The capital plans major metro and tram improvements with EU support

The municipality-owned Budapest Transport Centre (BKK) has submitted an application for funding for major investments to improve public transport in the capital under the EU's Integrated Transport Operational Programme Plus (IIOP Plus), according to a press release. The framework is part of the HUF 300 billion EU funding announced by Budapest Mayor Gergely Karácsony in mid-January.

New links between the suburbs and the city centre

They explain that the funding will provide an opportunity to prepare developments that could significantly improve transport links in Budapest, especially between the suburban districts and the city centre. This will create convenient, non-stop connections between areas where they are currently lacking and will develop zero-emission transport modes that focus on sustainability and the environment.

Small underground developments, the connection of the tram network between North Pest and South Buda and the first phase of the South Pest tram ring among the projects

Under the IKOP Plus , BKK, as the transport operator of the capital, has submitted a grant application for HUF 10 billion for the planning of the following projects included in the Budapest Mobility Plan (BMT):

• preparing the extension of the small underground and the renewal of the existing line;
• preparation and planning of the connection of the tram network between North Pest and South Buda, with the rehabilitation of Váci út and Bajcsy-Zsilinszky út and the renewal of Nyugati tér (Újbuda-Ujpest tramway axis);
• preparation of the first phase of the southern Budapest tram ring: preparation of the extension of tram line 3 in pesterzsébet;
• preparing plans for the extension of tram 42.

According to the press release, the development package just announced will be followed by others, with BKK applying for funding for further developments soon; all of which will contribute to the transport and urban development goals set out in the Budapest Mobility Plan.

Detailed information on the implementation and planning timetable, the socialisation process and the planned technical content of the projects is promised in the coming period.