Crisis: no more trolleys, much fewer trams in Hungary’s 2nd biggest city

Not only Hungarian households and universities struggle with the skyrocketing energy prices but also the local governments. Many of them made draconic cuts in the different service types they provide for their citizens from spas to public transport. The latest drastic decision came from Debrecen, Hungary’s second biggest city after Budapest, led by a Fidesz-KDNP coalition for decades. Below you may read the details.

The local transport company (DKV) announced drastic measures due to the soaring inflation and the growing energy and fuel prices. Some will enter into effect from 14 November concerning trams, trolleys and even buses in Debrecen. The changes concern almost every citizen living in the second biggest Hungarian municipality, iho.hu wrote.

The leadership of the Hungarian city where the German BMW Group plans to build the world’s first fossil-free plant decided on implementing drastic measures. According to the statement of the Debrecen transport company, fuel prices increased by 86 percent in 2021. Meanwhile, electricity will cost 2.5 times more in 2023 than in 2022. The company highlighted they would not dismiss their employees and most of the modifications in the public transport timetable do not concern peak periods.

Read alsoCrisis: no more trolleys, much fewer trams in Hungary’s 2nd biggest city

As part of cutting back energy consumption, from 14 November, they will reduce the frequency of two trams, five trolleys and 20 bus lines.