MÁV and Volán to withdraw from Budapest: public transport in capital changes fundamentally

According to government sources, the so-called hybrid model, which expires on 31 December 2023, will not be extended for the operation of HÉV services, as well as for the operation of agglomeration bus services. In the future, only tickets or passes sold by MÁV or Volán will be accepted for trains, ferries and buses in Budapest and the surrounding area.

Budapest pass to not be usable on MÁV, Volán and HÉV lines

Index has learnt from government sources that the so-called hybrid model for the operation of HÉV lines and services and agglomeration bus services, which has a contract expiring on 31 December 2023, will not be extended.

This means that if you wish to travel within Budapest on MÁV, Volán or HÉV lines, your Budapest pass will not be valid.

On 28 October 2016, an agreement on metropolitan and suburban rail services and metropolitan and suburban bus services was concluded between the predecessor of the Ministry of Construction and Transport and the Municipality of Budapest, Index informs.

Agreement not reached

The parties have not reached an agreement on the settlement of the contract in 2022.

According to Index’s information, the Ministry of Construction and Transport (ÉKM) is of the opinion that the Metropolitan Municipality owes the state public service provider around HUF 2 billion (EUR 5.2 million), and since ÉKM’s offer was not accepted by the municipality, the financial closure of the year 2022 did not take place.

The previous agreement on the acceptance of the so-called Budapest pass on intercity services will also be terminated with the same effect.

Cutting Budapest’s subsidies

“On the routes of MÁV-START Plc. and VOLÁNBUSZ Plc. (yellow buses) within the capital city, BKK tickets and Budapest season tickets/passes (formerly BKV season tickets) will not be accepted after 1 March 2024. After the entry into force of the changes to the fare system (scheduled for 1 March 2024), the use of services ordered by ÉKM will be possible with intercity fare products, including the county and country passes and their new 24-hour versions,” the source told Index.

According to the source, it is important to add that the disproportionate state subsidy advantage of Budapest’s public transport compared to other large towns and their surrounding areas will be compensated. The funds freed up will be used either to support public transport in other rural towns or to improve workers’ wages.

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