The development area of the project is metro line M2 and suburban railway lines H8 (Gödöllő) and H9 (Csömör). The project is justified by social and economic processes, the technical condition of the suburban railway lines and the vehicles, and the need to increase the competitiveness of public transport. The area of development is located in the north-east transport corridor of Budapest, which is the second busiest suburban axis in Budapest. The total number of daily commutes is about 73,000 persons in one direction, which accounts for 12% of the total transit within the conurbation appearing in Budapest. At present, the population of the area affected by development is about 130,000. Due to its favourable route, suburban railway line H8 has a significant potential in suburban transport. It provides access to a number of municipalities and outer districts (10th, 14th and 16th Districts). The location of the line is favourable. However, the opportunity available in it is unused due to the currently provided low level of services, the railway line is a major factor in cutting the area into two parts, travel times are very long, and the vehicles are old.

PROJECT ELEMENTS AND DESIGN STATE
The following major development steps are taken on the line:

1. complete reconstruction of the railway line and related facilities to ensure functionality;
2. making the platforms accessible to the disabled and protection of waiting passengers against the inclemencies of weather;
3. establishment of P+R car parks and B+R bicycle parks;
4. establishment of a passenger information system and provision of ticket vending facilities;
5. establishment of non-level crossings at the necessary locations (five new crossings in total);
6. Procurement of modern vehicles meeting today’s requirements.

Physical connection between the two systems is made in Örs vezér tere. The railway line becomes an underground line at Pillangó utca Station, then re-emerges to the surface at Körvasút stop. The proposed new Örs vezér tere Station is constructed in the middle of Kerepesi út, under the current passenger subway (at level –2). It is expected that it will be possible to establish direct pedestrian connection from the new station towards two large shopping centres and the Rákosfalva housing estates. The boundary of metro operations remains in Örs vezér tere, and the trains will not run beyond that point. Catenary system-based operation remains in place on the current suburban railway section.

VEHICLES FOR THE FUTURE
Design of the proposed new vehicles:

• They are suitable for running on suburban railway line H8 and metro line M2 at the same time.
• They are modern and meet today’s technical and passenger traffic requirements.
• They are 2x60-metre single unit trainsets in order to ensure that the system can be operated economically.
• They are 20 metres longer than the current ALSTOM trainsets and can carry about 15% more passengers in order to avoid overcrowding.
• Separate places are designed for passengers travelling with a bicycle, a pram and a wheelchair.

The technical design of the trainsets conforms to the passenger traffic requirements of the suburban railway (more seats) and the travelling habits of metro passengers (quick turnover of passengers) at the same time, thus travelling by the new trainsets will be comfortable for all members of the travelling public.

BENEFITS OF THE PROJECT
As a result of the development, the eastern part of Budapest can intensively receive the benefits represented by fixed tracks:

• Through the physical connection between the two systems, the compulsion to transfer to access a number of quarters in Budapest, which can only be accessed today by transfer, will cease.
• The standard time intervals will decrease on suburban railway line H8.
• Also including transfer in Örs vezér tére, the travelling time is expected to become 15 minutes shorter between Gödöllő and Déli Railway Station; travelling times will typical become shorter by 30%.
• Transfers between the connected bus services and lines M2 and H8 will become easier.
• Level crossings will be safer and waiting times will become shorter.
• In Örs vezér tere, it will become possible to improve the square and to develop public and green spaces to European standards.