Extraordinary announcement: Hungary’s public transport changes, new tickets introduced

János Lázár, Hungary’s Minister of Construction and Transport, announced this morning during an extraordinary press conference in Debrecen that significant changes to Hungary’s public transport system will come into effect on 1 March. The government is set to introduce a new tariff system and unveil one-day tickets valid across all modes of public transport, while discontinuing 43 types of discounts.

According to Világgazdaság, 1 March will see a grand reform in Hungary’s public transport system, heralding a regime change in terms of tariffs.

Firstly, the government will eliminate all passes except for county and country passes. Secondly, two new one-day tickets will be introduced, offering unlimited travel within Hungary. The ‘Vármegye24’ priced at HUF 990 (EUR 2.6) allows unlimited travel in a Hungarian county for one day, offering the opportunity to explore the charms of Vas or Zala County near Lake Balaton for less than EUR 3.

Meanwhile, the ‘Magyarország 24’ ticket, priced at HUF 4,990 (EUR 13), enables travel anywhere in Hungary by bus or train.

Furthermore, the minister announced the discontinuation of 43 out of the current 65 discounts. The 50% discount will persist, allowing public servants to travel at a -50% rate. Additionally, individuals aged 14-25 will also be eligible for that discount if they do not buy country or county passes, in which case, their discount will be -90%.

Debrecen aspires to become “Hungary’s second capital”

Lázár expressed the government’s aim to transform Debrecen into a city akin to Germany’s Hamburg. Consequently, HUF 700 billion (EUR 1.85 billion) will be allocated for the city’s development, anticipating a population growth of 50 thousand due to planned developments, including BMW’s large plant.

Lázár outlined plans for road expansions and a potential tram-train link between Nyíregyháza and Debrecen. He emphasised the urgency of completing the new section of the M4 motorway connecting Berettyóújfalu with Central Hungary.

László Papp, Debrecen’s mayor, stated that Debrecen is expected to contribute 4.5% to Hungary’s GDP by 2030. Additionally, he announced that children under 14 will travel for free within the city starting from 1 April.

Read also:

• Orbán cabinet purges Budapest ticket, pass scheme: chaos may come in March – Read more HERE
• Another improvement for buses in Hungary will help many – Details in THIS article