units (EMUs). The total project value is PLN 806.9 million, of which eligible costs amount to PLN 656.05 million. The allocated funding from the European Union amounts to PLN 321.46 million.

Towards the Transport of the Future

The purchase of rolling stock is a key element of the construction of the Metrorail. For several years, GZM has consistently strengthened the role of rail in the Metrorail transport system – including through financing additional rail connections and tariff integration with GZM Transport.

The new trains will be adapted to the needs of modern metropolitan transport. The planned standard will include, among other things, Air conditioning, electrical outlets, space for bicycles, a family zone, a modern Passenger Information System, and solutions to improve accessibility for people with disabilities. The vehicles will reach speeds of up to 160 km/h and accommodate at least 380 passengers, including a minimum of 185 seated.

Another important element of the project is the integration of the new trains with other public transport modes in the Metropolis. GZM trains will be equipped with, among other things, Transport GZM validators and a passenger counting system. This will allow the railway to function as an integral part of a single transport system – alongside buses, trams, trolleybuses, and the Metrorower.

This is the first train purchase in GZM's history. Until now, Transport GZM has primarily operated buses, trams, and trolleybuses. The purchase of its own rolling stock marks the Metropolis's entry into a new area of ​​public transport organization and the creation of its own infrastructure for the developing Metrorail.

Joint rail development is also a focus of cooperation between GZM and the Silesian Voivodeship. In February of this year, the two institutions announced a plan to jointly purchase 32 trains – 16 each for GZM and the Silesian Voivodeship, with the possibility of expanding the order to include an additional 20 vehicles.

Starting September 1st, tickets from the Transport GZM offer will no longer be available in the mPay app. Single-ride electronic tickets will continue to be sold in other third-party apps (SkyCash, moBILET, zBiletem, and Jakdojade).

As a reminder, all electronic tickets, both single-ride and long-term, are available in the Transport GZM app.

Fajer Festival attendees will be able to take advantage of an additional offer from Transport GZM. A special tram line S will be launched, facilitating returns from concerts taking place on the Superauto.pl promenade of the Silesian Stadium in Chorzów. Services will run from approximately 1:00 AM to approximately 2:00 AM for three nights this coming weekend.

The event organizer has decided to organize an additional, special tram line S in cooperation with the Public Transport Authority (ZTM). As expected, trams will run for three nights (from August 28th to 29th, from August 29th to 30th, and from August 30th to 31st) from 1:00 AM to 2:00 AM on the Chorzów Silesian Stadium West Loop – Katowice Wolności Square route. Eight services will be provided on the first and second nights, and six on the last night.

Starting Monday, August 31st, Transport GZM buses will pass under the viaduct on Mikołowska Street in Katowice, not only towards the northern part of the city, but also towards the south. This means numerous route and schedule changes for passengers.

The planned changes primarily involve modifications to the routes of individual bus lines and different departure times in the timetables. Until now, most buses traveling from the northern to the southern part of the city took a detour via Dworcowa and Kościuszki Streets. Starting Monday, August 31st, buses will be able to head directly to Mikołowska Street after leaving the train station. Passengers should note that some buses will continue to operate on their current routes, including serving Plac Miarki and the stops located there.

These changes also mean that some stops will no longer be in service. This situation affects Katowice Skłodowska Station stations 01, 02, 03, and 04. Changes will also be introduced in the underground areas of the PKP train station. A new allocation of lines to stations will be in effect from August 31st.

Detailed information is available on the GZM Transport website in the Announcements section. Passengers can also call the free, 24-hour hotline at 800 16 30 30. Furthermore, ZTM has planned an information campaign – from August 31st to September 2nd, information officers will provide information and assistance to passengers at the stops affected by the most significant changes: Katowice Skłodowska Station, Katowice Station, Katowice Kopernika Station, and Katowice Pl. Miarki.