Scandal after scandal continues to plague Hungary’s national railway company, MÁV, as public frustration mounts over persistent delays. Following the collapse of the main railway line to Lake Balaton on the very first long weekend of the summer, each passing week brings fresh accounts of how the once-proud, state-owned company is failing passengers—citing outdated rolling stock, ageing tracks, and staff shortages. Just yesterday, passengers had to be rescued twice by vintage buses. But in the sweltering heat, not everyone appreciated the blazing-hot classics. In at least one instance, there simply weren’t enough buses to go around.

2,800 trains delayed

Operational issues are not unique to Hungary—just recall last summer’s air travel chaos and the stranded passengers at airports. However, according to recent statistics from MÁV, the railway company has become the target of growing public outrage and ridicule due to escalating delays. Their latest figures reveal that in just three weeks, 2,800 trains were delayed by more than 20 minutes, prompting record-high compensation payouts to affected passengers.

• Another busy Hungarian railway line collapsed last week – passengers to and from Vienna were in trouble

Vintage buses replacing trains

Unfortunately, last weekend was no exception. One major disruption involved the Kék Hullám InterCity, which had to be replaced by a vintage bus due to a locomotive failure. MÁV dismissed a critical Facebook post by transport expert Dávid Vitézy as exaggerated, stating that passengers were given a choice: a modern, air-conditioned coach or a retro Ikarus.

However, not all passengers seem to have been given this option. Not only were travellers on the Kék Hullám affected—the Fenyves Express also experienced delays. To fill the gap, another Ikarus bus—the classic “Faros” (Ikarus 55)—was dispatched to transport passengers from Keszthely to Tapolca. This nostalgic ride had no air conditioning, offering only curtains for ventilation. The train was 40 minutes late by the time the replacement vehicle arrived.