Delayed train or bus in Hungary? Get half your ticket back!

Significant upgrades have been announced by Minister of Construction and Transport János Lázár: "delay insurance", "MÁV bus", renovated fleet and restrooms and more!

By: dailynewshungary.com

Jan 08 2025
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Delayed train or bus in Hungar

In an effort to improve the quality of public transportation in Hungary, significant upgrades have been announced by Minister of Construction and Transport János Lázár. Starting 1 June, a new “delay insurance” policy will be introduced across MÁV (Hungarian State Railways) and Volán buses. Under this policy, passengers will receive half of their ticket price refunded if their train or bus is delayed by more than 20 minutes, with no paperwork or proof required from the passengers. Those who purchased tickets online will receive an automatic refund, while those with paper tickets can claim their refund at ticket counters.

Refunds on ticket prices, discount on passes

Additionally, MÁV season ticket holders will also benefit from this initiative. If their service is delayed five times in a month, they will receive a 10% discount on their next month’s pass. To make use of this, passengers will need to enable the delay insurance feature in the MÁV app. According to Economx, as part of a broader effort to enhance the overall travel experience, Lázár also announced plans for a major overhaul of public transport services by 2026. By 1 January 2026, all MÁV and Volán Group restrooms will be renovated, with a focus on improving hygiene standards. These restrooms will be free to use for passengers who have a valid ticket or pass. In addition, MÁV will deploy cleaning staff on all InterCity trains starting 1 April 2025, to maintain cleanliness during travel.

Renewing the bus and train fleet

To further improve the fleet, Hungary plans to purchase 1,000 new buses by 2026, expanding the existing fleet of 5,700 Volán buses. Additionally, the MÁV locomotive fleet will be upgraded, with 40 new electric locomotives and 15 high-performance diesel locomotives scheduled to enter service by the summer of 2025. The government also aims to reduce the shortage of InterCity carriages by adding 100 new cars during the peak summer season. Moreover, a new service called “MÁV Bus” will operate alongside trains to accommodate overcrowded routes.

For example, if a train from the Déli railway station is full, passengers will be directed to a MÁV Bus that will take them to their destination.

Passengers will also be able to choose whether they travel on air-conditioned trains or buses, as the government ensures that either option is available on all routes. In addition, the MÁV+ app will be revamped, offering expanded features such as the delay insurance system, set to launch in April 2025. With these extensive reforms, Lázár aims to provide a more reliable, cleaner, and modern public transport system for Hungarian travellers.

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