Breaking: Metro bus system set to transform Budapest’s public transport

“Metro bus” lines are ready to launch in Budapest, providing fast and frequent transport to metro lines in the city without having to change from one bus to the other, Budapest Mayor Gergely Karácsony said on Monday.

Marking the 75th anniversary of outer districts joining the capital to form “greater Budapest”, Karacsony noted that public transport in certain parts of the city was yet to offer an alternative to cars.

Although the municipality has plans to develop track-based transport, “there is still much uncertainty due to the tense relationship between the government and the European Union”. Budapest public transport company BKK has focused on strengthening the technological and professional foundations of data-based planning, he said, resulting in a development plan that would “greatly improve transport from outer districts to the city centre”, he said on Facebook.

What metro bus did the Mayor of Budapest have in mind?

The system we have seen so far, the Metro bus, more formally known as Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), has emerged as a highly efficient public transportation solution for cities grappling with ever-increasing traffic congestion. Instead of relying on conventional bus routes that often share space with private vehicles and consequently face delays, a Metrobus network introduces dedicated lanes reserved exclusively for high-capacity buses. By separating these vehicles from normal traffic, it becomes possible to maintain reliable schedules and swift travel times that can rival or even surpass certain rail systems.

The hallmark of a successful Metrobus system lies in its station infrastructure and the type of vehicles it employs. Stations are typically designed with platforms at the same height as the bus floor, enabling rapid boarding and alighting. This feature reduces dwell time, which is especially important during rush hours when the volume of passengers is at its peak. metrobus fleets often use articulated or double-articulated buses, allowing for more passengers to be transported simultaneously. In many cities, automated fare collection and real-time passenger information are also integrated, improving efficiency and user experience.

Across the globe, there are several exemplary cases of BRT in operation. Istanbul’s Metrobüs is renowned for connecting the European and Asian sides of the city across the Bosphorus Bridge, carrying hundreds of thousands of commuters daily. Another well-known system is Bogotá’s TransMilenio in Colombia. It has become a benchmark for similar projects worldwide thanks to its carefully planned routes, frequent departures, and integration with other forms of public transit. Curitiba in Brazil pioneered the concept of dedicated bus corridors as far back as the 1970s, proving that rapid transit does not necessarily have to rely on trains or trams.

Despite its many advantages, Metrobus systems face challenges that require careful management. Overcrowding can occur at peak times, even in the presence of multiple buses per hour, leading to busy stations and congestion on the vehicles themselves. In older or densely developed urban areas, finding or allocating sufficient space for dedicated lanes is a major hurdle, as it can involve restructuring roads or limiting car traffic. Furthermore, maintaining a large fleet of specialized buses and ensuring frequent departures demand continuous funding and detailed operational planning.

Nevertheless, the Metrobus model provides a compelling solution for cities seeking to expand their public transport capacity quickly and cost-effectively. Constructing or upgrading rail networks can be prohibitively expensive and time-consuming, whereas implementing a BRT system often requires less extensive infrastructure work. By offering a reliable and accessible service at a fraction of the cost of metro construction, BRT allows municipalities to tackle congestion and reduce dependency on private cars. Consequently, the Metrobus has become an increasingly popular choice in urban planning, illustrating that with strategic investments and thoughtful design, cities can significantly enhance their public transportation networks and quality of life.

Read more news here about Budapest’s public transport company BKV/BKK

As we wrote a few weeks ago, Great news: Budapest tram line to undergo major modernisation, details HERE.