There's no need to buy tickets anymore. Free public transport has been introduced in the Polish city.

In some Polish cities, you can ride public transport for free. Wałcz and Mińsk Mazowiecki, among others, have already implemented this solution , and from January 1, 2026, tickets will also be no longer valid in Gorzów Wielkopolski. Now Otwock joins this list. The city has terminated a long-standing agreement with Warsaw's Public Transport Authority (ZTM), which, according to city officials, generated excessive costs. "Lines L20 and L22, L50 and L51 are becoming history; they will be replaced by the free lines A1, A2, K52, and W50," writes Raport Warszawski.

Free public transport in Otwock

As of August 1, 2025, public transport in Otwock and the surrounding area has changed. The city has severed its partnership with Warsaw, which previously operated the local public transport system. Now, the 50,000-person town on the outskirts of the capital is relying on its own transport, which is cheaper, more convenient, and, most importantly for passengers, completely ticketless. "The cost of a so-called vehicle-kilometer is PLN 9.67, and ZTM (Polish Public Transport Authority) was pushing to raise the rate to PLN 12, and even PLN 14 next year. Furthermore, the city had too little influence over timetables, which was detrimental to residents," explains Karolina Wojnicz, head of the Environmental Protection Department in Otwock. Despite the introduction of free travel, the local government will save up to PLN 500,000 annually from the change.

Passengers can count on comfort

Although the operator has changed, now to PKS Grodzisk Mazowiecki, the stops along the route will remain the same. However, the bus route names will change – instead of the current L20, L22, L50, and L51 bus numbers, residents will see A1, A2, K52, and W50 on signs behind the windshield. "These buses are unique – they commemorate important figures associated with the region. They are comfortable and eco-friendly," emphasizes Otwock Mayor Jarosław Margielski.

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