Arriva Group expands rail services in Poland

Arriva Group has signed new service agreements with the Kujawsko-Pomorskie region in Poland, further strengthening its rail operations in the country and underlining its strategic focus on growing in liberalising public transport systems across Europe.

Valued at nearly €5 million, the new contract will see Arriva operate services on two additional railway lines - Brodnica–Rypin and Wierzchucin–Laskowice - from December 2026.

These new services will restore dormant routes, reconnecting communities that currently lack rail access. In Brodnica–Rypin, trains will run for the first time in 26 years, while the Wierzchucin–Laskowice Pomorskie line will be reactivated after five years. Together, the routes will deliver around 320,000 train kilometres annually, with a minimum of six return journeys per day.

The contract award follows a competitive tender process in a region recognised for its progressive transport policy. It reflects a broader trend of market liberalisation in European public transport – a shift that Arriva is embracing as part of its growth strategy – and is testament to Arriva’s strong track record of working in partnership with local authorities and delivering high-quality services.

Sian Leydon, Managing Director for Mainland Europe at Arriva Group, said: "This new agreement is a fantastic step forward in our partnership with the Kujawsko-Pomorskie region. We are proud to play an active role in restoring critical transport links for local communities and enabling greater access to rail services. The region’s commitment to competitive procurement and long-term regional development aligns perfectly with our ambition to deliver more connected, reliable transport across Europe."

Arriva already delivers 50 per cent of regional rail services in the Kujawsko-Pomorskie region, covering over three million train-kilometres annually. This expansion strengthens Arriva’s position in the Polish market and supports the group’s strategy to make public transport more attractive and connect communities.

Rolling stock for the new services will be sourced from Arriva’s wider European network, demonstrating the benefits of operating at scale across 11 countries.

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About Arriva Group:

Arriva is a leading provider of passenger transport across Europe, employing around 36,200 people and delivering around 1.5 billion passenger journeys. With buses, trains, coaches, trams, waterbuses, bike-sharing systems, on-demand transport solutions and a rolling stock leasing company, Arriva proudly connects people and communities safely, reliably and sustainably across 11 countries, delivering these services in a better way, every day. The activities of Arriva are divided into four business units: UK Bus, UK Trains, The Netherlands and Mainland Europe. Arriva has passenger transport operations in the Czech Republic, Croatia, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and the United Kingdom, and also operates a rolling stock leasing company in Romania.