Urbos Tram Boosts Budapest’s Public Transportation Efficiency
08.10.2024
The Urbos tram has arrived in Budapest, marking a major step in modernizing the city’s public transport system, this is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

CAF, a Spanish company, delivered the first tram to the Hungarian capital, where it will soon start operating. BKK, Budapest’s Public Transport Center, confirmed that the Urbos tram will begin running on city routes before the year ends, offering a modern, reliable option for daily commuting.
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These new trams, designed to navigate Budapest’s urban streets, reach a top speed of 50 km/h. Their high capacity helps alleviate overcrowding on busy routes. The city has ordered 51 Urbos trams in total. Among them, 46 are five-section models, each 34 meters long and capable of carrying 326 passengers.
The remaining five are nine-section trams, measuring 56 meters, with a capacity of 562 passengers. This significant boost in capacity will help Budapest’s transportation system better meet the needs of its residents.
Urbos Tram Delivery Agreement
In 2022, BKK and CAF signed a contract for the delivery of the Urbos trams. Initially, the contract covered 20 trams. However, a 2014 option allowed the city to extend the order to 51 units.
The total cost of the project amounts to 54.1 billion Hungarian forints, or roughly €135 million. Most of the funding for this project, 99%, comes from the European Union, while Budapest will contribute only 308 million forints (€7.6 million).
This collaboration demonstrates the city’s commitment to modernizing its transportation system with external support. Budapest is looking to reduce emissions and promote sustainable mobility, and these new trams will play a key role.
With their all-electric design, the Urbos trams will reduce the environmental footprint of the city’s transport sector. As the demand for public transport grows, investing in eco-friendly solutions becomes crucial.
Advantages of the Urbos Tram
The Urbos tram brings numerous advantages to Budapest’s public transport system. Its design prioritizes passenger comfort, while advanced control systems ensure safety and reliability.
Riders will benefit from smooth, efficient service as the trams integrate seamlessly into the city’s transport network. Moreover, the modern design and spacious interiors of the Urbos trams create a more enjoyable travel experience.
CAF, the manufacturer of the Urbos, has proven itself as a leader in public transport solutions. Their trams have already been implemented successfully in cities like Madrid and Zaragoza, enhancing the public transport networks in these urban centers. Budapest’s introduction of the Urbos tram marks another milestone in CAF’s mission to deliver high-quality, efficient transport to cities across Europe.
Supporting Sustainable Transportation
The introduction of the Urbos tram also supports Budapest’s broader goal of promoting sustainable transportation. As cities around the world face the challenges of climate change, investing in green, eco-friendly transport solutions is essential.
By adopting electric trams, Budapest is taking a significant step toward reducing its carbon footprint and creating a more sustainable urban environment. These new trams will not only benefit the environment but also contribute to the city’s economic development.
Shorter travel times, less congestion, and a more efficient public transport system are expected to boost productivity and improve the quality of life in Budapest. The project also generates local jobs, both during the construction phase and in the long-term operation and maintenance of the trams.
Looking forward, Budapest’s investment in the Urbos tram is just the beginning of a larger modernization effort. As the city grows, public transport will need to evolve to meet the increasing demand.
The new Urbos trams are positioned to play a key role in this evolution, providing residents with a reliable, sustainable, and efficient way to navigate the city.
By focusing on modern solutions like the Urbos tram, Budapest sets a strong example of how cities can improve public transportation while also prioritizing sustainability. This project not only enhances the capacity of the transport network but also aligns with global trends toward cleaner, greener urban mobility solutions.
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