Budapest welcomes new CAF trams, but not without problems – even Facebook got in the way

The new CAF trams have arrived in Budapest, but the city’s transport network is still not fully prepared to accommodate them. Even the communication about the project ran into trouble – Facebook classified the related post as “political content” and blocked it.

Earlier this summer, Budapest began receiving its new Spanish-made CAF trams. The capital has ordered a total of 51 low-floor, air-conditioned and accessible vehicles under the final option of a framework contract originally signed in 2014 and extended in 2021.

Not every line can handle the new trams yet

In early October, Mayor Gergely Karácsony and Minister Tibor Navracsics signed the agreement that officially secures EU funding for the purchase of the 51 new trams. At the press conference, Navracsics emphasized that developing Budapest is a matter of national interest, as the capital’s transport system affects the entire region.

According to the BKK (Budapest Transport Centre), the project’s total value is HUF 54 billion, covering not only the vehicles themselves but also the preparation of the necessary infrastructure – tracks, platforms and depots.

BKK deputy CEO Ádám Bodor warned, however, that the modern trams cannot yet operate on every line. Several routes are not technically ready to accommodate the new vehicles, and major upgrades will be required. Twenty CAF trams are already in service, while the remaining units will enter operation gradually by the end of 2026.

BKV and BKK experts already raised concerns in the summer: lines such as the 2, 14, 24 and 62 still lack the proper infrastructure – tracks, platforms or depots – to handle the new trams. Improvements to power supply and other systems are also needed, but these developments have not yet started, as the EU recovery funds have not been received.

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Vitézy on the future of the Pest tram network

While the rollout of the new trams continues, the city can only make limited use of them for now. A potential long-term solution could come from the new Pest Fonódó tram network, which aims to connect currently isolated lines.

Former transport state secretary Dávid Vitézy recently announced that the design phase for the new section along Bajcsy-Zsilinszky Street has finally begun. The development would link Lehel Square to Deák Square, allowing passengers to travel from Újpest to South Buda without transfers. The planning is being carried out by FŐMTERV, and the Podmaniczky Movement only supported the city’s budget on the condition that the project would actually start.

The Pest Fonódó project, however, is unlikely to begin construction before the next EU funding cycle, after 2028. Until then, BKV must manage the deployment and maintenance of the new trams with the existing infrastructure.

Vitézy also pointed out that tram development could continue on the Buda side as well. Plans are already complete for a new section running from Gellért Square along the Danube waterfront to the Kopaszi Dam area. “Let’s hope János Lázár won’t shoot this project in the foot,” Vitézy added in his Facebook video.

Facebook flags the tram post as political

Mayor Karácsony revealed on Tuesday that Facebook had blocked the city’s sponsored post about the new trams, labelling it as political content.

He said that while many may welcome the restrictions on political advertising, such rules can backfire: government-linked “civil” organisations can still advertise freely, while City Hall is no longer allowed to promote factual information about the new CAF trams.

“There won’t be spam or propaganda. Just Budapest,” Karácsony wrote, adding that he will now use Messenger channels to communicate directly with residents.