BUDAPEST TRAMWAYS 1&3 (FL2009-0132)

The project consists of the reconstruction of two major tram lines in Budapest, lines 1 & 3, aligned along two parallel rings bordering Pest Central Business District, and the extension of tram line 1.

The aim of the project is to improve the public transport service by developing and modernising tangential tramway lines and by creating new public transport network links and interchanges and modernising existing connections.

The investments are part of the transport operational programme for which a strategic environmental assessment (SEA) was concluded in 2007, in compliance with the SEA Directive 2001/42/EC, and they are also part of the development plan of the Budapest Transport System. Both components fall under Annex II of Directive 2011/92/EU, according to which the need for an environmental impact assessment (EIA) is decided on a case-by-case basis by the competent authority. The extension of the tram network and the refurbishment of the existing tramlines were screened out in accordance with EU and Hungarian regulations. The schemes are not likely to have any significant impact on the species and habitats of Natura 2000 sites.

The promoter is a public company obliged to comply with European and national public procurement legislation. All of the works and services related to the implementation of the project have already been procured accordingly. The construction works and associated supervision were procured by the promoter in accordance with Directive 2004/18/EC. All the bid notices for construction and services were published in the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU) and all the contracts have been awarded.