Government pledges overhaul of Hungary’s rail network and commuter services

Transport Minister Vitézy Dávid announced a government drive to strengthen public transport, upgrade main rail lines to county seats and create attractive suburban traffic in all major cities, including Budapest.

At the CityRail 2026 event, Transport and Investment Minister Vitézy Dávid outlined the government's strategy to boost public transport, ensure competitive rail links to county capitals and develop appealing suburban networks across Hungary's major cities, including Budapest. He stressed that the ministry’s work is now driven by public interest, with cooperation replacing previous power struggles and rail demolition giving way to development, referencing the Baross Gábor plan as a long-term policy framework.

To restructure the state transport apparatus, the government established Vonatflotta Zrt. on September 1, tasked with vehicle acquisition, alongside the National Transport Organizer responsible for nationwide inter-city coordination. Vitézy pointed out that the average age of MÁV and HÉV rolling stock is 43 years, with most lacking passenger information displays, climate control, air filtration, accessibility features, or onboard toilets.

He announced forthcoming procurement of at least 35 multi-level InterCity motor trains and tenders to replace entire fleets on the Szentendre, Ráckeve and Csepel lines. Additional projects include preparatory work on Debrecen’s main station, studies on tram-train and tram network upgrades, development of rail services in Eger, upgrades to the western approaches of Nyugati station, and a review of the airport rail link concession process.