Tuesday, June 10, 2025
Hungary national railway company, MÁV, is rolling out a new compensation system for train delays, which will begin on June 1, 2025. Under the new policy, passengers who experience delays of 20 minutes or more will be eligible for a 50% refund of their ticket price. This initiative is part of a larger effort by the Hungarian Ministry of Construction and Transport to improve public transportation and raise passenger satisfaction.
Train delays have long been a common issue for travelers, and this move reflects MÁV’s commitment to accountability and enhancing the overall travel experience. However, there are certain exclusions, including suburban HÉV lines and some agglomeration bus routes. The new system is also designed to be easy to use, with an automated process for those who purchase tickets via the MÁV+ mobile app.

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This development is not just a win for local commuters; it also promises a better experience for international visitors who rely on Hungary’s rail services. Let’s dive deeper into the details of this new compensation policy and what it means for passengers.

How MÁV’s New Compensation System Works

MÁV’s new policy is a significant step forward in terms of passenger rights and service reliability. Here’s how the 50% refund system works:

• Eligibility: Passengers on long-distance MÁV trains will be eligible for the compensation if their train is delayed by 20 minutes or more. This includes intercity and international trains operated by MÁV.
• Exclusions: The policy does not apply to suburban HÉV railway lines or certain agglomeration bus routes due to their high punctuality rates or specific operational agreements.

Steps to Claim the 50% Refund

The process for claiming your 50% refund depends on how you purchased your ticket. MÁV has streamlined the process for those using the MÁV+ mobile app, but passengers who bought tickets through other channels can still access the refund. Here’s a breakdown of the two options:

For MÁV+ App Users

For passengers who purchase their tickets through the MÁV+ mobile app, the refund process is automatic. Here’s how it works:

• Enable Geolocation: Make sure the geolocation tracking feature is enabled in your MÁV+ app. This allows the system to verify the delay and trigger the refund process.
• Automatic Refund: If your train is delayed by 20 minutes or more, the system will automatically credit 50% of your ticket price back to the bank card linked to your MÁV+ app.

For Other Ticket Purchase Methods

If you purchased your ticket through other means, such as online, at a ticket vending machine, or at a ticket counter, you can still claim your refund. However, the process will differ:

• Refund Requests at Ticket Offices: Passengers who bought their tickets through other methods will need to submit their refund requests at a ticket office at their arrival station or the nearest available station. This ensures that all passengers can access the compensation system.

Compensation Details: How Much Will You Get?

Under this new policy, passengers are entitled to 50% of their ticket price if their train is delayed by 20 minutes or more. This amount can be refunded to your bank card (for MÁV+ app users) or provided as a direct cash refund (for other methods of purchase). The goal is to make the compensation process as simple and convenient as possible.

Benefits of MÁV’s Refund System for Passengers

This new compensation policy is an important step forward in improving public transportation in Hungary. Here are some key benefits:

1. Enhancing Passenger Experience

Train delays can be incredibly frustrating, and having a clear, automated refund system helps to mitigate that frustration. By offering financial compensation, MÁV is showing passengers that their time and money are valued, which will likely boost customer satisfaction.

2. Promoting Accountability and Punctuality

The introduction of this system serves as an incentive for MÁV to improve its services and reduce delays. By holding the railway company accountable for delays, the policy aims to make MÁV’s trains more reliable, benefiting both local commuters and international travelers.

3. Increased Customer Trust

By offering a 50% refund for significant delays, MÁV is enhancing customer trust in its services. This move shows that MÁV values its passengers and is committed to providing a dependable and customer-friendly travel experience.

Limitations and Exclusions of the New Compensation System

While this new compensation policy is a major step forward for Hungarian train travel, it’s important to note the following exclusions and limitations:

• Suburban HÉV Lines: Passengers using suburban HÉV railway lines (often used for short-distance travel) will not be eligible for compensation due to their high punctuality and specific operational agreements.
• Force Majeure: The policy does not apply to delays caused by force majeure events such as natural disasters, extreme weather conditions, or other situations that are beyond MÁV’s control. This is a standard exclusion in most transportation-related policies.
• Refund Eligibility: Only delays of 20 minutes or more qualify for a refund, so short delays will not be compensated.

The Impact on Hungary’s Public Transportation System

This policy is not just a benefit for passengers—it’s part of a broader initiative by the Hungarian Ministry of Construction and Transport to improve public transport across the country. The initiative aims to:

• Improve the quality of service provided by national rail services.
• Encourage better punctuality and reliability across the country’s train systems.
• Provide a more customer-centric experience for passengers, especially in the wake of global trends toward greater accountability in public services.

For tourists visiting Hungary, this new initiative also offers added convenience. Whether you’re traveling intercity or taking a regional train, knowing that delays will be compensated can make the experience more predictable and hassle-free.

MÁV and the Future of Train Travel in Hungary

The introduction of the 50% refund policy is just one part of a broader movement to modernize Hungary’s train services. MÁV is expected to continue investing in its rail infrastructure, which could include:

• Improved train stations and services.
• Upgrades to ticketing systems to make the entire experience more user-friendly.
• More punctual, reliable trains, thanks to increased efficiency and accountability.

The Hungarian railway system is also likely to continue integrating new technologies such as mobile apps, making travel more accessible and efficient for everyone.

Conclusion: A Positive Step for Hungarian Rail Travelers

MÁV’s introduction of the 50% refund for train delays represents a significant step forward in making Hungary’s rail services more reliable and customer-oriented. The system not only offers financial compensation for delays but also acts as an incentive for MÁV to improve punctuality and service quality. For travelers, this move promises a more predictable and satisfying experience, ensuring that Hungary’s rail network becomes a more appealing option for both commuters and tourists alike.

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