Budapest will introduce slower metro and tram services in the coming days as part of emergency measures to reduce electricity consumption during Hungary’s deepening energy crisis.
Mayor Gergely Karácsony announced on Facebook that the capital’s public transport companies had reviewed how they could contribute to energy savings while minimising disruption for passengers. Under the new timetable, metro trains and trams will accelerate more gradually, slightly increasing journey times but reducing electricity consumption by around 15 megawatt-hours per day.
Some trolleybuses replaced with diesel buses
The city will also temporarily replace electric trolleybuses on certain weekday routes with modern diesel buses equipped with efficient air conditioning. According to the mayor, the measures are designed to support the stability of Budapest’s electricity supply during what the government has described as one of Hungary’s most challenging energy situations in decades.
“Let’s take care of one another,” Karácsony wrote in his message.
BKK announces additional measures
The Budapest Transport Centre (BKK) said it would also adjust the charging schedule of the capital’s electric buses in cooperation with ArrivaBus, ensuring they are not charged during the critical evening peak between 5:00 PM and 10:00 PM.
In addition, the electric bicycles of the MOL Bubi bike-sharing system will be charged outside the evening peak period after service hours.
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Part of nationwide energy-saving campaign
The capital’s announcement comes as Prime Minister Péter Magyar has repeatedly urged households, businesses and public institutions to reduce electricity consumption, particularly during the evening peak demand period.
The government recently established a national energy operations unit to prepare for various emergency scenarios as concerns grow over the impact of the exceptionally low water level of the River Danube on the operation of the Paks Nuclear Power Plant.
Authorities have stressed that any emergency restrictions, if necessary, would primarily target large industrial consumers rather than essential public services such as hospitals or social care institutions.
Read more of our articles about the current situation:
- Thousands lose water supply in Hungary as Paks output is cut and red warnings are issued
- Critical situation: PM Magyar and MOL CEO on Hungary’s fuel supplies, Russian oil, power station and tourist boats
- Hungary convenes emergency task force as heatwave puts water and energy systems under pressure
- PM Magyar says Hungary enters ‘one of the worst energy crises in decades’, shares new Paks shutdown date
- Budapest smashes 105-year heat record as brutal heatwave tightens grip on Hungary
- Budapest landmarks to go dark: Parliament, Buda Castle and Citadella lights switched off
