Sensational: Budapest rolls out its first-ever on-demand bus service!
Exceptionally passenger-friendly, innovative, and cost-effective—these are just a few ways to describe the new Route 274 “Csobajbusz”. The BKK’s new demand-responsive, flexible-route service is set to launch on Tuesday, 26 August, in Budapest’s 16th District.
This new bus line connects the previously hard-to-access Csobaj-bánya area to the city’s public transportation network. What makes this pilot project unique in Budapest is that within its flexible route zone, buses don’t travel along a fixed path; instead, they stop at designated pick-up and drop-off points based on user demand, BKK reports.
Route 274, branded as the “Csobajbusz,” will operate between the Cinkota HÉV station and the Csobaj-bánya area in District 16 starting Tuesday, 26 August. In recent years, this part of the district has seen significant residential and commercial development, including new homes, apartment buildings, shops, and public institutions like kindergartens. The new bus line allows locals to reach the Cinkota HÉV station more quickly and comfortably, and from there continue their journey into inner Budapest.
A first-of-its-kind service in Hungary
The service is a first in Hungary. The concept behind demand-responsive, flexible-route transportation is that passengers can access the service only by making a reservation in advance. Unlike conventional routes, buses don’t follow a fixed path; instead, they adjust their stops based on current travel requests within a designated service area.
Passengers can book their trips at csobajbusz.bkk.hu up to one week in advance—or at the latest, 30 minutes before departure. The reservation system for Route 274 will be live starting August 25 on the BKK website, with the first buses rolling out the following morning. In addition to the online platform, bookings can be made by phone—similar to Telebusz services—at +36 1 3 255 255. Passengers may also request rides in person directly from the driver at the Cinkota HÉV station, immediately before departure.
Innovative approach to public transit
The system is powered by software that processes reservations to dynamically optimise the bus route. This means buses don’t travel along a fixed route but adjust based on passenger needs. The result is not only a more comfortable travel experience, but also a more environmentally friendly solution by reducing unnecessary emissions from empty runs. The system also offers economic benefits.
BKK aims to expand this type of service to additional districts across Budapest in the future, offering a more flexible and sustainable option for passengers. Based on current findings, the system is particularly effective in low-traffic areas and during off-peak hours when traditional buses would otherwise run below capacity. Similar demand-based but fixed-route services (like Telebusz) have long existed in Budapest, including neighbouring District 17. More details can be found on BKK’s website.
Joint effort between BKK and District 16
The implementation of the project was made possible through strong collaboration with the 16th District Municipality. The local government played a key role in determining possible routes and establishing the so-called pick-up points. Unlike typical bus stops elsewhere in the city, these points do not include full-length platforms.
Another significant difference lies in the flexibility of the approach: buses may arrive from different directions depending on the specific ride booked, as the pick-up points are located at street intersections. However, the unique features of the area mean this isn’t expected to pose challenges for passengers.
Read more BKK-related news on Daily News Hungary.
Read also:
- Attention: Chaos expected in Budapest, downtown traffic to be paralysed for days, public transport changes
- Hate walking in Budapest too? Change might finally be coming!
To read or share this article in Hungarian, click here: Helló Magyar