Budapest’s ticket machines to get a modern makeover, busy flyover renovation begins

The Budapest Transport Center (BKK) has initiated a public procurement process aimed at revamping its network of pass and ticket machines and acquiring brand-new units. With the current machines now over a decade old, the overhaul comes as their operational contract is nearing its expiration, the company announced.

New or refurbished ticket machines to appear in Budapest

The procurement process is expected to take between three to five months, with the new contract set to be signed by spring 2025, BKK reports. Afterwards, refurbished or entirely new machines could appear at key transit hubs across Budapest as early as 2026. BKK’s network of over 300 machines has served commuters in the capital for nearly a decade, operating around the clock in busy stations.

Photo: BKK

For many, these machines remain a crucial part of ticket purchasing, contributing more than 60% of the company’s sales revenue in 2021. However, recent years have seen a growing shift toward digital solutions, such as the BudapestGO app and BP Pay&GO service, which now account for over 30% of BKK’s sales.

Despite this trend, nearly half of all ticket and pass purchases still occur through vending machines. This includes high-demand products like the newly introduced Pest County and national travel passes. Since their launch, the vending machines have processed a staggering 146 million transactions, amounting to HUF 378 billion (EUR 938 million) in total sales.

BKK’s goal is to ensure that the new machines continue to operate reliably and meet modern standards. The chosen contractor will be responsible for taking over the existing system, fully managing its operation, refurbishing part of the network, and procuring and installing new machines. Additionally, both the physical devices and the supporting software systems will fall under the contractor’s responsibilities. The current operator’s contract is set to expire in December 2025, with the new agreement expected to be signed by the spring of that year.

Flórián Square overpass renovation to begin

Another significant project set to start in early 2025 is the renovation of the Flórián Square overpass. The structure, built more than 40 years ago, has deteriorated significantly, with water infiltration causing corrosion to the steel reinforcements and damaging the concrete. The renovation, scheduled to last until early 2026, can no longer be postponed.

The flyover at Flórián Square, Budapest, Hungary. Photo: BKK

The project will involve replacing the road surface, repairing the reinforced concrete structure, and completely renewing the waterproofing to stop water from seeping through and damaging the pillars. New, safer guardrails will be installed, and improvements will be made to the drainage system, retaining walls, and the concrete surfaces of the pillars.

The contract for the renovation was awarded to KM Építő Ltd., which will carry out the modernisation work for a net sum of HUF 2.1 billion (EUR 5.2 million). The total project cost, including mandatory reserves, technical oversight fees, authority fees, and other expenses, is expected to be around HUF 3 billion (EUR 7.45 million), including VAT.

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