BuBi
 | |
| Overview | |
|---|---|
| Locale | Budapest |
| Transit type | Bicycle sharing network |
| Number of stations | 76 (2014) |
| Website | www.molbubi.hu[1] |
| Operation | |
| Operation will start | September 8, 2014 |
| Number of vehicles | 1,100 (2014) |
BuBi is a bicycle sharing network in Budapest, Hungary. Its name is a playful contraction Budapest and Bicikli (bicycle in Hungarian), meaning 'bubble' in an endearing manner. The network consists of 76 docking stations and 1,100 bicycles, and is to be extended in subsequent years.[2]
History
The BuBi project was established in 2008 by the Municipality of Budapest. The capital investment for this project takes up approx. 900 million HUF (around 3 million €). 85% of this amount is covered by the European Union, and the remaining 15% is paid by the local government.[3] Annual operating costs of est. 250 million HUF (around 800 000 €) are covered by MOL, the largest integrated oil and gas group in Hungary. The bicycles are produced by Csepel, a Hungarian bicycle manufacturer.
The scheme is declared to be a first phase only. It is to be extended in case of successful introduction. According to János László, President of the Hungarian Cyclists' Club, a network size of 10,000 bicycles would suit the city's needs.[4]
Network design
The BuBi network consists of 76 docking stations, 1,100 bicycles and 24-hour technical support. The vast majority, 59 of the 76 docking stations are placed within the Grand Boulevard, an inner circle of the city. 17 stations are on the Buda side, 58 on the Pest side and 1 on Margaret Island. The smaller number of docking stations on the Buda side is due to the hills which make cycling harder. The prevailing location of the docking stations can be found on this map.
The network is designed to minimize the risk of having both empty and full docking stations. In order to achieve this, the size of the stations varies with the expected volume. Furthermore, if a bicycle is to be docked in a full station, there are extra stands with non-physical docking capability to which the bicycles can be attached. Each bicycle is equipped with an additional lock which sends an alert to network operators if locked. Then operators can intervene and reallocate bicycles.
Both the size of the area covered and the fare system incentivize short, under-30-minutes runtimes. Therefore bicycle dockings are expected to be frequent. In order to maintain smooth operation, network logistics is implemented by bicycle-transporting facilities of multiple sizes. The smallest unit can carry two bicycles on a trailer attached to an official bicycle, ensuring quick reallocation of bicycles.[5]
Equipment
Dock terminals
BuBi users can pay the fares, buy BuBi passes and have deposits returned at the docking stations. The stations are equipped with batteries to supply the terminal and the docks with power, and the terminals are also fitted with solar panels. Each docking station features a surveillance camera to prevent theft and vandalism.
Bicycles
BuBi bicycles are produced by Csepel. They are city bikes designed to resist weather and time. In order to prevent theft and vandalism, they are made of irremovable parts which are incompatible with other bicycles.
To satisfy urban cyclists' needs, bicycles are designed to provide their riders with comfort. Each bike is equipped with a front rack with elastic straps for packages, mudguards, chain guards and coat protectors covering the back wheel. They also feature hard wearing puncture-proof tyres.
Fares
The fee of using BuBi consists of two distinct parts: the access fee and the usage fee. Users also have to leave a deposit of 25,000 HUF at the beginning of their lending period, which is refunded when the bicycle is returned. Planned fares as of May 2014 are summed up in the tables below. Prevailing fares can be found on this webpage.
| Access fees | |
| Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Annual pass | 18,900 HUF |
| Annual Budapest pass | 9,450 HUF |
| Semi-annual pass | 12,500 HUF |
| 24-hours ticket | 500 HUF |
| 72-hours ticket | 1,000 HUF |
| Weekly ticket | 2,000 HUF |
| Usage fees | |
| Duration | Price |
|---|---|
| 30 minutes | 0 HUF |
| 60 minutes | 500 HUF |
| 90 minutes | 1,000 HUF |
| 120 minutes | 1,500 HUF |
| 150 minutes | 2,000 HUF |
| 180 minutes | 2,500 HUF |
| From the 181st minute to 5 hours 59 minutes every 30 minutes started | 1,000 HUF |
| From 6 hours to 8 hours 59 minutes every 30 minutes started | 1,500 HUF |
| Beyond 9 hours every 30 minutes started | 2,000 HUF |
See also
References
- ↑ Hétfőn indul a Bubi
- ↑ Budapest Transportation Center, "About MOL BuBi". Site: http://www.bkk.hu/bubi/mol-bubi/. Retrieved: May 22, 2014.
- ↑ Eltis.org, "Installation begins for Budapest bike-sharing system (Hungary)". Site: http://www.eltis.org/index.php?ID1=5&id=60&news_id=4479. Retrieved: May 22, 2014.
- ↑ Levente Hörömpöli-Tóth, "Budapest bike-sharing system: Hype on two wheels?". Budapest Business Journal, April 22, 2014. Site: http://www.bbj.hu/budapest/budapest-bike-sharing-system-hype-on-two-wheels_78715. Retrieved: May 22, 2014.
- ↑ Index Video, "Áprilisban startol a budapesti bringaménes" (Transl.: Budapest bike herd kicks off in April). Site: http://index.indavideo.hu/video/Aprilisban_indul_a_Bubi. Retrieved: May 22, 2014.
External links
Media related to BuBi Bicycle System at Wikimedia Commons