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Budapest may deploy second-hand German trams to replace ageing HÉV trains, government promises brand-new fleet by 2030
Budapest officials are considering putting retired German trams into service on one of the capital’s suburban railway lines as much of the city’s HÉV fleet approaches the end of its lifespan. According to Népszava, the proposal would see second-hand vehicles from Hannover temporarily replace trains that are now more than 50–60 years old.
At a recent committee meeting, Dávid Vitézy, head of Budapest’s Climate Protection, Transport and Urban Development Committee, said it was “certain” that no new trains would arrive this decade, Népszava writes. He blamed repeated failed procurement procedures and criticised the government, led by Viktor Orbán, for setting unrealistic tender conditions that discouraged manufacturers.
Ageing fleet faces looming retirements
Three-quarters of the HÉV rolling stock is already over 40 years old, with a quarter older than 50. Several vehicles will hit the 60-year mark within the next few years, well beyond their intended service life. Although authorities granted a 10-year extension, many units could be forced out of service by 2030.
Maintaining the timetable requires all 79 carriages currently in use, meaning shortages are likely unless replacements arrive. However, tenders for new trains have twice failed to attract bids.
Vitézy suggested the capital could assist MÁV-HÉV Zrt. by deploying surplus trams freed up after new CAF vehicles enter service with BKV. These older Hannover trams could run on the H7 line serving Csepel, the only HÉV route fully within Budapest and therefore easier for the city to take over from the state.
Technical and financial hurdles
The plan faces major obstacles. The trams are narrower and shorter than existing East German-built trains, meaning at least three would need coupling to match capacity. Passengers would also face a roughly 20-centimetre gap between the vehicle and platforms.
Significant infrastructure work would be required, including rebuilding platforms and modifying signalling and power systems. Former Budapest Transport Centre CEO Katalin Walter previously warned that adapting the line could take at least two years and questioned whether refurbishing near-retirement vehicles made economic sense.
Government rejects “scrap tram” option
The Construction and Transport Ministry has firmly rejected the idea, calling it a solution to a “non-existent problem”. Together with the MÁV Group, the ministry insists Budapest “deserves more than discarded trams” and says only brand-new trains will be purchased.
Officials claim legal conditions are now in place for a fresh tender and argue that there is no risk of shortages. Their target is for passengers to travel on renewed tracks with new trains by 2030, starting with the line to Szentendre, followed by other routes.
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