Official: Hungarian state bus company announces strike

In a significant development, the Hungarian state bus company, Volánbusz, has officially declared a strike, causing potential disruptions to public transportation services. The adjustments aim to better coordinate rail and bus services, fostering an efficient and seamless travel network. This emphasis is particularly evident on national bus routes during the weekend. 

Expanding and enhancing accessibility

To meet the needs of commuters, Volánbusz is set to slightly expand its bus services. The focus is particularly on improving accessibility to key locations. This expansion aims to facilitate easier access to job centres, educational institutions, health facilities and government offices in district centres. Some of the areas set to benefit from this expansion include Albertirsa, Érsekhalma, Mogyoród, Szigetszentmiklós, Kalaznó, Závod and several others across the country. The expanded services will connect various regions, such as Budapest-Balassagyarmat-Szécsény-Salgótarján, Vác-Kóspallag, Érd-Százhalombatta and many more. For more information, you can read the detailed changes in Hungarian in Pénzcentrum’s recent article.

Rail transit enhancements are also in the works. Volánbusz plans to introduce transfer options to and from trains on railway line 140. These changes aim to optimise connections and improve overall rail services, particularly in Csongrád-Csanád County. The introduction of a new bus station in Mezőkövesd, directly adjacent to the railway station, is expected to facilitate easier travel for residents. This change was designed to make bus-train combinations to Budapest and Miskolc-Nyíregyháza more convenient. It directly impacts the commuting experiences of residents in the Mezőkövesd area.

Strike decision amidst wage negotiations

However, the official announcement of a strike by the Volán workers’ union has overshadowed the optimism surrounding these service enhancements. The strike, scheduled for 10-11 December, comes in the aftermath of failed wage negotiations between the union and Volánbusz. In a statement, the workers’ union clarified that bus drivers would participate in the strike on both days. Additionally, maintenance workers were expected to stop work on 11 December 2024, during the first shift (8-11 am) and the second shift (2-5 pm). Clerical workers also reserved the right to join the strike on the same day between 8 am and 12 pm.

Legal approval for strike

The Budapest-Capital Regional Court has ruled in favour of the Solidarity Bus Transport Trade Union (SZAKSZ), confirming the legality of the planned walkout. Despite the order not being final, the strike can proceed legally while ensuring the provision of “sufficient service.” The court decision obligates the employer to inform the public about the expected timetable at least two days prior to the strike. As the strike looms, commuters and authorities alike await further information on the impact. They hope for a swift and amicable resolution between the workers’ union and Volánbusz.

Discover the latest updates on changes to international train services, essential for travellers seeking accurate information on efficient international journeys HERE.

Source: Pénzcentrum