The Centre for Budapest Transport (BKK) announced that current MOL Bubi passes will remain available for purchase until 22 November. After this date, users will be able to access the city’s shared bicycles through a new 500-forint winter pass valid until 23 December, the date when BKK’s existing service contract ends.

Originally, the next-generation Bubi system was planned to launch in May 2025, but the City Assembly requested a risk assessment before finalizing the new contract. BKK aims to minimize the transition period despite this unexpected delay.

As part of the transition, only monthly passes can currently be purchased, aligning with the upcoming system change. Previous long-term passes such as annual and semiannual subscriptions are no longer available and cannot be transferred to the new platform. From 23 November, monthly passes will no longer renew automatically, and the temporary winter pass will replace them. The winter pass will function under the same conditions as the existing ones—offering the first 30 minutes of each ride free of charge.

BKK emphasized that it is working to ensure continuity of service and keep any operational downtime to a minimum during the switch to the new system. The updated Bubi fleet is expected to appear on Budapest’s streets within six months of contract signing, potentially sooner if the selected partner completes preparations ahead of schedule.

The upcoming Bubi system will introduce at least 5,000 brand-new bicycles, including 1,000 with electric assistance. The network will cover a wider area, potentially reaching major transport hubs such as Örs vezér tere, Kőbánya-Kispest, Újpest-városkapu, Zugló, Angyalföld, and Őrmező.

BKK noted that the electric bikes are designed to attract new users for whom cycling was not previously a practical option. The new bikes will also be available at Mobi-points, allowing for more flexible pick-up and drop-off locations.

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