In 1915 a new era dawned on Budapest’s streets. The Régi buszok és autók the old buses and cars arrived. This marked a significant shift in the city’s public transportation. Before this only trams and horse-drawn carriages were common. Buses offered a faster and more flexible solution.
The introduction of the Régi buszok és autók wasn’t easy. World War I caused significant shortages of petrol and tires. This greatly hampered the initial efforts. Budapest’s first buses only ran for short periods. They were soon taken out of service.
However the dream of efficient bus transportation persisted. In the mid-1920s the city saw a resurgence in bus service. This was partly thanks to a large investment. The city ordered 100 new buses. The MÁVAG company won the contract. They provided the chassis. Other companies provided the bodies. The buses were a mix of small medium and large sizes. They could carry only around 52 passengers. The buses were initially painted yellow but were later repainted blue. The blue became synonymous with Budapest’s buses.
A fascinating detail is that the early buses had wooden wheels not rubber tires. Their doors were on the left side. This was because Hungary had left-hand traffic at that time. In the summer heat the doors were sometimes removed entirely. Ten of the 100 buses were even specially equipped for hilly terrain. This was crucial as many buses of the time struggled with even slight inclines. They often couldn’t cross bridges. The buses meant for hill travel had a special device a hill support to prevent rolling back if the engine or brakes failed. Tests revealed this device to be largely ineffective. Nonetheless it was mandated.
MÁVAG could only produce 12-15 buses per month. Therefore the full delivery of the 100 buses stretched into 1929. This massive order marked the beginning of large-scale Hungarian bus manufacturing. The Régi buszok és autók collection represents this pivotal moment. It reminds us of the challenges and triumphs of early bus transport in Budapest. It showcases the evolution of transportation in Budapest and its importance in the city’s growth. The story of the Régi buszok és autók isn’t just about buses it’s about a city’s determination to improve itself. A story of innovation perseverance and the enduring appeal of reliable transportation.