Budapest launches car-free ‘school streets’ initiative citywide
The Budapest Transport Centre (BKK) is giving fresh momentum to initiatives aimed at safer travel for children, announcing plans to designate traffic-calmed, car-free school streets across the city. The goal is to ensure students can reach school safely and in a cleaner-air environment.
The new announcement comes shortly after the local government of Józsefváros approved its own school street project. The first step will be temporarily closing Trefort Street to car traffic during certain hours to facilitate safe access to the ELTE Trefort Ágoston Practice High School, according to Építész Fórum.
What is a school street?
School streets are an increasingly popular urban traffic management solution that restricts access to roads surrounding educational institutions during key times of the day—typically mornings and afternoons—to pedestrians and users of micromobility devices. The initiative aims to reduce the risk of accidents, improve air quality, and create more livable public spaces.
Inspired by international models
The concept of school streets dates back to the 1990s in Northern Italy and has since been adopted in major European cities, including London, Paris, Barcelona, and Vienna, all of which now feature hundreds of such zones. These positive international experiences have encouraged BKK to further expand Budapest’s school street network.
The ‘Sulizóna’ programme: Existing examples
BKK launched its Sulizóna program in 2023, which currently operates at four schools across the capital: two in Újpest, one in Kőbánya, and one in Rákoskeresztúr. As part of the initiative, the city has installed signage, road markings, “Kiss & Go” stopping zones, and traffic-calming infrastructure.
More students on foot or bike
According to BKK spokesperson Bendegúz Kovács, school streets not only enhance road safety but also encourage more students to walk or bike to school. The aim is to shift parents away from viewing car travel as the only safe option.
Schools can apply
BKK is calling on schools throughout Budapest to apply for the program. Transportation experts will then design roadway features that clearly signal to all users the need for heightened awareness in these areas.
Toward a greener, safer city
The city’s transportation strategy continues to place growing emphasis on developments that support a more liveable urban environment. Introducing school streets fits within these efforts and, if successful, could significantly reshape Budapest’s commuting culture in the long term.
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