AutóPRO - profi és prominens

The Mayor added: several new subway carriages are needed as well, as those should’ve been replaced 15 years ago, and in addition, new trams would also be necessary and the “trolley buses electrocute. Perhaps, now it is clear that I didn’t bluff when I was talking about BKV’s debt, that sum of 100 million HUF; these are exactly what it is made up of.”

According to the Mayor, the partial outsourcing of the bus service is not privatisation by any means

Tarlós stated: the partial outsourcing of the bus service is not privatisation; it would intend to solve the replacement of BKV’s so-called rolling stock. According to him, the city couldn’t purchase 1,000 new vehicles but it doesn’t mean they wouldn’t buy any new buses at all. He added that by sorting out the Alstom-case, “by saving 180 billion”, 35 new subway carriages could be deployed, and those carriages which are still usable could replace the ones in the worst condition.

István Tarlós said that he managed to agree with former-Minister for National Development Tamás Fellegi on the issue of the trolley-bus and tram tender, so there is chance for upgrade. “Less amount of money will be available for buses, but we can’t open a money press in the cellar of the City Hall, and that is why the outsourcing of the bus service will have to come about”.

By sorting out the Alstom-case, 35 new subway carriages could be purchased

The Mayor also mentioned that he is concerned about the validity of the information stating that 50 to 60 buses could soon drop out of service. He added: “indeed, some of the buses are almost unusable, however, it is irresponsible to give a statement with such numbers”.

“Trade unions shouldn’t make statements about technical issues anyway, I’m not talking about brain surgery either. In my opinion, trade unions should deal with the safeguarding of interests and not making statements about technical questions in which they are not competent nor professionals,” said the Mayor, noting that it is unnecessary to “tease” the public with such information.

Tarlós confirmed MTI’s information that he’s meeting György Matolcsy, the current Minster for National Economy on Tuesday. In regards to this he pointed out: the government doesn’t support the increase of industry tax by 0.5%, however, the capital’s intention is not to increase that but to impose a traffic tax and then an additional collecting fee.

He stated that it is realistic to introduce these fees. Besides, he deems it advisable to put an end to the practice that “in Budapest, districts impose all local taxes, and none of this money gets to support the transport branches”.