Szeged marks 46 years of trolleybus service, highlights progress on EU-funded upgrade

News

Apr 29

Szeged celebrated 46 years of trolleybus service Tuesday, marking the anniversary with a ceremony honoring transportation workers and highlighting progress on a European Union-backed modernization project already underway.

Viktor Knezevics, managing director of Szeged’s public transport company, SZKT, and Ádám Zoltán Németh, head of public transport and railway safety, presented certificates of recognition to outstanding employees in the trolleybus division during the event held at the Pulz Street tram depot.

The ceremony also featured updates on the Interreg CE4CE project, which aims to apply circular economy principles to public transport systems. As part of the initiative, Szeged is replacing four aging trolleybus switches using EU funds. The switches, originally installed more than 15 years ago, endure heavy daily use and require consistent, safe operation.

The used switches removed from these sites will be refurbished and reused at the Körtöltés Street trolleybus depot, replacing even older overhead infrastructure.

The new switches are being installed at Rókusi Boulevard, Csongrádi Avenue, Kereszttöltés Street, and Budapesti Boulevard, Németh said. He also announced that SZKT will host an open day on May 10 at the Körtöltés Street depot, in celebration of the trolleybus network’s 46th anniversary and the National Transport Culture Day.

Trolleybus service in Szeged launched on April 29, 1979. Since then, the city has traditionally celebrated the network’s anniversary each year.

"I did the math: passengers in Szeged take about 50 million trips annually, and SZKT handles about 60 percent of them," Knezevics said. "Half of those trips are on trolleybuses, meaning the trolleybus division carries around 18 million passengers a year. That is a huge responsibility."

"Trolleybuses are currently among the cleanest forms of urban transportation," he added. "Over time, electric buses and battery technology will likely take over. But where a well-developed and well-maintained infrastructure exists, I believe it should be preserved, helping us operate a sustainable public transport system in Szeged."

In addition to the awards ceremony, SZKT also placed two vintage trolleybuses back into service on Tuesday on routes 9 and 10, offering passengers a nostalgic ride through the city.