THE ROLE OF TRAMWAYS IN THE FUTURE BUDAPEST TRANSPORT SYSTEM

Abstract

This paper reviews the exciting plans for the construction of a Metro Network and the reduction in the roll of tramways, against the background of the anticipated grouth in car ownership. The construction of the Metro will be too slow to meet the competition for passenger traffic from private cars. With no measwes to car traffic, public transport will experience a reduction of demand and the road network increasing congestion. The paper argues that the best policy may be to invest the capital finds available, after Metro line 3 reaches the Újpest District centre, in the gradual upgrading of the tramway network to an "Express" standard. with at greating speed of 25 km/W, stops about 0.5 km tramlines separate from other road traffic, and the pre-emption of traffic signals to remoye the effects of general traffic congestion. Such a policy could be completed by 2000 giving a fast rail network including Metro of over 150 km, providing a competitive alternative to the private car.