Replacement of CAF Trams with New Fleet Arrives in Largest Program
The latest CAF trams have arrived in Budapest from Spain, marking a significant milestone in the city’s public transportation system. The Budapest Transport Center (BKK) announced that these new trams are part of the previously ordered fleet of 51 trams, with more units expected to arrive in the coming months.
Since last October, the production of the new low-floor trams has been ongoing, and by the end of 2026, the proportion of low-floor trams in Budapest could increase from 30% to 40%. This marks a significant improvement in the accessibility and comfort of public transportation in the city.
The Hungarian government approved the final option of Budapest’s tram procurement contract back in February 2023, allowing the city to purchase these new trams with EU and government funding. The order includes standard-length and extra-long trams, making it the city’s largest tram replacement program since the early 2000s.
The new trams will undergo mandatory trial runs and official approval procedures before being put into service. They will initially operate on the Buda interconnected tram network, starting from the Budafok depot, which serves as the CAF warranty service center.
The renewal of the vehicle fleet will enable more low-floor trams to operate on existing lines, providing a more comfortable and modern commuting experience for passengers. Lines such as 1, 14, 42, 50, and 69 are expected to see the new trams, with plans to introduce them on additional lines pending European Union funding for infrastructure upgrades.
Furthermore, the BKK is already working on launching a tender to bring more than a hundred new, modern trams to Budapest in the near future, further improving the city’s public transportation network.
Overall, the arrival of these new CAF trams represents a significant step towards modernizing and enhancing public transportation services in the Hungarian capital.
