Recently introduced Volánbusz seat reservation system on Hungarian buses is failing to operate effectively

Volánbusz/MÁV (following the merger of MÁV and Volánbusz in August) has introduced seat reservation tickets for long-distance buses at a cost of HUF 300 (EUR 0.80) offline and HUF 285 online. Tickets can be purchased via the MÁV app, the website jegy.mav.hu, at MÁV offices, or through MÁV-Start ticket machines. However, passengers have raised concerns, saying that the MÁV app is frequently down and that the offices are often found to be closed.

Purchasing seat reservation tickets for buses is not easy

According to Telex, a reader from Szekszárd, the county seat of Tolna County, reported that they attempted to purchase a seat reservation ticket through the MÁV app, but the system was not functioning. The MÁV office in Szekszárd is only open from 7 am to 4 pm on weekdays, leaving people without the option to buy a ticket offline at weekends. The reader did not mention whether MÁV-Start machines are available in the town.

While seat reservations are not mandatory, they are recommended when travelling on busy routes or during peak travel periods. The system aims to improve passenger comfort, having replaced the previous supplementary ticket system on 1st August. A reserved seat guarantees a place, particularly during busy travel times.

Telex also highlighted the difficulties involved in purchasing a seat reservation ticket through the MÁV app. For instance, reservations can only be made if travelling to or from Budapest. For example, it is possible to book a seat when travelling from Szekszárd to Budapest, but not for shorter journeys, such as from Szekszárd to the nearby town of Tamási. The former bus operator had promised to introduce this feature to the app, but further development is required, so it will not be available in the near future.

On top of that, the MÁV app is not particularly user-friendly, making it tricky to find the option to purchase a ticket along with a seat reservation.

DK criticised the seat reservation system of Volánbusz

Unsurprisingly, Ferenc Gyurcsány’s Democratic Coalition (DK) has expressed opposition to the seat reservation system of Volánbusz. MP Erzsébet Gy. Németh stated at a press conference on Friday that the HUF 300 (EUR 0.80) ticket surcharge is an unnecessary burden on commuters, students, the elderly, and families with children.

Instead of imposing such “extra charges”, the government should focus on increasing investment in public transport, including expanding services and offering higher wages for bus drivers, she argued.

However, DK did not criticise the functionality of the system itself.

Read also:

• New bus seat reservation system to be introduced in Hungary, details in THIS article
• Volánbusz: Hungary’s main passenger bus company ceases to exist