Hungarian state bus company Volánbusz on the verge of collapse? – UPDATED

The company lacks approximately 1,000 drivers, which makes it impossible to fill in the shortage when employees are on sick leave. There were massive delays on several bus lines yesterday for this reason, which outraged even the former transport secretary. The solution would be a significant pay rise,  however, the company lacks the necessary budget as well.

According to RTL Klub, Volánbusz lacks approximately 1,000 drivers, based on the Szolidaritás bus trade union’s figures. To make things worse, the government decided to close several train lines. Passengers may use replacement buses on those routes, but that drains further the critically low manpower of the state-owned company.

Dávid Vitézy, Hungary’s former transport secretary, wrote on his Facebook page that 35 buses should have entered Budapest from Budakeszi this morning based on the relevant data of the satellite traffic control system. However, only 21 did so on lines 22, 22A and 222 between 7 am and 9 am. That is only 60% of the required service. As a consequence, many commuters could not get on the buses or had to wait more than 10-20 minutes for the next vehicle.

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Bus trade union disagrees with Volánbusz

Vitézy said that due to the severe labour shortage, Volánbusz could not provide a sufficient number of buses on Budapest’s suburb lines, which caused delays from Budakeszi, Gyál, Törökbálint and Solymár to Budapest yesterday. In other parts of the country, they have to employ dozens of additional buses and drivers as replacements because of the closed train lines. Volánbusz shared their reaction on Monday, saying that seven drivers fell ill, that is what caused the serious delays. They sent their apologies to the passengers.

However, the Szolidaritás bus trade union disagrees with Volánbusz. Based on their data, the company lacks 1,000 drivers. István Dobi, the trade union’s head, said the replacement buses require way more drivers and that poses further challenges. He added that the number of employees leaving the company is worrisome. To end that trend, a 20-25% wage rise should be given in 2024.

UPDATE (29 September): Mr Dobi’s false claims

We received a statament from Volánbusz reacting on the words of Mr Dobi. The company said the president of the trade union, falsely claimed that they were searching for more than 1,000 drivers. Volánbusz said they employ more than 10,000 drivers and have only 238 vacant positions, but there are regional differences.

Volánbusz added they had the most vacant positions in Pest, Komárom-Esztergom, Győr-Moson-Sopron and Csongrád-Csanád counties. HERE you may check them out. Furthermore, they redirected drivers from different counties for the replacement buses between Biatorbágy and Sződliget.

The company added they took multiple measures to maintain workforce. Among others, they give SZÉP voucher card to their employees and provide free travel for them on Volánbusz, MÁV and GYSEV lines. Furthermore, their family members may also use Volánbusz lines for free. Finally, they raised night shift allowance for their employees and pay special attention on training new drivers.