BKK launches innovative on-demand bus service in Budapest
Change language:
Exceptionally passenger-friendly, innovative, and cost-effective — these are just some of the ways to describe the new Route 274 service, known as the Csobajbusz. The reservation system for this flexible-route, on-demand bus line is available now on the BKK website, with the first buses rolling out tomorrow morning.
Innovative bus service launches in Budapest
The new bus line connects the Csobaj Quarry area to Budapest’s public transportation network — a part of the city that was previously harder to reach via regular transit services.
As the first of its kind in Budapest, this new service stands out because, within its designated area, it does not follow a fixed route. Instead, it stops based on actual user requests.
Route 274, or the Csobajbusz, will operate starting Tuesday, August 26, between the Cinkota HÉV station and the Csobaj Quarry area in District XVI.
This part of the district has seen substantial development in recent years, including the construction of single-family homes, apartment buildings, retail stores, and public service facilities like kindergartens.
Thanks to the new route, residents in the area will have quicker and more convenient access to the Cinkota HÉV station, allowing smoother connections to downtown Budapest.
This is a novel service in Hungary. The so-called flexible-route, on-demand transit system allows passengers to pre-book journeys. Rather than following a set route, buses adapt their paths in real-time based on passenger needs within a specified area.
Passengers can book their trip at csobajbusz.bkk.hu, as early as one week in advance or up to 30 minutes before departure. Reservations for Route 274 opened on Monday, August 25, on the BKK website, and the service officially begins Tuesday, August 26.
In addition to online booking — similar to the Telebusz system — travel requests can be made via phone at +36 1 3 255 255. Passengers may also request service in person from the driver at the Cinkota HÉV station, but only immediately before departure.