The Centre for Budapest Transport (BKK) will soon completely renew its network of ticket and pass vending machines. Following the completion of the necessary public procurement process and the allocation of funds by the Metropolitan Assembly, the modernization work is expected to begin later this year, the company announced on Wednesday.
In recent years, BKK’s machines have increasingly suffered from technical problems, making the replacement of the more than ten-year-old equipment unavoidable. Most of the issues have been traced to the printers, which are particularly vulnerable to weather conditions. In humid or rainy weather, or during large temperature fluctuations, the paper often jams, leaving machines temporarily out of service. Although maintenance teams repair these failures continuously, many machines break down again soon after being fixed.
According to BKK, the persistent technical difficulties are caused by the ageing hardware. A long-term solution requires not only the replacement of the printers but also the banknote and coin handling units and the card payment terminals.
The modernization project, starting in 2025, will include both the refurbishment of existing machines and the installation of brand-new models at the busiest locations. Passengers can already test the new-generation machines with large touchscreens at Deák Ferenc Square and Oktogon, and 35 more of these devices will replace old machines in the near future. The complete renewal of the network is scheduled for completion in 2026.
BKK also highlighted that tickets and passes remain available not only from vending machines but also through the BudapestGO digital platform and at BKK customer service centres.
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