Major Public Transport Improvements Could Happen in Budapest

Preparations for major tram and metro developments in Budapest could be launched with the co-financing of the European Union. Planning can start soon for the extension of the Metro Line M1 (Millennium Underground Railway), the connection of the tram lines between Újbuda and Újpest, the extension of the south Pest tram ring, and the development of tram 42.

The company submitted its first application for funding of HUF 10 billion (EUR 25.8 million) for its future developments in the framework of the 2021-2027 EU budget cycle on Wednesday. The grant is part of the HUF 300 billion (EUR 775 million) EU funding announced by Mayor of Budapest Gergely Karácsony in mid-January, the Center for Budapest Transport (BKK) revealed in a statement.

The BKK stressed that

the funding will provide an opportunity to prepare developments that could significantly improve transport connections in Budapest, especially between the suburban districts and the city center.”

“This will create convenient, non-stop connections between areas where they are currently lacking and will develop zero-emission modes of transport that focus on sustainability and environmental protection,” the statement said.

Under the Integrated Transport Development Operational Program Plus (IKOP Plus), BKK has submitted a grant application for the planning of the following projects included in the Budapest Mobility Plan (BMT):

• preparation of the extension of the Millennium Underground Railway and the renovation of the existing line
• preparation and design of the connection of the tram network in north Pest and south Buda with the rehabilitation of Váci Street and Bajcsy-Zsilinszky Street, and the renewal of Nyugati Square (Újbuda-Újpest tram line)
• preparation of the first phase of the southern Budapest tram ring, preparation of the extension of tram 3 in Pesterzsébet
• and preparation of plans for the extension of the tram 42 line.

The development package recently announced is only the first step, said the BKK, which will soon apply for funding for further developments. All of these will contribute to the transport and urban development objectives set out in the BMT, according to the statement.

Via MTI, Featured image: Pixabay