New trolleybus line launches in Budapest, making public transport faster and easier
A new era in public transportation has begun in Zugló, District XIV of Budapest, as the new 81 trolleybus line officially launched on Saturday, 21 June, significantly improving transit connections in the district’s northern areas.
According to a statement from BKK, the 81 trolleybus links the Mexikói út metro station with the Örs vezér tere terminus via Miskolci Street, providing a direct and speedy connection between two major transit hubs.
The route extends the previous 74A line and operates in battery-powered mode from Miskolci Street to Szugló Street, then continues along the tracks shared with the 77 and 82 trolleybuses to reach Örs vezér Square. The new alignment incorporates several areas into Zugló’s public transit network and aims to reduce the number of transfers needed within the district.
As a result of the development, travel time in the Alsórákos area could be shortened by as much as 10–15 minutes—an improvement that will benefit daily commuters. Additionally, the distance residents must walk to reach public transit in Miskolci Street has been reduced, making it easier and faster to connect to key parts of the capital.
During the summer school break, the new 81 line will operate daily, with buses every 15 minutes during peak hours and every 20 minutes during off-peak times. BKK says it will fine-tune schedules based on passenger data collected after the launch to best meet riders’ needs.
The line was introduced following an extensive community consultation, in which more than 2,600 Zugló residents participated. Three-quarters of respondents supported the new route, citing its benefits for the district’s transit network. During that consultation, an even longer route was proposed—running the full length of Miskolci Street, continuing via Gvadányi Street to Fogarasi Road, and then following the 80 trolleybus line to Örs vezér Square.
However, due to the current capacity of the battery-powered vehicles, this expanded route isn’t yet feasible. BKK has already launched a conditional procurement process for new trolleybuses with greater off-wire range—capable of traveling up to 15 kilometers independently. Should these new vehicles enter service, further network expansions may follow in Zugló, according to Énbudapestem.
The project also included new stops along Miskolci Street, including at Erzsébet királyné Road, Kerékgyártó Street, Telepes Street, and Csömöri Road. These stops offer improved transfer opportunities. For example, at Erzsébet királyné Road, riders can connect to bus 5 and trams 62, 62A, and 69, while Csömöri Road provides linkage to several bus lines.
The initiative is jointly financed and supported by BKK and the Zugló local government, aligning with the city’s goals for sustainable and environmentally friendly transportation. The new trolleybuses feature low-floor designs, air conditioning, quiet operation, and zero emissions—contributing to improved air quality and more livable urban spaces in Budapest.
This development marks a major step in the renewal and expansion of Budapest’s trolleybus network, which will continue with new lines and extensions across the capital in the coming years.
The launch of the 81 trolleybus line represents a significant milestone in Zugló’s public transit, offering faster, more convenient, and greener transportation options—especially for residents in the Alsórákos area—and advancing the city’s sustainable mobility vision.
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