SIM Factor, Poland’s leading manufacturer of railway simulators, has signed a contract to supply two ETCS-equipped locomotive simulators to the Romanian National Railway Passenger Transport Company, CFR Călători. The agreement is valued at approximately 6.2 million PLN net.
The multifunctional simulators are designed to support the certification, training, and evaluation of locomotive and railcar engineers. Equipped with the European Train Control System (ETCS), these advanced systems aim to enhance professional development and operational safety across Romania’s railway network. The delivery and installation will be finished up to 30 June 2026, and the simulators will come with 20 years of manufacturer’s warranty.
“Our 20-year warranty confirms our strong commitment towards Romania and is a strategic step in building a lasting presence the country. By signing a contract with the country’s largest railway operator, the state-owned CFR Călători, we are making a firm decision to be a long-term, stable partner both in Romania and across the entire CEE region. Our goal is to become the first and most trusted simulator provided for all railway companies in Romania during the 20-year warranty period. We believe that such an extraordinary warranty period provides a foundation of stability and confidence for the future. Our simulators and software represent cutting-edge technology in Europe. Romania is another important step in SIM Factor’s international growth after i.e. Czech Republic, Lithuania and United Kingdom and a key market for the further development of our simulators. We believe that establishing ourselves within CFR Călători will anchor SIM Factor firmly in Romania. The local market is currently undergoing a major transformation, similar to what we experienced in Poland before the widespread adoption of simulation technology. Romania is a unique opportunity for SIM Factor to apply a strategy that proved successful in Poland.”, says Michał Wierzbicki, CEO of SIM Factor.
SIM Factor will provide a comprehensive simulation solution for training train drivers in Romania. This includes full-cab simulators (with a complete, enclosed cabin and motion platform) and compact desk simulators, all using the same advanced and regularly updated software, the core of which is the digitalized railway tracks.
The simulators for CFR Călători will be capable of recreating hundreds of scenarios, including rare or dangerous situations that are impossible to practice safely in real life, such as terrorist attacks, fire incidents, derailments, fallen trees on tracks, passenger falls from platform edges, and more. Instructors can control scenarios live, offering customized and realistic training experiences with elements of surprise that test drivers’ attention spans and reflexes under stressful and challenging conditions. Additionally, the simulators will enable the simulation of locomotive equipment failures, allowing trainees and experienced drivers to troubleshoot issues and develop effective problem-solving strategies during operation. This capability is crucial for preparing train drivers to respond effectively and promptly to unexpected situations. Furthermore, the systems support activities related to maintenance, inspection, and locomotive preparation, ensuring crew members are equipped with the knowledge and skills to keep trains in optimal condition.
This capability is crucial for preparing train drivers to respond effectively and timely to unexpected situations that may arise on the railway. Furthermore, the systems support activities related to maintenance, inspection, and preparation of locomotives for service, ensuring that the crew members are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to keep trains in optimal working condition. By integrating these features into a single multifunctional platform, the ETCS simulators will provide a robust training solution for the Romanian train drivers. Once delivered, they will enable drivers to combine theoretical knowledge with practical application, fostering and maintaining a high level of competency and professionalism among railway personnel.
SIM Factor’s simulators significantly enhance railway safety by offering a complete and controlled learning environment for drivers. In Poland, this technology has improved the quality of training and preparedness of personnel. The system allows for a continuous training path, starting from basic setups in schools to advanced simulators identical to real locomotive cabs. Regardless of the type of simulator, the experience remains consistent: same virtual rail tracks, same software, same scenarios, and lifetime updates — all included in the price of the simulator.
SIM Factor is a company founded in 2017, created by enthusiasts of modern technologies and simulations. The main goal and greatest mission of the team of employees and collaborators is to produce the best and most modern solutions in the field of simulation, virtualization and holography. The company activities focus mainly on the railway, aviation and military sectors. SIM Factor is open to other industries characterized by a high degree of employee responsibility, the use of specialized equipment and the operation of key infrastructure. Their goal is to develop technology that allows them to ensure safety and a better future for clients.