Budapest's Mukis: A Century of Freight Tram Service

Budapest's freight trams, known as mukis, have been an integral part of the city's public transport system for nearly a century. Acquired in 1926, these wood-sided trams were initially designed to transport goods and raw materials to and from factories, filling a critical gap left by the destruction of local freight infrastructure during World War I. The trams operate on electricity supplied by overhead wires and traverse one of the busiest tram networks in the world. Ádám Zadravecz, head of tram vehicle development and technology at Budapest's public transit company BKV, noted that the original electric drive systems were crafted from parts salvaged from war-damaged vehicles.

The IndependentBudapest's vintage freight trams celebrate 100 years in service

Over the decades, the mukis have adapted to meet the changing needs of Budapest. Initially focused on freight transport, their role expanded post-World War II to include the removal of war ruins. By the 1960s, some trams were retrofitted with snowplows to clear tram tracks during winter, and they now also perform nighttime maintenance and transport broken-down trams for repairs. Despite their age, the mukis have proven remarkably resilient, with their maintenance costs remaining low due to their simple design. Nándor Meixner, head of vehicle maintenance at Budapest's Ferencváros depot, emphasized their straightforward construction, stating, "People say that it can be repaired with a hammer and a file, and that’s absolutely true."

Budapest's vintage freight trams celebrate 100 years in service

In 2018, the mukis underwent a significant refurbishment aimed at enhancing the working conditions for drivers. Modifications included the addition of seating and heating in the cabin. Zadravecz remarked that despite these updates, the trams' fundamental characteristics have not changed. He highlighted their ease of maintenance and the unique driving experience they offer, which requires specialized training and an intuitive understanding of the vehicle.

The Independent

Of the original fleet of 40 mukis, only six remain operational in Budapest, with three actively in use today. Zadravecz noted, "The value of these vehicles lies precisely in their simplicity, in the pure fact that they exist and are available to us." As Budapest continues to celebrate the legacy of these freight trams, their role in the city's transport infrastructure remains vital, showcasing a blend of historical significance and practical utility.

The Independent

While the mukis are cherished for their historical value and functionality, some critics argue that reliance on such outdated technology may hinder the modernization of Budapest's public transport system. However, supporters maintain that the trams' simplicity and reliability make them indispensable for specific tasks that modern passenger trams cannot fulfill.

Budapest's vintage freight trams celebrate 100 years in service

• “Their maintenance costs is almost zero because these trams are very easy to maintain. Compared to the complex electronics of today’s vehicles, there is very little in them that can break down." — Ádám Zadravecz, Head of Tram Vehicle Development, BKV

The Independent

• “It is not enough to just drive, to know the signs and instructions, you also need to know the vehicle itself. We used to say that the driver has to drive this vehicle with his butt,” — Nándor Meixner, Head of Vehicle Maintenance, Ferencváros Depot

The Independent