Debrecen4U June 16, 2026

Public Transport Discussed at Public Forum in Józsa

At last week’s public forum, residents of Józsa raised concerns about service frequency and route planning among other issues. Mayor László Papp highlighted that public transport is one of the most expensive services for municipalities to provide but, if there is any change regarding the solidarity tax, the city will have greater financial flexibility. Based on requests from Debrecen residents, potential changes to DKV services will be assessed.

DKV has commenced this year’s track maintenance works between Simonyi Road and Bem Square. Over the coming days, specialists will carry out tramway renovation works during the evenings and at night. Tram services will operate normally during the day; however, residents living in the area should expect noisier nights until 20 June.

Until 20 June, work will be carried out along approximately 144 track metres in total. The tracks will be adjusted, the fastening elements of the track structure will be inspected, and worn fasteners and gauge retainers will be replaced where necessary.

Last week, a public forum on transport was held in Józsa. Numerous comments and requests were submitted regarding the DKV timetable, with one resident advocating for changes to the route of the J1 circular service, which operates exclusively within Józsa, so that it would reach the Lower Józsa terminus in a shorter time.

Szabolcs Tóth, CEO of DKV, stated that 51 passengers had travelled on Route 34 during the past one and a half months. This data allows the company to monitor travel demand and make adjustments if necessary. “Transport services in Józsa were provided by 67,619 scheduled journeys in 2025. We operated 773,753 kilometres on Routes 34, 35 and 36, as well as the J1 service. Within this framework, there is of course scope for optimisation,” he said Szabolcs Tóth. The Chief Executive Officer added that the planned expansion of the DKV fleet by 15 articulated buses next year could provide a solution to increasing service frequency.

Speaking about transport at the forum, Mayor László Papp said that several factors must be taken into account before increasing service frequency, as fulfilling a single request can cost close to HUF 100 million. “Public transport is one of the most expensive services for local authorities to provide, placing a huge burden on the budget. While there are calls for buses to run much more frequently, in some evenings I see only three people sitting on an articulated bus and know how much loss has to be financed, so we must always make decisions on these matters within the bounds of reason,” pointed out.

The Mayor emphasised that Debrecen has become significantly stronger economically but the solidarity contribution removes a substantial amount of resources from the city. If there is a change regarding this tax and the city is able to manage its own revenues, the municipality will have much greater scope to meet the demands and expectations of residents.

Source and photo credit: dehir.hu