Metro line 3 upgrade

The reconstruction works of metro line M3 continues with the closure of two stations

bkk metro budapest m3 hungary photo kató alpár

Metroline M3 skips the Semmelweis Klininkák and Corvin-negyed metro stations from 13 July 2020, as reconstruction works start also at these stations. Metroline M3 continue to operate between Nagyvárad tér and Újpest and a replacement line marked with M30 running between Kálvin tér and Népliget serve the surrounding areas of the two, newly-closed stations.

BKK recommends that only the passengers take the replacement bus M30 who wish to travel to the surrounding area of the two newly-closed stations. The replacement order will remain unchanged; during workdays the replacement buses will operate between the Kőbánya-Kispest and Nagyvárad tér metro stations, while at weekends the replacement buses will run between the Kőbánya-Kispest and Lehel tér metro stations.

Simultaneously with the reconstruction works carried out on the Southern section of metroline M3, the reconstructions works have started also in the middle section: since the springtime, reconstruction works of the Arany János utca and Ferenciek tere metro stations have been in process, followed by the Corvin-negyed and Semmelweis Klinikák metro stations from 13 July. Metroline M3 will continue to be in service between Újpest and Nagyvárad tér on workdays, however the mentioned four stations will be skipped.

The surrounding area of the Corvin-negyed and Semmelweis Klinikák metro stations will be accessible by replacement bus M30 running between Kálvin tér and Népliget on workdays, whose routes and stops are available in the BKK FUTÁR app, as follows: futar.bkk.hu/route/BKK_MP536. The boarding point of the Kálvin tér station of replacement bus M30 is at Szabó Ervin tér; of Corvin-negyed and Semmelweis Klinikák stations is at the replacement stop of metroline M3; of Nagyvárad tér station is on Üllői út at the intersection of Orczy út and of Népliget is on Üllői út at the intersection of Könyves Kálmán tér.

Recommended travel options

BKK recommends that only the passengers take the replacement bus M30 who wish to travel to the surrounding area of the two newly-closed stations.
Passengers travelling from South Pest to the city centre can continue to transfer from replacement bus M3 to metroline M3 at Nagyvárad tér.
For passengers travelling to or from Buda, instead of Corvin-negyed metro station, metroline M4 at Kálvin tér metro station is recommended where there is a transfer point to tramlines 47 and 49.
BKK recommends that passengers travelling from South Pest to the surrounding area of the two newly-closed stations get off the replacement bus M3 at the Népliget stop and transfer to replacement bus M30 at the stop to be found on Üllői út.
BKK recommends that passengers going from Corvin-negyed or Semmelweis Klinikák to Kőbánya-Kispest take replacement bus M30 to Nagyvárad tér and transfer to the replacement bus M3 departing from the stop situated on the other side of the hub.

The surrounding area of Corvin-negyed is accessible also:

by bikes: there are bike lanes both along the Grand Boulevard and on Üllői út,
By the MOL Bubi public bike sharing system: however the docking station to be found in the transport hub has been closed, due to the reconstruction works, there are several docking stations in its surrounding area.
By the public bike system that can be well combined with the other transport modes. Please find more information at: MolBubi
on foot from the adjacent station: Corvin-negyed from Kálvin tér via Üllői út is 8-9-min far on foot.

The surrounding area of Klinikák is accessible also:

by bikes: there is a bike lane on Üllői út,
by the MOL Bubi public bike system: the docking stations are to be found at the metro station and also in the surrounding streets. Information on the use of the public bike system that can be excellently combined with the other transport modes is to be found at molbubi.hu.
on foot from the adjacent station: Semmelweis Klinikák from Nagyvárad tér via Üllői út is 10-12-min far on foot.

Information for motorists and cyclists

The construction works of the infrastructure required for the service of replacement bus M30 have started on certain sections of Üllői út and also on Szentkirályi utca, thus bottlenecks, temporary lane closures and traffic restrictions may be applicable in that area.

Changes to be made from 13 July, Monday:

On Üllői út, two lanes will continue to be open to traffic, however replacement bus M30 will run in the outer shared lane dedicated for buses and cyclists, thus BKK would like to ask cyclist to pay particular attention to their rides on Üllői út.
On Szentkirályi utca, parking won’t be possible, as a two-way traffic order will be applicable: traffic can continue to go towards Baross utca, however in the opposite direction only replacement bus M30 is allowed to run.
In order to ensure the turning radius of buses to Üllői út, in the hub of Üllői út- Szentkirályi utca, a new traffic light order will be in place.
In order to ensure the terminus of the replacement bus on Üllői út, parking services will be ceased on certain section ahead of the hub of Szabó Ervin tér.

Read alsoDetails about the changes in public transportation in Budapest

July 14, 2020

Details about the changes in public transportation in Budapest

From Monday, July 13, Metro Line 3 will not stop at Semmelweis Clinics and Corvin-negyed stations due to the ongoing reconstruction works. Metro Line 3 still runs between Nagyvárad tér and Újpest-Központ while in the parts where the construction works begin passengers can travel by the bus M30 between Kálvin tér and Népliget.

Read alsoDetails about the changes in public transportation in Budapest

Portfólió reported that after the reconstruction works of the southern part of the metro line, works continue in the city centre, and more and more stations will close down and transform into a brand-new one. Construction continues at two stations (Corvin-negyed and Semmelweis Clinics) while Ferenciek tere and Arany János utca are still being renovated. On weekdays, the metro runs between Nagyvárad tér and Újpest-Központ but does not stop at the four stations mentioned. To reach the city parts between the renovated stations, BKK is starting the new bus line M30 that transfers passengers between Kálvin tér and Népliget.

BKK recommends the M30 bus for those who would like to travel between Semmelweis Clinics and Corvin-negyed. Other passengers can use the M3 bus from Nagyvárad tér without any changes in its route. Passengers travelling to Buda should stop at Kálvin tér and use Metro Line 4 or tram 47 and 49.

BKK, metro, Budapest, Hungary — *Photo: www.facebook.com/bkkbudapest*

M30, bus, Budapest, Hungary — *Photo: www.facebook.com/bkkbudapest*

On Üllői Road, the two lines remain for drivers, but buses will run on the line which is for cyclists as well. BKK expressed that all people travelling by bicycle on Üllői Road should pay careful attention as the number of buses will increase. As M30 will stop at Kálvin tér in front of Szabó Ervin Library, parking will be forbidden at Szentkirályi Street and Szabó Ervin Square. Cars will be allowed to drive in one direction towards Baross Street while the other line will be for the replacement buses.

At the crossing of Szentkirályi Street and Üllői Road, traffic lights will be installed.

Featured image: Daily News Hungary

Revamped northern stretch of metro line 3 opened

The revamped northern section of Budapest’s metro line 3 started operation on Saturday. The reconstruction of line 3 connecting the northern and southern districts on the Pest side of the city started in November 2017 and involved a stretch of six stations, from Újpest Központ to Dózsa György út.

READ MORE HERE

July 10, 2020

New tram line to reduce crowds on M3 replacement buses in Budapest

BKK plans to launch a new tram line in the Autumn in connection with the closure of the middle section of metro line M3. Transport experts agree that a fixed-track line to mitigate the crowdedness of replacement buses stuck in traffic is necessary to offer more option for those who previously used the middle section of metro line M3.

If the new connecting tracks between Soroksári út (road) and Haller utca (street) are completed in time, the new tram service between Baross tér (square) (Festetics György utca) and Jászai Mari tér can start. According to the information of Ittlakunk, the new service will run from Baross tér to the end of Haller utca using the rails of tram line 24, and from there to Jászai Mari tér on the tracks of tram line 2. The new line will take passengers in two directions from Nagyvárad tér, where the new temporary terminus of the southern metro section will be, it is also important to have a direct line to Jászai Mari tér.

The advantage of the new line is that it does not burden the already crowded terminus at Közvágóhíd, as it avoids it.

It is planned that there will be fewer cars on tram line 2 than at present, but the number of cars on line 24 will not change. The new tram line will run about 5-6-8 minutes during the day, of course at dawn and late at night and during weekends, it will be less frequent.

The new line will either be numbered 18 or 21. In the latter case, the buses running to Normafa and Csillebérc would have to be numbered back to 90, because a number can only belong to one line.

The curved track connection between Soroksári út and Haller utca will continue to be useful even after the middle section of metro line M3 is completed. It allows a direct line from Pesterzsébet to Jászai Mari tér.

There is already a double-track connection at Haller tér towards the outer section of Mester utca, and the tram line on Mester Utca to Ferenc körút (boulevard) will continue to exist.

Read alsoBudapest turned empty roads into bike lanes because of coronavirus

Read alsoThe weirdest things lost on Hungarian public transport vehicles in 2019

May 18, 2020

Reconstruction of metro line 3 has not stopped during pandemic

The global outbreak of COVID 19 has not yet affected the construction on metro line 3; demolition work is currently being done on the middle section of the line.

At the beginning of March, the upgrading of the two middle section stations has begun as well as reconstructions of the part between the Kőbánya and Kispest stations. The wall and ceiling coverages have already been torn down, and the structure in the incline is currently being broken down, according to Webrádió.

The cabins have been stripped off of their characteristic furnishings, advertisements and info boards. Architectural and mechanical demolition work has also begun on operating areas which will not disturb the safety of the metro traffic, BKV (Budapest Transport Privately Held Corporation) has announced.

The reconstruction of the middle section will proceed in July by the closing of the Corvin-quarter and Semmelweis Clinics metro stations, according to plans.

The reduced traffic and decreasing number of people on public transport due to coronavirus actually benefit construction and provide more ideal work conditions. Reconstruction of water, sewage and hydrants is proceeding faster than scheduled.

The health of workers is prioritised due the the pandemic. BKV is emphasising the importance of following hygiene rules, as well as the restrictions that come with the epidemic, while the reconstructions are being done. The work is currently territorially fragmented, and in more confined spaces it is well thought out to limit contact as much as possible.

According to BKV’s plans, testing processes can begin in the summer, reported PestBuda. The new air handlers, main ventilators and water mist extinguishing equipment have been installed already, and after electrical connections are put in, they will be tested.

Népszava has reported that the handover of the Népliget and Kőbánya-Kispest section is scheduled for the fall of 2020. Although there have been doubts about being able to keep up with the plans and a handover in the fall of 2021 may be more realistic. BKV hopes to finish the reconstruction of the whole line by the end of 2022.

Read alsoBudapest’s new metro line 5 could cost over €1 billion!

Read alsoReconstruction of metro line 3 has not stopped during pandemic

April 7, 2020

Budapest mayor: Financing available for Metro 3 air conditioning, technical solution missing

metro budapest m3 hungary photo kató alpár

Financing for air conditioning on the revamped Metro 3 line is available, Mayor of Budapest Gergely Karácsony said on Thursday. But a technical solution is missing, he said after a meeting of the Metropolitan Public Development Council (FKT).

Karácsony complained of “fake news” regarding the issue, saying the charge that his administration had quashed plans to fit air conditioning due to a lack of funding was untrue.

Read alsoGreat! Schedules of two Budapest metro lines to be extended during the night

He blamed his predecessor for the “bad decision” to renovate Russian trains while excluding an Estonian contractor that had solved the air-conditioning problem from the public procurement tender.

“Funding and the political will is there,” he said. “It’s the technical solution that is missing.”

Read alsoBudapest to have a Metro line 5 in 10 years?

Earlier today, Gergely Gulyás, the head of the Prime Minister’s Office, told a press conference that Karacsony had failed to honour his campaign promise to provide the city’s metro line 3 with air conditioning. He noted that the city assembly had rejected ruling Fidesz’s related proposal.

February 27, 2020

Great! Schedules of two Budapest metro lines to be extended during the night

BKK which deals with the transportation of Budapest decided on extending the schedules of underground lines in the future. This step would definitely influence the renovations of line M3 and requires to measure the needs of passengers in the city.

Read also10 strange Budapest metro plans from the past

Világgazdaság reported that after the constant delays of extending the schedules, BKK decided to extend the schedule of two underground lines from March 13 which would affect the weekends.

Therefore, the extension only affects the lines M2 and M4 first on Fridays and Saturdays.

Due to the ongoing reconstruction work of the line M3 the extension will not be introduced alongside the Millennium Underground (M1) beneath Andrássy Avenue. The project requires an estimated 1,5 billion HUF (4 million EUR). BKK required financial support from the government of Budapest but it was rejected.

Read alsoRevamped northern stretch of metro line 3 opened

To run the two underground lines until 2 am every Friday and Saturday a new kind of infrastructure and more employees are needed.

BKK needs to hire more drivers as the employees on the line M2 are not allowed to work overtime. Alongside them, more workers to control the reconstruction works are also needed as the extended schedules reduce the available time required for renovation works and procedures.

Read alsoBudapest to have a Metro line 5 in 10 years?

Featured image: Daily News Hungary

February 26, 2020

This is how the revamped southern strech of M3 will look like – Photos

The Southern section of Metro line 3 has been under reconstruction since March 2019. Work is expected to be done by this fall. Check out how the newly revamped stations will look like.

Hvg noticed that BKV revealed a bunch of photos of the potential layouts of the revamped stations of Metro line 3. If everything goes according to plans, the Southern stations will be open to the public this fall.

The reconstruction of line 3 connecting the Northern and Southern districts on the Pest side of the city started in November 2017. As Daily News Hungary reported earlier, the revamped Northern section of Budapest’s metro line 3 started operation in March 2019.

Read alsoRevamped northern stretch of metro line 3 opened

Right after the Northern section was completed, work began on the Southern part of the metro line. The Southern stations of Metro line 3 have been under a revamp since March 2019, and they are expected to be finished by the fall of 2020. The stations in question are Népliget, Ecseri út, Pöttyös utca and Határ út.

Read alsoMetro line M3 – no end to the problems?

According to the statements of BKV, the main objective was the mechanical and aesthetic renewal and refurbishment of the passenger areas and to create a brand-new look specific to the metro line, while partially retaining the unique character of the stations.

This is how they are going to look like once they are finished.

Featured image: www.m3felujitas.hu

February 6, 2020

Revamped northern stretch of metro line 3 opened

The revamped northern section of Budapest’s metro line 3 started operation on Saturday.

The reconstruction of line 3 connecting the northern and southern districts on the Pest side of the city, started in November 2017, and involved a stretch of six stations, from Újpest Központ to Dózsa György út.

At the inauguration, Budapest Mayor István Tarlós said that the railways, the ventilation system, and the security surveillance system were fully revamped as well as passenger areas, escalators and platforms.

The whole section is now accessible by wheelchair, he said.

On a work day, over 500,000 commuters use the line, making it the busiest railway in the country, Tarlós noted. The line was built gradually between 1970 and 1990, and underwent “no considerable reconstruction” since, he said.

Reconstruction will continue on April 6 with the southern section between Kőbánya Kispest and Népliget, he said.

This part is expected to be finished by the third quarter of 2020, while the full line is expected to be renewed by end-2022, he said.

The costs of the reconstruction are some 217 billion forints (EUR 675.9m), including a 172 billion EU grant, he said.

Featured image: MTI

March 30, 2019

PM Orbán, Mayor Tarlós sign pact on Budapest cooperation

Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and Budapest Mayor István Tarlós on Saturday signed a pact on cooperation between the government and capital city.

A key provision of the pact is the establishment of the Budapest Municipal Development Council to be jointly headed by the PM and mayor.

Speaking at a ceremony marking the 145th anniversary of Budapest’s unification, Tarlós said

the agreement would “drive forward Budapest’s sources of funding”.

He insisted that Budapest’s elected mayor and the relevant public bodies would have an influence on the development of the capital “more significant than at any time in the past seventy years”.

“Budapest … is part of Hungarian nation-building and is one of its important achievements,” he said.

Meanwhile, Tarlós and Deputy Mayor Alexandra Szalay-Bobrovniczky handed out prizes for public service and outstanding sporting achievements at the ceremony.

The Pro Urbe Budapest Award was went to Sándor Deák, Deputy Director General of the Budapest Szabó Ervin Library, actress Enikő Eszenyi director of the Vígszínház, József Halzl, honorary chairman of the Rákóczi Association and Attila Vidnyánszky, director of the National Theatre, among others.

Orbán said Budapest stood at the gates of great progress and the next decade would be the most successful in the city’s history. By 2030, Budapest will be among Europe’s most liveable cities and one of its safest, he said at the ceremony marking Budapest Day. Noting the agreement regarding the Budapest Municipal Development Council, he said joint work would have to be carried out with grit and determination.

The prime minister noted the completion of various flagship projects in the capital such as the 4th metro line, the renovation of the Museum of Fine Arts, and sports-related developments such as the Danube Arena and new stadiums.

He also mentioned ongoing reconstruction of the City Park, the Opera House, the Museum of Applied Arts and the refurbishment of Metro 3.

The council will soon have to make a decision regarding construction of a new modern pentathlon centre and the restoration of historic buildings in the Buda Castle, Orbán said. Also, construction of the new South-Buda central hospital will begin, he added.

“It is a huge task we are undertaking,” Orbán said, referring to developments planned up to 2030. “Budapest must radiate dignity, pride and greatness,” he added.

Referring to the new arrangements, the green opposition LMP party said Budapest was being put under “guardianship” of the prime minister. LMP lawmaker József Gál told a news conference that

the development council was a way of depriving the Budapest Metropolitan Assembly and the city’s inhabitants of their right to decide what kind of city they wanted to live in. It would be better, he said, if people were asked about their desired direction of developments.

The opposition Socialist Party’s Csaba Horváth told journalists that Tarlós would be nothing more than a puppet. He censured the mayor for stating his unqualified support for Fidesz even if the government did not comply with the agreement. He said Budapest needed a genuine cooperation agreement to guarantee that the 20 billion forints Budapest taxpayers pay each day into the city’s coffers would finance public utilities in the capital in a proportionate way.

November 18, 2018

Hungarian government to turn to EU, UN over ‘migrant cards’

The government will ask the EU and the United Nations for clarification concerning “the rather unclear circumstances” surrounding debit cards issued to migrants, the head of the Prime Minister’s Office said at a weekly government press briefing on Thursday.

Gergely Gulyás called it “unacceptable” that migrants should be granted debit cards without personal identification and said it posed risks in terms of fighting terrorism, people smuggling or money laundering.

He welcomed the European Parliament’s recent rejection of introducing a European “humanitarian visa system”.

Gruevski case

Concerning former Macedonian Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski’s recent request for asylum in Hungary, Gulyas said it was “a legal rather than an inter-governmental matter”. He said that the Hungarian state had not provided Gruevski any help with leaving Macedonia. The former prime minister had filed a declaration of intent to apply for refugee status at a Hungarian diplomatic mission outside Macedonia, Gulyas said. He said that a decision was then made for safety reasons that Gruevski should be interviewed in Budapest rather than in the transit zone, and added that it was “general practice with former political leaders”.

“Gruevski has not met Prime Minister Viktor Orbán,” Gulyás said.

Answering a question, he said Hungarian authorities would follow the relevant “security protocol” and ensure that Gruevski could not leave Hungary. Read more news about Gruevski case.

Brexit

In answer to a question related to Brexit, the Minister said Hungary would have been better pleased if Britain had opted to remain a member of the EU, but British electors adopted a decision to the contrary, and a country cannot be penalised due to a democratic decision. We need a fair Brexit, in the long run the EU and Britain will have to build the most advantageous possible relations, and Hungary therefore welcomes the increased chance of an agreement, he stated.

He took the view that while an extraordinary EU summit will be held next Sunday to address this issue, the approval of EU heads of state and government is not enough in itself. The agreement is also subject to the approval of the British Parliament, and in this regard he has major doubts. Even if no agreement is reached, the rights of the Hungarians already working there will not be curtailed in any way, he said.

The Minister said that a net contributor member is leaving the EU, and Britain’s contribution accounted for 12 to 13 per cent of the EU budget. According to Hungary, during the next seven-year financial framework either every Member State will proportionately increase their contributions, and as a result, the grand total of the budget will not decrease, or they will accept a 12 to 13 per cent fall in the budget and EU grants will be reduced accordingly, he explained.

Verhofstadt’s billboard campaign

In answer to a question, Mr Gulyás said regarding MEP Guy Verhofstadt’s billboard campaign that the European liberals are working “with a broad repertoire of political folklore”. This is about George Soros’s revenge, and the European liberals have joined this campaign, he said.

The Minister said in answer to an enquiry concerning the EP decision on the state of the rule of law in Romania that “after what happened in Hungary’s case”, the EP is no longer an authentic forum to pass judgement on issues of this nature.

He also said that they will send the results of the consultations on the future of Europe to French President Emmanuel Macron.

He said in answer to a question that the government has filed its action with the European Court of Justice against the Sargentini report.

Budapest, Metro line 3

The government will support the refurbishment of metro line three with EUR 247m (HUF 80 billion), the Minister heading the Prime Minister’s Office announced.

Mr Gulyás said the additional funds can be used at the end of 2019, in 2020 and in 2021, but the utilisation of funds could even extend to 2022. The metropolitan municipality is preparing the plans for the refurbishment of the metro line, and implementation, too, will fall within the municipality’s competence, he added. Read more news about Metro line 3 upgrade.

The Minister said that at the Wednesday cabinet meeting, which was also attended by Mayor of Budapest István Tarlós, they were in favour of the establishment of a metropolitan public development council, and the agreement thereon will be signed by István Tarlós and Prime Minister Viktor Orbán on Saturday.

The metropolitan public development council will deal with all issues concerning Budapest, and government decisions concerning Budapest will also be referred to the council, thereby ensuring permanent communication between the capital and the government at the highest level, Mr Gulyás highlighted.

Economy

The Minister informed the press that

in the third quarter Hungary’s economic growth reached 5 per cent, and as a result, it is third in Europe behind Poland and Ireland, Gulyás said.

Mr Gulyás also said that the Hungarian economy rests on stable foundations, and it is to be presumed that also in the whole of the year it will be capable of the highest economic growth rate among Member States of the European Union. At the same time, an economic growth rate above 4 per cent appears to be realistic for next year as well.

The deficit of the budget, too, is low, and in consequence it will be possible to adhere to this year’s deficit target of 2.4 per cent, he added.

He said the construction industry played the greatest role in the growth with an increase above 25 per cent, and internal consumption has also increased which justifies the pay rises of recent years as an appropriate measure.

The Hungarian economy rests on stable foundations, and an economic growth rate above 4 per cent appears to be realistic for next year, the Minister said.

He further highlighted that during the years of left-liberal governance the deficit of the budget reached almost 10 per cent; this clearly indicates the advantages of a conservative financial policy.

Health care

In answer to a question, Mr Gulyás said that at the Wednesday cabinet meeting the government discussed several proposals related to health care, and there will be further proposals in the near future.

A government decision is expected to be adopted before the end of the year which will comprehensively address the difficulties that exist in health care and the developments of the next few years. As a result, a decision may also be adopted about the priority central hospitals so that the relevant developments can start.

Regarding the new National Curriculum, the Minister said there is no official decision yet, and as things stand today, it is likely to be introduced in September 2020.

Paks

He said in the context of the enlargement of the Paks nuclear power station that it is to be hoped that the final deadline for the completion of the project can be observed. The Hungarian party will do everything it can to prevent delays.

Photo: MTI

November 15, 2018

Orbán requested István Tarlós to run for office of Mayor of Budapest again

Prime Minister Viktor Orbán requested Mayor of Budapest István Tarlós to run for office again in the next municipal elections. The Prime Minister announced this after he had talks with Mr Tarlós.

At the press conference held in Mr Tarlós’s company, Mr Orbán said Mr Tarlós stipulated “strict conditions”. They will decide on the most important of these at the Wednesday cabinet meeting which will also be attended by the mayor: they will set up a Budapest development council which they will lead together with Mr Tarlós as co-chair, and as part of this they will jointly develop and build Budapest, said the Prime Minister, observing that several of the developments to be launched will extend to 2030.

He informed the press that

they had also managed to come to an agreement on the sum of tens of billions forints necessary for the refurbishment of metro line 3.

The Prime Minister said Budapest is the home of Budapest residents, and also the capital of the nation and a natural centre of the Carpathian Basin. It is this conviction that guides the government’s policies regarding Budapest.

He added that they had recently launched a great many Budapest development projects, and at the meeting with the mayor

he presented a list of 60 items as proof that the government is committed to the development of the capital. From among the already completed projects, he mentioned the reconstruction of the ice skating rink in Városliget and the National Riding Hall, the refurbishment of the Buda Vigadó, the Dagály swimming complex, the Music Academy and the Tomb of Gül Baba, as well as the Korányi project.

From among projects that are currently under way, he made specific mention of the refurbishment of the Buda Castle District, the Fiumei út cemetery and the Salgótarjáni út Jewish cemetery, the renovation of the Opera House and a new athletics stadium to be built according to plans.

The projects already completed were implemented from an allocation of more than HUF 280 billion, while the projects currently under way are worth over HUF 600 billion. These do not include transport projects which amount to an item in excess of HUF 700 billion in total, the Prime Minister added.

He also observed that the government had assumed debts worth more than HUF 217 billion from the metropolitan municipality.

“We all have a vested interest in Budapest regaining its old glory. The government itself is convinced that Hungary can only be a serious country if its capital, too, undertakes serious endeavours”, Mr Orbán said.

In his words, a strong, confident and popular mayor is essential for the attainment of these goals. He added that the opinions of the government and Fidesz district mayors coincide on the matter.

At the press conference Mr Tarlós announced that he has accepted the nomination.

Photo: MTI

October 11, 2018

Budapest mayor: EU funds to guarantee Metro 3 project completion

The European Commission’s recent decision to fund the reconstruction of Budapest’s metro line 3 with 557 million euros (HUF 180bn) guarantees completion of the project, Budapest Mayor István Tarlós told a press conference on Friday.

Tarlós proposed to the government to use funds from the EU to cover 85 percent of the costs, around 149 billion forints, with the government and Budapest paying the rest jointly.

The government has already allocated 5 billion forints for unforeseen costs, and has an agreement to the value of 5.6 billion forints to make the entire line accessible by wheelchair, he said.

Answering a question, Tarlós said that

AC machines cannot be mounted on the already revamped metro carriages for “structural reasons”.

The Budapest transport authority is working on installing fans, he said.

Regarding the reconstruction works of Budapest’s Chain Bridge and the Castle Hill tunnel, Tarlós said that the government “has given positive feedback” on funding the extra 6 billion forints’ cost that would allow the two projects to be conducted simultaneously. As we wrote on April, only one year passed but the time required for renewing Chain Bridge has been tripled. These 3-4 years do not even include the restoration of the Buda Castle Tunnel — which was originally included in the project. The strangest part of the story is that the reason is not identified, read more HERE.

Also we wrote before, the metropolitan council will ensure the wheelchair accessibility of Budapest’s third metro line, which is in the course of being refurbished, by fixing “cabin structures” onto the escalators in the metro stations where the use of elevators is not an option, Budapest Mayor István Tarlós said. Read more HERE.

Photo: Daily News Hungary

August 4, 2018

EU to support Budapest metro 3 reconstruction with EUR 473.4 m

The European Union will contribute 473.4 million euros in cohesion funding to the reconstruction of Budapest’s third metro line, EU Commissioner Corina Cretu announced on Tuesday.

The commissioner who is in charge of regional policy said that the renewed metro line would serve over 500,000 passengers daily as well as tourists visiting the Hungarian capital.

The funds will be sufficient to replace rails and offer faster and safer travel, while all 20 stations and the whole lighting system along the line will be renewed, she added.

She said that the welfare of residents was a priority for the EU and welcomed that the whole line would be made wheelchair accessible.

The 17km metro line is expected to be renewed by 2021, while its increased capacity will facilitate transport of an additional 13,000 passengers each day, the commissioner added.

Featured image: Wiki Commons

July 10, 2018

More people cycling during metro revamp in Budapest

During the renovation of the M3 metro in Budapest, a lot more people are using rental bicycles known as MOL Bubi, according to Wednesday’s Világgazdaság.

The number of bicycles rented out in the period between November and April rose by 18.8 percent to 119,000 compared with the same period last year, the company that operates the rentals told the business paper.

This data confirms expectations before the metro refurbishment began that

many commuters would choose to use the bikes, which are available for rent at designated points on the street.

Last year, MOL Bubi revenue amounted to 62.4 million forints (EUR 190,000) and by April this year it came to 10.3 million.

We all love Budapest, but sometimes we also need to get out of the city, hop on a bicycle and spend some time outside. There are many routes to choose from; you can go on a day-trip and ride for about 30 km with frequent stops, throw in some sightseeing and have lunch on the way back. Or you can bike for just an hour or so, inside the city, maybe on the river bank to work on your stamina for longer trips. Check out these bike trips HERE.

We introduced the two most popular bike-sharing services in the capital: the Donkey Republic and MOL Bubi. Also we decided to plan a whole day for you to explore Budapest on two wheels in one day.

July 4, 2018

Opposition parties suspect fraud surrounding upgrade of Budapest metro 3 trains

Two opposition parties are seeking clarification regarding the Russian renovation of trains for Budapest’s third metro line, saying they suspect fraud.

A municipal representative of the Democratic Coalition (DK) told MTI on Sunday that recent photos found on a Russian website and released by the Hungarian “For the Metro” NGO served as proof that the metro line was running new trains instead of ones that had been returned to Budapest after being reconditioned under contract by Metrowagonmash.

The photos taken this week show trains which had been due to be returned to Budapest after their upgrade by March this year parked in Moscow, Erzsébet Gy. Németh said.

She said DK suspected fraud in connection with the tender conducted by the Budapest municipal council, under which Metrowagonmash, the winner, had delivered to Budapest unused, but outdated, technically defective trains.

DK will file a criminal report over the matter, she added.

The Párbeszéd party on Sunday called for an investigation by a designated municipal committee into the affair.

Márta V Naszályi, a Budapest deputy of the party, told a press conference that the Budapest municipality would be guilty of customs fraud if it had indeed purchased new trains instead of going through with the originally contracted renovations.

Budapest transport company BKV rejected DK’s claims in connection with the upgrade, insisting that the Russian side had delivered to Budapest all 37 carriages covered in their contract.

The Russian partner company carried out a thorough inspection of each carriage and replaced components where it was necessary, Tibor Bolla, BKV’s CEO, told MTI in a statement. It added that all of the carriages have already received an operating permit.

June 25, 2018

Holiday traffic schedule of Budapest for the long weekend of Pentecost

Another long weekend is coming with the celebration of Pentecost when traffic changes are expected in Budapest. For this reason, it might be a good idea to check the schedule of the means of public transportation operating in the capital well in advance. As Bkk.hu reports, to make travelling more comfortable for passengers during the long weekend, both metro line M2 and M4 operate on an extended schedule, while between 20 and 21 May, metro line M3 also operates along the Lehel Square and Kőbánya-Kispest route.

Favourable traffic changes are to be expected during the long weekend of Pentecost making public transportation easier for those planning to participate in any of the celebrations organised in the capital. On 19 May, means of public transportation operate according to Saturday schedule while on 20 and 21 May, holiday schedules are in force.

It is good news for everyone that between 20-21 May, metro line M3 operates along the Kőbánya-Kispest-Lehel Square route, but as usual, between Újpest station and Lehel Square station, replacement buses transport passengers.

It is also important to keep in mind that on 19 May (Saturday), metro line M3 is out of service, which means that all along the line, replacement buses substitute the underground carriages.

Traffic schedule changes are also to be expected in the operation of metro line M2 and M4 since from 18 May to 20 May (from Friday to Sunday), they run according to extended schedule to satisfy the increased demand experienced in the last few years. This means that along both lines, subway trains operate until half past one in the morning.

On 19 May, Sunday schedules are in force, while to 20 and 21 May, public holiday schedules apply.

Besides the extended schedules of the two metro lines, passengers can also use night transport services (buses and trams) between 18-20 May, but it is the usual weekend schedule that is in force regarding them.

If you would like to plan your itinerary in order to avoid traffic congestion in Budapest, it is highly advisable to use the BKK FUTÁR mobile application or plan your journey on its website here which provides up-to-date information 24/7.

Featured image: Daily News Hungary

May 18, 2018

Scandalous! Chain Bridge renovations lasting about 4 years

Only one year passed but the time required for renewing Chain Bridge has been tripled. These 3-4 years do not even include the restoration of the Buda Castle Tunnel — which was originally included in the project. The strangest part of the story is that the reason is not identified, as Index.hu reported.

According to the report in April 2017, Chain Bridge was planned to be renewed within one and a half years from 72 million euros. By next April, these plans have radically changed: three years of work and 51 million euros were mentioned, while Buda Castle Tunnel’s renewal was not a part of the project anymore.

It is not known why the plans have changed in only one year, but the estimated time is now almost three times longer than in the beginning.

According to the permission document drawn up last year, the working process would have begun in June 2017 and would have finished in December 2019. In the current record, December 2018 is mentioned as the date of starting and December 2021 as the time of finishing the constructions. This new plan does not mention the Buda Castle Tunnel anymore.

The renewal of the Chain Bridge has been a hot topic for some time. In 2014, the idea of wider pedestals came up beside the plans to make the bridgehead in Pest greener. Due to lack of funds, both these ideas were forgotten soon.

The removal of the Buda Castle Tunnel also served the purpose of saving money. This project will be treated separately after the renewal of the Chain Bridge is completed. BKK manager Dávid Vitézy wrote a Facebook post about the topic on Sunday:

This means that the Tunnel-Chain Bridge axis will be closed for the traffic for twice the time originally planned, namely for 4-5 years. This means twice as long closure time not just for motorists, but also for buses 16 and 105, as well as for cyclists.

He also noted that BKK and Budapest has lost its control over traffic issues and the city hall’s bureaucracy rules the system now. He stated that a whole new approach and structure is needed to maintain transport in Budapest.

It was revealed in the bill regarding the renewal of the Chain Bridge that an underground garage is planned under the Hungarian Academy of Sciences.

The attachments claim that the investment is currently just a concept. Even this schedule and budget is uncertain as the tender still has to be announced. As in the case of Metro 3, some more expensive offers may be submitted.

According to another proposal discussed on Wednesday, several other investments will be delayed.

The planning and preparation BBK’s road renewal program’s deadline was prolonged from 2018 to 2020. The sources will be reconsidered.

The deadline for the program’s execution — mostly due to technical issues and legal processes — was also delayed from 2019 to 2020. The preparation, planning and execution of BKK’s artwork renovation program have also increased its costs and estimated time. The renewal of the Russian metro rakes is delayed due to Metrovagonmas.

The construction of the end station in Budafok is also prolonged until the end of 2018.

The development of the cog-wheel currently lacks the construction permit so it will also be finished by about 31 December 2018. The tram line of Újpalota was removed from the plans.

The cyclist bridge near Duna Arena and the cycle track belonging to it do not have the required market approval yet, so it joined the list of projects scheduled for the last days of this year.

The prolonging of tram line 1 is also late, as many of the tasks scheduled for 2017 were delayed to 2018. The renewal of Metro 1 suffers from similar problems.

April 26, 2018

City deputies vote for disabled accessibility at several metro 3 stations

The Budapest assembly has unanimously voted to approve special accessibility for the disabled at several metro 3 stations.

The decision to go ahead with installing the lifts coincides with the refurbishment of the metro line.

The stations at Arany János Street, Ferenciek Square, Calvin Square, the Corvin Quarter and Klinikák will be refurbished to include the special accessibility facilities.

The renovation of Budapest’s iconic Chain Bridge will begin in September, to be completed by the middle of 2021. City deputies approved the measures with 20 votes in favour, one against and eight abstentions.

The renovation includes demolishing and rebuilding the pavement, reinforcing the steel structures and protecting them against corrosion and reconditioning the pedestrian rails. Also, stone surfaces with be cleaned and decorative lighting restored, among other measures.

The underpass of the Pest side of the bridge will also be reconstructed. The total cost is projected at 16 billion forints (EUR 52m).

The tunnel under the Castle District is noted as the second phase of the project pending available resources.

The opposition Socialist Party welcomed the metro accessibility plan and said that Wednesday’s vote had put an end to a “long and unworthy debate”.

Addressing a press conference ahead of the vote, Socialist Party councillor Csaba Horváth added, however, that the city council leadership “only took the matter seriously” when the opposition initiated a referendum on it.

On the topic of the renovation of the Chain Bridge and the tunnel, Horváth said decisions made at Wednesday’s assembly session indicated that the project would drag on beyond the planned timeframe. He said Budapest Mayor István Tarlós “should have the balls” to ask the government for the extra funding that would allow the renovations to be carried out with the least amount of inconvenience to Budapest residents.

Meanwhile, the assembly voted to increase the base fare for taxis from 450 to 700 forints effective July 1. It also voted to raise the per-kilometre fee from 280 to 300 forints and the waiting fee from 70 to 75 forints.

A planned debate on the expansion of paid parking areas was taken off the assembly’s agenda and pushed back to May at the initiative of 12th district mayor Zoltán Pokorni. Another debate on concession contracts for sightseeing buses was also taken off the agenda.

Addressing a press conference ahead of the assembly’s session, Jobbik councillor Marcell Tokodi called for thousands of more P+R parking spaces to be built with a view to improving public transport. Speaking before the assembly had postponed the debate on paid parking areas, Tokodi said expanding the number of paid parking spaces would not be enough to solve the capital’s parking problems. Instead, Jobbik proposes the opening of P+R parking areas that would be free of charge for public transport pass holders, he said. Tokodi argued that such a solution would be more environmentally friendly and would reduce traffic in the capital.

Featured image: Daily News Hungary

April 25, 2018