Rail services face challenges in Hungary and new passenger rights in the UK

In Hungary, MÁV has released its August report on train punctuality, revealing significant delays across several lines. The report highlights poor performance on the Győr, Debrecen, and Szolnok routes, with punctuality rates as low as 51.51 percent on the Szolnok line. Extreme weather and heatwaves were cited as contributing factors to the service disruptions.

On the Budapest–Pécs line, infrastructure damage in the central and southern sections has necessitated potential interventions, including schedule adjustments and the deployment of replacement express buses. The report specifically noted that the punctuality of Mecsek InterCity services was ‘extremely bad’.

Meanwhile, in the United Kingdom, new regulations effective September 20 will allow passengers with cancelled train services to use alternative providers. Under the new system, tickets will be valid on other participating services departing within two hours of the original time on a direct or reasonable alternative route. This expansion includes services from Avanti West Coast, Chiltern Railways, CrossCountry, and Great Western Railway.