Published: December 21 2023
Changes have been announced regarding the acceptance of the Budapest pass on MÁV, Volán, and HÉV lines. Starting from a specified date, the Budapest pass will no longer be valid for travel on these lines, and only tickets or passes sold by MÁV or Volán will be accepted.
Expiration of the Hybrid Model
The current hybrid model for the operation of HÉV services and agglomeration bus services, which is set to expire on 31 December 2023, will not be extended. This means that if you plan to travel within Budapest on MÁV, Volán, or HÉV lines, you will need to purchase tickets or passes from MÁV or Volán.
Agreement Not Reached
Negotiations between the Ministry of Construction and Transport and the Municipality of Budapest regarding the settlement of the contract in 2022 have not resulted in an agreement. As a result, the financial closure of the year 2022 did not take place, and the previous agreement on the acceptance of the Budapest pass on intercity services will also be terminated.
Changes to the Fare System
Starting from 1 March 2024, BKK tickets and Budapest season tickets/passes will not be accepted on the routes of MÁV-START Plc. and VOLÁNBUSZ Plc. within the capital city. Instead, intercity fare products, including county and country passes and their new 24-hour versions, will be required for travel on these routes. These changes aim to address the disproportionate state subsidy advantage of Budapest's public transport compared to other large towns and their surrounding areas.
Redistribution of Funds
The funds that are no longer being used for Budapest's public transport subsidies will be redirected towards supporting public transport in other rural towns or improving workers' wages. This redistribution aims to create a fairer distribution of resources and support public transport infrastructure outside of the capital.
Conclusion
The Budapest pass will no longer be accepted on MÁV, Volán, and HÉV lines, starting from a specified date. Travelers will need to purchase tickets or passes from MÁV or Volán for travel on these lines. These changes will also impact the acceptance of the Budapest pass on intercity services. The changes to the fare system will take effect on 1 March 2024, and intercity fare products will be required for travel within Budapest. The funds freed up from the changes will be used to support public transport in other rural towns or improve workers' wages.
Questions & Answers
What changes are happening to Budapest public transport? Budapest Pass will no longer be accepted on MÁV, Volán, and HÉV lines starting from 1 March 2024.
What is the hybrid model and when does it expire? The hybrid model, which allows Budapest Pass to be used on MÁV, Volán, and HÉV lines, will expire on 31 December 2023.
Can I still use Budapest Pass to travel within Budapest? Yes, Budapest Pass can still be used for travel within Budapest on buses, trams, and metro lines operated by BKK (Budapest Transport Company).
What tickets or passes will be accepted on trains, ferries, and buses in Budapest and the surrounding area? Only tickets or passes sold by MÁV (Hungarian State Railways) or Volán (Regional Bus Company) will be accepted for travel on trains, ferries, and buses in Budapest and the surrounding area.
Why is the Budapest pass no longer accepted on MÁV, Volán, and HÉV lines? There was a disagreement between the Ministry of Construction and Transport (ÉKM) and the Metropolitan Municipality regarding the settlement of the contract. As a result, the previous agreement allowing Budapest Pass to be used on these lines was terminated.
What will happen to the previous agreement on the acceptance of the Budapest pass on intercity services? The previous agreement on the acceptance of Budapest Pass on intercity services will also be terminated with the same effect.
What will happen to Budapest's subsidies for public transport? The discontinuation of Budapest Pass on MÁV, Volán, and HÉV lines is aimed at compensating for the disproportionate state subsidy advantage of Budapest's public transport compared to other large towns and their surrounding areas. The funds freed up will be used to support public transport in other rural towns or improve workers' wages.
