On Monday, Budapest's Climate Protection, Transport, and Urban Development Committee met to discuss several key transport initiatives, including the soon-to-launch BKK police, an extension of the 100E airport bus service, ticket price increases, and the enhancement of the city’s night public transport system.

The meeting agenda featured a report detailing the proposed increases in public transport ticket prices by BKK (Budapest Transport Center).

BKK presented a comprehensive report outlining short-term development proposals in line with the approved Budapest Mobility Plan.

Walter Katalin, the CEO of BKK, stated that part of their role is to suggest development initiatives as mandated by the mobility plan.

Initially, there were no plans for transforming the 100E and the night service networks; however, the Budapest General Assembly expressed interest in these areas, prompting BKK to develop proposals accordingly.

Ticket Price Increases
The BKK report submitted to the committee includes detailed information on proposed ticket price increases.

Katalin indicated that following last year's tariff agreement, favorable conditions were established for those purchasing monthly passes, aiming to encourage more users to opt for them.

The planned increase would primarily affect tourists and occasional travelers.

According to the report:

Single tickets would rise from 450 HUF to 500 HUF.

Onboard tickets would increase from 600 HUF to 700 HUF.

A bulk ticket (10 single journeys) would go from 4,000 HUF to 4,500 HUF.

A 30-minute ticket would increase from 530 HUF to 600 HUF.

A 90-minute ticket would rise from 750 HUF to 850 HUF.

The Budapest 24-hour ticket would increase from 2,500 HUF to 2,750 HUF.

The Budapest 72-hour ticket would rise from 5,500 HUF to 5,750 HUF.

The prices of monthly passes would remain unchanged.

The proposed increase is anticipated to yield an additional revenue of 880 million HUF.

100E Airport Bus Service
The BKK report indicates that the 100E airport bus could see an increase in ridership by up to 35 percent.

In consideration of increased traffic and passenger demands, a new terminal is proposed for the airport bus, shifting from Deák Square to Nyugati Railway Station, while still servicing Deák Square.

A significant new feature would allow pass holders to travel on the 100E with a discounted additional ticket, priced at two single tickets (currently 900 HUF), making it more affordable for pass holders, as the current fare for all passengers is 2,100 HUF.

David Vitézy supported the proposal regarding the 100E airport bus, advocating for pass holders to use the bus at the rate of two single tickets.

Katalin explained that their calculations indicated that the impact of the discount system would be neutral, predicting that the pass holder discount would be balanced by the ticket price increase.

For passengers without passes, the ticket price would increase to 2,500 HUF.

Enhancing Night Services
Vitézy also suggested extending metro operations on weekdays and weekends.

BKK currently allocates 100 million HUF for this purpose.

They could implement one of three options by this November: fine-tuning the night network within existing structures, adjusting the night services to include longer metro operating hours, or redesigning the night services with extended metro hours.

The latter would extend metro services to operate until at least 1:00 AM on weekends, increasing the number of 24-hour routes.

Tibor Déri raised concerns regarding funding for the developments.

Vitézy noted that they are basing their plans on a 500 million HUF business plan established by BKK, but emphasized that certain improvements would require fare increases.

According to the Public Transport Association, enhancements to the night services are necessary as the current system is struggling with overcrowding on buses.

However, they argue that BKK's proposed 24-hour lines do not sufficiently address core issues; they recommend instead converting established lines to nonstop services.

Ultimately, the committee approved Vitézy's suggestion to extend metro hours until 1:00 AM on weekends and midnight on other days.

Speeding Up Trams
The principles for enhancing tram services have already been approved by the assembly.

BKK's Deputy CEO, Peter Takács, mentioned the goal of improving the quality of tram transport, which accounts for one-third of the overall transportation.

Several proposals for speeding up tram services were presented, including the use of 'signal request' traffic lights that respond to arriving trams, enabling priority passage.

This program could initially be implemented on tram lines 2, 14, 50, and 69, with potential for further expansion.

Discussions also included raising track speed limits, as the current legal speed is 50 km/h, with expectations that the new regulations would increase this limit.

BKV's trams can operate up to 70 km/h, with some capable of even 80 km/h. Additionally, modifications could allow trams to transition automatically without requiring the driver’s intervention.

Katalin noted that they are not starting from scratch as they have previously proposed development initiatives.

The real challenge, according to her, will be optimizing stop locations, which often come with local interest conflicts.

Situation Regarding BKK Police
The establishment of the BKK police was decided during the General Assembly in October of the previous year, initially allowing for a staff of 75 under the oversight of the Municipal Police Department (Föri).

Despite the initiative's launch, it was reported that less than half of the positions have been filled.

Vitézy called for swift action to remedy this staffing shortfall, urging that simpler processes for making reports should be developed, as the current system relies on a single phone number.

Kiss Ambrus, the director-general, stated that it is essential to avoid hiring individuals who are not suited for the roles.

He agreed with simplification measures and the initiation of an informational campaign regarding the BKK police.

As of March 5, 84 candidates had been interviewed, but 35 withdrew, and 15 were successfully hired, leaving 34 positions still in progress, with five staff members already resigning, currently totaling 41 active officers.

Efforts are being made to quickly fill the 75-member staff requirement.

In the discussion, several attendees argued for the inclusion of a chat feature within the BudapestGO application to facilitate report submissions, making it easier for users to notify the BKK police.

Committee members expressed skepticism regarding the practicality of making phone calls in the midst of urgent situations, such as ongoing altercations.

They also decided that BKK would begin exploring potential options for developing a chat reporting feature.