New Year’s Eve transport info in Budapest: Extended services and potential strike looming

As the New Year’s festivities approach, Budapest’s Transport Centre (BKK) gears up to ensure both tourists and locals have seamless public transport options on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, with extended hours tonight and tomorrow. Here are the details.

According to hirado.hu, BKK, in a recent statement, has outlined the extended schedules for various popular transport lines. Notably, Budapest 4-6 ‘party tram’ will continue operating late into the evening, along with trams 14, 17, 47, 50 and 56A. Trolley bus 80, buses 7 and 8E are also part of this extended service, ensuring convenient transportation for those celebrating the arrival of the new year. Additionally, HÉV trains carry passengers all night.

Today, trams 4-6, 17, buses 8E, 85 and 224 will see increased frequency leading up to the end of the daytime shift.

On 1 January, daytime lines will operate according to their holiday schedule. The Buda Castle funicular will operate until 3.00 p.m.

Volánbusz may start the new year with a strike

However, as the city prepares for the festivities, there’s a potential hiccup on the horizon. According to Népszava, one of the bus driver trade unions, the Szolidaritás, collects signatures to begin a new strike in 2024, aiming for higher wages. The union plans to launch the protest if the backing for such a move reaches the crucial 60% threshold.

Signatures are being collected until 16 January, coinciding with the employer’s announcement of the payment increase offer for 2024. The level of support for the strike will determine its fate, with the proposed work stoppage scheduled for 28-29 January.

In a recent strike organised by Szolidaritás on 10 and 11 December, conflicting reports emerged regarding participation. While 65% of drivers claimed support, Volánbusz contested, stating only 14% of employees were involved. The exact number of buses affected during the strike was not disclosed. Volánbusz, with approximately 17 thousand employees, now faces the prospect of another strike.

István Dobi, the head of the trade union, advocates for at least 25% wage rise for drivers due to high inflation. In contrast, Volánbusz is offering only 6-10%. The Minister for Transport, János Lázár, deems the trade union’s demand unrealistically high in the current economic climate. As the negotiation unfolds, the fate of Budapest’s public transport and potential disruptions remain uncertain.

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