Metro bus in Budapest: here are the first lines and more exciting details
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As part of its latest network development strategy, the Budapest Transport Centre (BKK) aims to introduce “metro buses” that will offer faster and more convenient connections from the outer districts to metro stations.
As we reported earlier, the metro bus concept focuses on creating frequent, reliable and fast connections to the city’s main public transport corridors, particularly metro lines. BKK intends to refine the service by starting a pilot phase based on real-life experience. You can read our first article about this project: Metro bus system set to transform Budapest’s public transport.
Metro bus model was based on a German model
According to the transport company, the model is based on a German system, where similar high-capacity corridors have been operating in Berlin for decades. In the German capital, frequent metro buses serve areas where no suitable fixed-rail links are available. Similarly, in Budapest, the M11 to M85 will connect inner and outer districts, catering to the transport needs of residents living on the city’s outskirts.
First pilot services
The first pilot services will operate in Káposztásmegyer (Újpest), Pesterzsébet, Zugló, and Rákosszentmihály, potentially benefiting around 150,000 Budapest residents. The Káposztásmegyer route is considered particularly important, as the current options (such as tram 14 and several bus lines) have significantly longer journey times compared to the planned metro buses.
It is worth noting that when the construction of the Káposztásmegyer housing estate began in the late 1980s, the M3 metro line was expected to extend from there instead of terminating at Újpest. Decades have passed, and although extending the line by just 1.5 kilometres would not be an enormous investment, there are still no concrete plans to do so. However, the metro bus project could improve the situation—commuters arriving by car would no longer need to drive into Újpest Centre but could leave their vehicles on the city’s edge and transfer to public transport instead.
Night-time services, Airport shuttle
According to BKK, the improvements will also extend to night-time services. To enhance late evening and early morning travel, the number of day and night bus routes will increase from three to twelve.