Same place since 1899Recently some photos and visual designs were published on BKK’s website showing the present and future status of the Budafok tram depot. The difference is striking: instead of boring and mediocre solutions, Budapest's transport centre presented a visual plan featuring progressive, contemporary architectural elements.
The first tram depot for the Budapest-Budafok Suburban Electric Railway was built on the XI and XXII district's boundary in 1899. The first lines ran from Gellért Square to Nagytétény, and then to Törökbálint through Budaörs on a branch line.
Initially, the train carriages used for the HÉV suburban railway were stored there, then from the 1960s trams were stored at the Budafok site, more recently UVs and Tatra T5C5 railcars were housed there.
Long-awaited revampSince 1899, the tram depot was often haphazardly expanded, so everyday use has been difficult and expensive. This time, they have decided to build an entirely new rail network, halls and office building instead of another uneconomical renovation. According to the plans, the new hall’s roof will be especially exciting with its lines perpendicular to the tracks and its tram-yellow colour. The project plans were made by FŐMTERV Zrt.
and CÉH Zrt.
Thanks to this investment, repairs, maintenance and cleaning will all become much simpler. Moreover, the new washer completely recycles the wastewater.
Fortunately, two of the older buildings remain: the III Hall, which currently functions as a warehouse, and the BKV dwelling house.
In addition to the tram depot’s renovations, there will be additional developments this year and next with the arrival of the 47 CAF Urbos 3 type trams. Not only that, the lines carrying the new low-floor vehicles will soon be renovated to accommodate the new vehicles.
