Paper
THE ROAD LOBBY COMES TO HUNGARY
Published Jan 1, 1995 · W. Hook
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Abstract
Budapest has one of the best public transport systems in the world. As recently as 1988, 58 percent of all passenger trips in Hungary were made by public transport, 31 percent by walking or bicycling, and only 11 percent by private car. However, since 1980, car ownership in Hungary has more than doubled, and is continuing to grow at an alarming rate. And, in the last 2 years alone, public transit ridership fell by 12 percent. Railroads are also losing both freight and passengers to trucks, buses, and private cars. Although Hungary passed tighter air quality standards in 1992, reports show that over half of the vehicle fleet would not pass an emissions test, and enforcement remains lax. One-third of the truck and bus fleets are over 10 years old, and thus highly polluting. Hungary does not sell unleaded fuel.
Hungary's public transport system is aging, with over half of its vehicle fleet not meeting emissions standards, and its railroads are losing passengers to trucks, buses, and private cars.
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