New trams planned for Budapest’s scenic Danube promenade, Pest waterfront to be redeveloped
Budapest’s iconic 2 tram line, running along the scenic Pest Danube promenade, is set to receive new, larger, and longer trams in two years.
Source: Pixabay
The current Ganz trams, which have been a staple since the 1970s, will be replaced with modern CAF trams on line 2, Népszava reports. These new vehicles promise enhanced comfort, featuring low floors for easier access and air conditioning, aiming to improve passenger experience and reduce overcrowding. However, the introduction of these more robust and longer trams will change the line’s traditional appearance.
Scenic tram line to receive new trams
The new CAF trams, each 34 meters long, are expected to begin service by the second half of 2026. This upgrade will require several infrastructure modifications, including adjustments near the Pest end of the Chain Bridge underpass. These changes were originally planned as part of the Chain Bridge’s renovation but were delayed due to funding issues.
A CAF Urbos tram of the Budapest Transport Centre in Clark Ádám Square. Photo: MTVA/Bizományosi: Jászai Csaba
The Pest lower embankment, a key part of Budapest’s connection to the Danube, is also undergoing gradual revitalisation. This project has been a long-standing goal for city leaders, who aim to return the riverside area to the public and enhance its appeal. Previous plans to ban hotel boats and turn the area into a public space have seen limited implementation. However, a 2015 architectural competition called for pedestrian and cyclist-friendly designs, green spaces, and public amenities along the embankments.
Budapest developments
Photo: FB
The current redevelopment includes planting trees, installing misting systems, and adding shaded areas between the Chain Bridge and Elisabeth Bridge. This year, eight new trees and 365 square meters of perennial plants will be introduced, along with sun loungers, drinking fountains, and bike racks. The project is funded by a community budget, reflecting the residents’ input and preferences.
The weekend pedestrianisation of the lower embankment has become a popular initiative, with the area being opened to foot traffic, cyclists, and other non-motorised users from Margaret Bridge to Irányi Street. This practice has led to widespread public enjoyment and numerous events, including the “Rakpart’23” series, which featured 250 activities last year, drawing tens of thousands of visitors.
Lower embankment not entirely closed to cars
Photo: FB/Gergely Karácsony
In response to the positive reception, Mayor Gergely Karácsony announced plans in 2022 to permanently close the Pest lower embankment to cars, turning it into a pedestrian-only zone. However, this proposal has faced backlash from pro-car advocates and concerns about potential traffic congestion in the surrounding areas. The city administration has since taken a more cautious approach, conducting detailed planning and consulting with various stakeholders, including the Hungarian Auto Club and other civil organisations.
The comprehensive redevelopment of the embankment is part of a broader EUR 300 billion development initiative for Budapest, funded by the EU’s TOP Plusz program. This ambitious plan aims to enhance public spaces and improve climate adaptation measures across the city, pending the arrival of the necessary funds.
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4 Comments
I have walked along the promenade and the plans for improvements are a great idea. The one thing I find odd as you can see in the picture above is that there is no railing along most of the promenade. It’s a long drop down into the Danube and some rocks. You have to wonder how often someone falls over. Don’t let your kids run around there.
The District V council – “bending over” to the Marriott Hotel – that DON”T want Public seating in the promenade area that fronts this Hotel, is APPALLING.
Petofi ter closes to the Marriott Hotel to commencement of Starbucks – NO Public SEATING.
WHY – because the Marriott Hotel don’t WANT it.
Stuff OFF – I say to the Marriott Hotel, and show some BALLS the District V council and PUT In – more Public seating in this area.
Letter(s) over (2) years to the District V council and the Marriott Hotel – have FALLEN on DEAF Ears.
The Marriott Hotel – why is it able to hold a GUN at the District V council over the PUBLIC seating ?
Our rates and taxes pay for this PUBLIC facility and it’s Un-acceptable that the council to WHO we pay our RATES – won’t for us Residents and Tourists – provide Public Seating in this area of the Promenade.
District V council – think of the NEEDS of RESIDENTS firstly and secondly the TOURIST – who also “Grease your Palms” and fill your pockets.
The Marriott Hotel – don’t run District V – nor there guests BUT we live here – its our District we pay our RATES and therefor PROVIDE us with the Public SEATING as outlined in this commentary.
“Mayor Gergely Karácsony announced plans in 2022 to permanently close the Pest lower embankment to cars.”
This guy really has turnips growing out of his ears. How could he possibly have come up with such a dumb idea and then say it publicly!?!?!
And speaking of dumb ideas, Margit hid has been part-closed for several weeks now because they’re repainting the bicycle track. Talk about throwing taxpayer money down the river…
This guy is beyond a parody.
This part of the promenade, seating along the extension of our utca being regi posta utca – the public seating for 4 years has been a DISGRACE.
It’s worsened in the last 6 months that the public seating in number have COLLAPSED been pulled out removed leaving just few for the Public to sit rest on, that are adjacent to Petofi ter.
The public notice board at the end of these dilapidated aged and VERY un-comfortable seats for PUBLIC use, the public notice board DISGRACEFUL, again over 4 plus years just left in a worsening ugly CONDITION.
The commentator – District V Council – Failings – the Marriot Hotel “imposed ” ban on public seating along the promenade over-looking the glorious sights of Budapest, the Danube, the Castle, the Bridges, out over Buda – this Marriot Hotel – BAN needs OVERIDDED by the council of District V.
“Need’s of the Public” – inclusive of TOURISTS – the right of citizens, the residents as we are in District 5 – just 5 minutes walk our house to the locations outlined in this commentary – it’s our RIGHT to have provision facilities as is Public Seating.
APPALLING in signed documentation to the Head of Customer Relations of the District V Council – he, the ” Doctor” as he titles himself, certainly not obtained in a thesis of COMMUNICATION, and NO professionalism – of No respect, to reply to “Signed” residents tax payers PETITIONS – lodged by numbers of residents in the area I refer, to HIM requesting – the submission – to have –
(1) – seating for Public & “others” needs removed and up-graded – regi posta / promenade end of Petofi ter.
(2) – Public Notice Board in same vicinity – REPLACED and New one installed.
(3) – Public Seating in the front of the Marriott Hotel – the complete frontage of this Hotel, that PUBLIC Seating be INSTALLED.
Fix it, think the Residents that LIVE pay there Rates and USE for there PERSONAL pleasures and REQUIREMENTS – the areas of the promenade and “other” – mentioned in this COMMUNICATION.
District V – we to KNOW – its OBVIOUS – you have “Rolled over” to the Marriott Hotel – it’s POWER over You.
Reverse it – we expects DEMAND of You, through our rates our living – enhance this area of the promenade that will enhance the Beautification of this area of our promenade – our “home” our part of District V and Pest.