Budapest’s public transport operator, BKK, has started on-track testing of new trams manufactured by CAF in Zaragoza, Spain.
These 34-metre long, low-floor vehicles are part of an order for 51 units(20 ordered in July 2022 with an extension formalised in March 2023) that will increase the proportion of accessible trams in Budapest from 30% to 40%.
They will join the 68 Urbos 3 trams already in service in the Hungarian capital, the first order for which was placed in 2014 as we reported in Trenvista.
The first tram is currently testing without passengers and will have to complete 1,000 kilometres of travel before it is approved by the transport authorities.
These new vehicles have a more powerful air-conditioning system and improved body and door design compared to the Urbos trams of the first contract.
Once in service, the new CAF Urbos trams will initially run on the south Pest lines. The plan is that they will also operate on other routes such as lines 1, 14, 42, 50 and 69, increasing passenger comfort.
The last unit is expected to enter service by the end of 2026.
