Brand new trams began serving passengers in Budapest today

The first two CAF trams of Budapest’s CAF tram fleet started serving passengers today on two routes. The new trams are low-floor, so they are accessible for every passenger. In April, new trams will arrive in Budapest, and the acquisition will continue until the last pre-ordered tram of the 51-member fleet starts service at the end of 2026. Thanks to the purchase, the rate of low-floor trams in Budapest’s public transport network can increase from 30% to 40%.

Two new trams began serving Budapest passengers today

Following the 1000-kilometre test runs and successful official inspections, two new CAF trams (2258 and 2259) entered service in Budapest. One will run on the 17, 19, and 56 lines in Buda, while the other at the modified 51A in Pest, the Budapest Transport Centre (BKK) said. Thanks to that, the Ferencváros Health Center will become accessible to disabled people since the trams are low-floor, and the transport company has adjusted the platforms to meet demands.

The two new trams are the first operational units of a previously ordered fleet of 51 CAF vehicles currently being manufactured. The purchase will increase the proportion of low-floor trams in Budapest from the current 30% to about 40%. The new CAF pair will be followed by two more trams entering service in April, with the final vehicle expected to be operational by the end of 2026. The project is co-financed by the European Union and the Hungarian government.

On line 69 (Northern Pest), following minor electrical supply improvements during the weekend track closure of 8-9 March, CAF trams will operate in full daytime service starting 1 April. Before, they only ran outside peak hours.

Modernisation continues

“New vehicle purchases play a crucial role in enhancing travel comfort, passenger satisfaction, ensuring equal opportunities, achieving climate goals, and improving energy efficiency”, BKK wrote. That statement is particularly true for low-floor trams, self-propelled trolleys, and electric buses, which make Budapest cleaner and more livable.

Budapest’s bus fleet became low-floor in 2022. However, replacing the tram fleet serving one of the world’s largest tram networks takes more time. Thankfully, BKK is already working on a tender to buy over 100 new, modern trams to Budapest, provided financial backing is available. The vehicles will also be low-floor, air-conditioned, energy-efficient, and high-capacity.

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