Surprisingly Few Say They're Upset by Traffic Jams in Budapest

  • 26 Aug 2021 7:41 AM
  • Hungary Around the Clock
Surprisingly Few Say They're Upset by Traffic Jams in Budapest
Only 20% of people in Budapest are annoyed by the state of traffic, and even most car drivers are not bothered, according to a survey conducted by Medián and 21 Research Centre in early August.

Some 25-33% of car drivers and 14-17% of those using public transport complained about road congestion. Projected to the entire population of Budapest, this is about 20%, HVG reports.

Assessments of the heavy traffic due to the upgrades of the Chain Bridge, Blaha Lujza tér and the Pest embankment road has a political dimension, as about 22% of Fidesz voters are disturbed by these projects (most of all the one on Blaha Lujza tér), compared to only 10% of opposition voters.

Fidesz has recently waged an ad campaign blaming mayor Gergely Karácsony for traffic jams in Budapest.

Most respondents say that there are traffic jams primarily because too many people use cars, but the vast majority of the respondents hope for positive effects from the upgrade of public transport in Budapest and suburban railway projects.

Support for new bicycle lanes on such streets as the Nagykörút, Bartók Béla út and Baross utca that have caused much controversy was 62% among those who were told that the number of cyclists is 50% higher than in 2019, and 53% among those who were not so informed.

Car drivers were more negative than those using public transport on this question.


MTI Photo

  • How does this content make you feel?

XpatLoop Media Partner

Hungary Around the Clock

Since 1995 Hungary Around the Clock has proven to be one of the most comprehensive sources of daily English-language news about Hungary. It covers ongoing domestic politics and foreign relations, as well as business and economic matters. For a free trial of HATC visit www.hatc.hu and click on 'Free Trial Subscription’.

Explore More Reports

  • Higher Speed Limits & New Rule Changes in Highway Code Overhaul in Hungary

    Higher Speed Limits & New Rule Changes in Highway Code Overhaul in Hungary

    • 21 Jan 2026 7:32 AM

    Hungary is preparing to introduce a completely revised Highway Code, with wide-ranging changes that will affect drivers, cyclists, scooter users and pedestrians alike. The draft legislation has now been opened for public consultation and marks the first full overhaul of the country’s road rules in more than 50 years.

  • New Budapest Trams Boost Accessible Public Transport in Capital

    New Budapest Trams Boost Accessible Public Transport in Capital

    • 19 Jan 2026 11:05 AM

    Budapest has officially welcomed its 26th new CAF tram into service, the Budapest Transport Centre (BKK) announced on Thursday. Following successful test runs and regulatory approval, the vehicle is now carrying passengers, primarily on tram line 3.

  • Update: Warning Issued Due to Risk of Freezing Rain in Hungary

    Update: Warning Issued Due to Risk of Freezing Rain in Hungary

    • 14 Jan 2026 6:37 AM

    HungaroMet, the national weather service, has withdrawn its 2nd degree (orange) alerts issued on Tuesday for freezing rain in Budapest and other parts of the country. The weather service, has however, maintained a first-degree alert for some areas in south-eastern Hungary, where further, scattered sleet is expected.