Well about PKP I once had a really funny experience in Zakopane station. An american guy wanted to buy ticket for himself and one for his bike (obviously someone explained to him earlier that in Poland you need ticket for bike as well). Lady seling tickets didn't speak ANY English. but was trying hard. really!
we were standing right behind him and getting more and more amused to what "solutions" she came up to trying to understand what he meant. But as much as I was trully enjoying myslef I had to join in and interfere just in time for her not to issue the ticket to ROWY...
(a tiny village by Polish seaside)
(a hint for those who need it - only polish word the guy knew apart from "dzindobry" was rower - polish for bike, but the way he said it...)