Budapest public transport can fully shut down

The Hungarian capital city has been still waiting for the 12 billion forints (32.4 million euros) government funds to finance the public transport services. If Budapest does not receive the money, drastic measures will be taken which may include the termination of the public transport.

The government ought to give Budapest 23 billion forints to support the public transport services. Unfortunately, the capital city still has not received this amount which makes it impossible to further sustain the public transport – writes HVG.  BKV, the public transport company, can only operate until 25 November from the previous funds and from the money that came in from the vending machines. However, this sum will not last long. Operating fewer vehicles in traffic will not solve the issue ether.  Index writes that

the government funds make up only 7 percent of the total budget. But it is still crucial that Budapest receives this amount to sustain the public transport services.

This year the draft contract has not yet been sent to the capital city by the Ministry of Innovation and Technology. According to various sources, a negotiating partner has not been appointed for the arrangements either.

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The public transport costs are divided between three participants. The government’s 7 percent is not sufficient to cover all the expenses. The city of Budapest pays 60 percent of the costs and passengers pay 33 percent by buying tickets.

Népszava writes that vice mayor Ambrus Kiss hopes that the issue will be resolved soon. Terminating the Budapest public transport would be their last resort. However, they did not share further details on the possible duration and date of this measure. It depends on the government’s reaction and cooperation whether this drastic action will be taken.

If the public transport services stop, passengers will be informed in advance. Budapest has not made any arrangements with the transportation companies yet.

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Even though this 7 percent may seem like a small amount compared to that of a 60 percent or 33 percent, it is still crucial for sustaining the public transport services. Coronavirus has taken a heavy toll on the sector. BKV lost 24 billion forints due to the decrease in ticket sales; therefore, even with that 7 percent support the company has to deal with a serious financial loss.