BKSZ Budapest Transport Association targets the suburban area of Budapest, similar to transport systems in place for many years in Western European regions and urban areas. Their goal is to provide viable solutions to public transport and a reduction of the well-known unfavourable effects of motorisation.

In order to reduce (or rather to grade) financial strain of the programme, a time schedule has been established defining several stages in the creation of Budapest's integrated public transport system:

– On 1st September 2005, combined transport passes were launched. As the first step of implementing the Budapest Transport Association, holders of a combined pass are entitled to board all commuter trains and coaches within Budapest city limits, in addition to the BKV services. Hungarian State Railways (MÁV) and regional bus carriers (Volán companies) joined forces with BKV Budapest Transport in issuing these new combined transport titles.

– Implementation of a unified tariff system extending to all carriers by means of an electronic ticket validating system (to be introduced by 2010).

– Realisation of the fully-fledged public transport system (after 2010).

The first stage, launching the combined passes, was realised at comparatively low cost. It is apt to convince both political leadership and the general public of the opportunities of integrated transport systems and of the priority of environmentally friendly means of transportation. A target population of nearly 3.3 million residents of the agglomeration means that many commuters to the centre of Budapest are able to pick the best connections available without having to purchase various tickets and passes.

Some significant administrative steps that were required at this initial stage:

– Gradual harmonisation of the tariff structure of railway and interurban bus services.

– Harmonisation of local and interurban discounts for commuters and frequent users.

– Establish BKSZ Budapest Transport Association as a clearing organisation, owned by the Ministry of Economics and Transport and Budapest City Council.

– By way of joint financing tools underwritten by the Ministry and City Council ensure carriers are compensated for any losses incurred due to the new tariff system.
 

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