The Budapest Transportation Center (BKK) has recently announced that the free travel for refugees fleeing Ukraine on public transport has been prolonged until September 30, 2024.
Such a move allows refugees to continue to access transport services simply by presenting a valid Ukrainian travel document for personal identification. However, starting from April 1 2024, this free service will no longer apply to local buses and HÉV within Budapest, SchengenVisaInfo reports.
The use of the service is possible for refugees if they have some official Ukrainian travel document (Ukrainian passport, Ukrainian identity card, Ukrainian residence permit, Ukrainian student card in the case of other foreign students studying in Ukraine, or any other document with a Ukrainian residential address in the case of other foreign nationals) can be found).
As the authority explains, documents entitling individuals to free travel remain valid on BKK flights (excluding Airport Express 100E, cable car, nostalgia flights and ships).
Furthermore, with the last implementation of the agglomeration fare cooperation on March 1 2024, free travel within Budapest on HÉV and the “blue” buses serving the agglomeration will end on March 31 2024.
In its ongoing commitment to support refugees from Ukraine, the Budapest Transport Center continues its efforts to improve their travel experience. In addition, the company kindly encourages its customers to provide assistance to refugees sailing on BKK flights during their travels, should the need arise.
The introduction of free transport for refugees from Ukraine for the first time was launched on March 4, 2022. Reflecting its solidarity and support, the Hungarian capital extended the provision of free public transport for Ukrainian refugees until the end of March 2023.
Austria & Italy Extended Free Travel for Ukrainian Refugees
At the same time, in September 2022, the Austrian authorities also extended the privileges of free travel on public transport within Vienna for Ukrainian refugees until the end of the same month.
Commenting on these decisions, the authorities pointed out that Ukrainian refugees leaving their country can pass Vienna’s buses and subways without buying tickets by presenting their travel documents.
Moreover, in August 2022, Italy also demonstrated its support by facilitating two accessible bus routes for Ukrainian citizens to Ukraine. Notably, all Ukrainians within Italy planning their trip were advised that departure would only be feasible with Ukrainian passports and reservations.
