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Budapest’s MOL Bubi bike-sharing service continues through winter with discounted pilot pass!
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Budapest’s popular MOL Bubi bike-sharing system will not disappear over the festive period after all. Although the current generation of the service officially comes to an end on 23 December, cyclists will still be able to use the familiar green bikes throughout the winter thanks to a transitional pilot programme running until mid-February.
From 24 December, users can access the system with a new MOL Bubi Pilot pass, priced at HUF 500 (EUR 1.3), the company announced. The pass allows 30-minute rides and remains valid until 15 February, regardless of when it is purchased. According to the operator, this makes it particularly good value for anyone planning even short winter cycling trips in Budapest.
No shutdown despite contract expiry
According to Telex, the second generation of MOL Bubi has been operating since 2021, but the contract with the current service provider, the Csepel–Nextbike consortium, expires on 23 December. Earlier this year, concerns were raised that delays in the public procurement process for the next-generation system could result in a complete shutdown.
Instead, Budapest’s transport authority BKK reached an agreement to keep the service running during an interim period. This avoids a gap in public bike availability while preparations continue for the launch of Bubi 3.0, the third and significantly expanded version of the scheme.
The Budapest City Assembly discussed the issue several times in recent months. While a tender for the new system had been launched, it was sent back for further evaluation in October, causing delays. In November, the assembly acknowledged that maintaining continuity would be preferable to suspending the service entirely.
What changes during the pilot period?
While bikes remain available, users should expect some temporary changes during the winter pilot phase.
To reflect lower seasonal demand and weather conditions, the size of the Bubi fleet will be reduced to around half of its usual capacity. In addition,
users who choose pay-as-you-go pricing rather than the pilot pass will need to re-register their bank cards in the MOL Bubi app.
MOL is the company I hate the most. This is a huge monopoly that grows all the time and is the most corrupt.