Intermodal transport in Poland has improved by a few percentage points compared to the previous year, according to initial data, although definitive statistics from the Office of Rail Transport (UTK) are still pending. Professor Wojciech Paprocki, an authority on this sector, warns against undue optimism. He emphasizes that for intermodal operators to enhance their role in European goods transport, it is crucial to address the fundamental question of how to lower their operation costs. Without this, significant growth in intermodal transport will remain unlikely.

Paprocki critiques the current policy approach that focuses on imposing additional burdens on road carriers, arguing that such strategies will not elevate the competitiveness of intermodal operators. Instead, this could lead to increased costs for the economy that relies heavily on road transportation. He points out that within European rail transport, regulatory constraints serve as major barriers to the development of intermodal services. These impediments hinder the ability of rail operators to compete effectively against road carriers, who often control the logistics market.

Looking forward, Paprocki urges policymakers to reconsider the regulatory framework governing intermodal transport. For intermodal transportation to thrive, there must be an ecosystem that supports reduced operational costs and greater efficiency, rather than one that inadvertently raises costs for all stakeholders involved. If these issues are not addressed, Poland's intermodal transport might continue to encounter growth challenges, limiting its potential impact on trade and logistics on a European scale.