The Snowfall

As the Polish folk say, winter has surprised drivers yet again. After recent snowstorms, most streets of the city of Kraków became almost paralyzed because of the heavy snowfall. This situation happens almost every year, and one might think we should be able to, more or less, predict and counter such difficulties. Still, it never happens. This raises a question: how is the city really prepared for such situations? Is it the fault of the common people? Or does the issue reside somewhere on a higher social level? 

 
I must agree it is easier to complain than to take action. Battling the force of nature is a difficult task, especially snow and low temperatures. However, why would you want to make your task harder by starting multiple road renovation projects at once? Kraków has been under construction almost my entire life and for someone who commutes through the city this situation has only worsened in recent years. It is truly depressing to see the citizens of Kraków complain online about the infrastructure of the city (and being right!) or just to see them on the streets and bus stops – shaking from cold, or nervously fidgeting in long lanes of car traffic. It appears the neverending investments have not improved the lives of the community. Mostly, they are just confusing and happening simultaneously because of the continuous delays and changes. Finally, those projects seem only to serve as an easy way to profit from, which people with power and money abuse.  

 
What about the authorities? One cannot help the impression that the higher position someone holds in the city, the more detached they become from the struggles of the common person. The everyday stress of being stuck in traffic and using public transportation seems not to apply to the members of the city council. They seem almost blind to how the public transportation system of Kraków is draining as explained by a user Pezael on a Krakow’s Reddit page. Despite being one of the better ones in Poland as rated by fDi Intelligentce, it is still very slow and prone to late arrivals. Part of the dubious charms of the city. 

 
Kraków needs to be improved, but one street at a time. Also, if possible, not the same street every year. Authorities should focus on investments that help the community and not foreign investors. With only one part of the city in renovation, it should be easier to combat winter. Additionally, it should be easier for the citizens to cope with both roadworks and heavy snowfalls.