Congestion fee is included in new Budapest Mobility Plan

The Budapest Mobility Plan was announced by the capital’s authorities, which outlines planned projects in the city over the next 6 to 11 years. All budget scenarios involve the introduction of a congestion fee by 2025.

As index.hu reported, last weekend, the General Assembly of Budapest announced its Budapest Mobility Plan, which is set to be valid till 2030. Development projects are scored by the budget needed to complete them (low, medium and high).  From this list, a section of which is included in this article, residents can find out whether they can expect any changes in their local area.

The plan – its full name Budapest Mobility Plan Transport Development and Investment Program Proposal – includes a congestion fee project, which is set to be completed between 2021 and 2025 and will cost just over €10 million. The plan, which is available on budapest.hu, recommends the fee’s introduction in all three budget scenarios.

What is a congestion fee?

There were plans to introduce this back in 2015. Mayor István Tarlós outlined two kinds of congestion fee that could be implemented.

The first one, the Budapest sticker, would be valid for the whole metropolitan area and would cost €15. The other one would be a separate congestion fee that is valid for the inner city. The border for the inner city is unknown, but at the time, Tarlós wanted to introduce the second type in the inner districts of Budapest.

Budapest authorities have been intending to introduce a congestion fee in the capital because it was part of a deal struck with the EU over the funding of Metro Line 4. However, the General Assembly welcomed the government’s ruling that it is unlawful to introduce a congestion fee. Since then, it has been off the agenda.

The following projects have received investment or are nearing completion:

• Lengthening Tram 1 till Etele tér.
• Introducing an electronic time-based ticketing system and related new tariff system.
• Reconstructing and developing tram 60.
• Reconstructing Metro Line 3.
• Reconstructing the South Rail Bridge.
• Acquiring multiple-unit trains by MÁV-START, modernising the Budapest-Hatvan route.
• Budapest Trolleybus project.
• Building P+R car parks.
• Renovating Széchenyi Chain Bridge, the tram and road underpass.
• Renovating the public space in Blaha Lujza Square; renovating Széna Square and Orczy Square.
• Developing EuroVelo6 and EuroVelo14 international bike routes.

The following projects have also been confirmed:

• Petőfi Bridge renovation.
• Regulation of car-sharing services.

Based on a low budget scenario, the following projects are planned:

• Integrated schedule and fare system for BKK, MÁV and Volán.
• Metro Line 1 modernisation and lengthening.
• Lengthening Metro Line 3 northwards to Kassai Square.
• Cargo handling points just outside of inner Budapest.
• Introducing a congestion fee.
• Developing public cycling facilities.
• Southern extension of tram 2; connecting trams 2 and 24, and reconstructing tram 2.
• Lengthening tram line 42.

With a medium budget, the following additions are planned:

• Connecting Metro Line 2 and the connection of H8 Gödöllő; establishing the Roskoskeresztúr – Gödöllő branch line.
• Lengthening Metro Line 3 to Káposztásmegyer.

In a high budget scenario, the plan would include:

• Lengthening Metro Line 4 westwards.
• Constructing a tramline in Újpalota.

Looking for alternative ways to get around the city? Check out our articles on Budapest’s new car-sharing and e-scooter services.

Source: budapest.hu, index.hu