The free travel of the Hungarian pensioners is unique in Europe
Not only Hungarians above 65 get state-supported discounts if they use vehicles of public transportation but even those who are younger. Furthermore, fare reductions include not only those who have Hungarian citizenship.
Hungarians above 65 can use all vehicles of public transportation for free if they can show their ID to prove their age. Furthermore, the state provides this allowance for the non-Hungarian citizens, as well – napi.hu reported.
Two more groups receive the opportunity to travel for free. Firstly, those Hungarians who live in neighbouring countries but do not have citizenship. Secondly, those non-Hungarians and refugees who already received a permanent residence permit.
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Interestingly, the state-provided free travel is unique in Europe. In other EU countries, people above 60 or 65 receive only a 25-50 pc price reduction. Those Hungarian pensioners who are not 65 yet can get 50 or 90 pc reduction. They can use the former 16 times a year while they can travel with the latter two times a year. However, they can change two 50 pc discount vouchers for one 90 pc paper anytime.
Source: napi.hu
“The free travel of the Hungarian pensioners is unique in Europe”
No it is not. The ROI (the Republic of Ireland) which is in the EU provides free travel for those of state pension age, whether nationals or non-national residents. The Free Travel Card also enables people from the ROI to enjoy free travel in Northern Ireland.
You may be interested to learn that public transportation in Luxembourg is free for everybody (except first-class tickets).
Pensioners receive free bus travel in England and those living in London are also entitled to free travel on the underground and trains within Greater London.
Wrongly, in my opinion, Great Britain is no longer a member of the European Union.
Australia certainly is not but if you are 65 and over in the “land down under” all modes of public transport in there capital cities and regional rural areas is free.
Stay Well – All.
Also in Ireland pensioners (from age 66) travel free of charge on ALL public transport systems throughout the country. The only difference with Hungary is that the Irish pensioners have to show a special Free Travel Pass to prove their entitlement.
#Gary: I think you are confusing ‘Europe’ with the ‘EU’. The UK has not geographically relocated, it is still a european nation located in north-west Europe . The headline stated ‘Europe’ so Mike is quite correct to include England in this context.
From my experience in Hungary, buses are free but trains have a minimal costs of a dollar or two, and reserved seats are also charged.
Still a bit confusing, I am Australian and have visited Budapest several times, I am just over 65 yet notice that there is a monthly Budapest Pensioners pass which is is 3,500 forint as opposed to the 9,500 Forint full fare.
Nowhere does it state what eligibility requirements this, 3500 forint pensioners pass requires.
Could somebody please explain this fare.