Exceptionally passenger-friendly, innovative, and cost-effective — these are just some of the ways to describe the new Route 274 service, known as the Csobajbusz. The reservation system for this flexible-route, on-demand bus line is available now on the BKK website, with the first buses rolling out tomorrow morning.
The new bus line connects the Csobaj Quarry area to Budapest’s public transportation network — a part of the city that was previously harder to reach via regular transit services.
As the first of its kind in Budapest, this new service stands out because, within its designated area, it does not follow a fixed route. Instead, it stops based on actual user requests.
Route 274, or the Csobajbusz, will operate starting Tuesday, August 26, between the Cinkota HÉV station and the Csobaj Quarry area in District XVI.
This part of the district has seen substantial development in recent years, including the construction of single-family homes, apartment buildings, retail stores, and public service facilities like kindergartens.
Thanks to the new route, residents in the area will have quicker and more convenient access to the Cinkota HÉV station, allowing smoother connections to downtown Budapest.
This is a novel service in Hungary. The so-called flexible-route, on-demand transit system allows passengers to pre-book journeys. Rather than following a set route, buses adapt their paths in real-time based on passenger needs within a specified area.
Passengers can book their trip at csobajbusz.bkk.hu, as early as one week in advance or up to 30 minutes before departure. Reservations for Route 274 opened on Monday, August 25, on the BKK website, and the service officially begins Tuesday, August 26.
In addition to online booking — similar to the Telebusz system — travel requests can be made via phone at +36 1 3 255 255. Passengers may also request service in person from the driver at the Cinkota HÉV station, but only immediately before departure.
Innovative solution for public transit
The flexible-route, on-demand system is powered by software that optimizes the bus route based on incoming reservations. This ensures that buses operate according to actual demand rather than a fixed schedule.
The system not only enhances convenience for passengers but also supports environmental sustainability by reducing emissions from unnecessary trips. It also provides significant cost-savings.
BKK aims to expand similar services to other districts in Budapest, offering a more adaptable and sustainable solution for public transportation. The system proves particularly efficient in areas with lower ridership and during off-peak hours when traditional bus services are underutilized.
Although Budapest has had on-demand services like Telebusz operating for years — for example, in neighboring District XVII — the new Csobajbusz distinguishes itself by offering a fully flexible route.
Collaboration between BKK and District XVI
The District XVI local government played a key role in the project, actively participating in selecting the possible routes and establishing designated pickup points. Unlike traditional bus stops, these pickup zones do not require full-length platforms.
Another key difference: the pickup points along the route correspond to street intersections. Depending on the specific routing for a given journey, buses may approach from different directions. Due to the layout of the area, this variability does not pose issues for passengers.
Read more BKK-related news on Daily News Hungary!
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