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Green Bikes Return to the Streets of Budapest

Budapest, 19 June 2026 – Starting 19 June, the distinctive green bicycles will once again appear on the capital’s streets: BKK Centre for Budapest Transport is introducing the new generation of MOL Bubi with a short, closed testing period, followed by a free trial opportunity in July for users with a valid BudapestGO pass. MOL remains the service’s namesake and strategic partner, while Mastercard is joining the system as a new digitalisation partner.

 

BKK will roll out the new generation of the MOL Bubi public bike-sharing system in several phases this summer; anyone can already spot the characteristic green MOL Bubi bikes on the streets of Budapest. The company will launch a closed beta test on 19 June, with the goal of fine-tuning the new system based on direct feedback gathered during real-world use.

 

A Gift for BudapestGO Pass Holders

In the run-up to the official launch, throughout July, customers with a valid pass in the BKK BudapestGO app can try out the service free of charge after pre-registering. Users will then receive an email containing the necessary information on how to use the service, the terms and conditions, and how to access the app. BKK will keep users and the public informed about the phases of the service’s phased rollout.

 

The New MOL Bubi Comes with a Larger Fleet and E-Bikes

The next generation of MOL Bubi represents a step forward for users in every respect: a new fleet—significantly larger than the current one and flexibly expandable—comprising both conventional and electric bicycles will be available, and the number of bikes will also increase significantly. At launch, the new system will provide a total of 3,300 bikes (2,500 mechanical and 800 electric-assist). Over time, plans call for at least 5,000 brand-new bicycles to be available. The goal with the electric-assist bicycles is to serve a broader user base and reach customers for whom the MOL Bubi service has not been a realistic alternative for some reason, but who can now safely choose it.

 

The Service Is Being Revamped with Strong Partnership Support

The MOL Bubi public bike-sharing system, the flagship of BKK’s sustainable mobility efforts, has been providing an eco-friendly transportation option in the capital for more than a decade. Launched in 2014, the service has evolved significantly since then, but its goal remains the same: to encourage the use of greener alternatives for urban transport and to make cycling—a fast, healthy, and climate-friendly mode of transportation—accessible to everyone.

MOL remains the service’s title sponsor and strategic partner, while Mastercard is joining the system as a new digitalisation partner.

Ágnes Diószegi, Deputy CEO for Customer Relations and Sales at BKK, highlighted the following regarding the new Bubi sponsorship: “This collaboration enables us to continuously and sustainably develop the public bike-sharing system, while providing users with an increasingly high-quality, modern, and easily accessible transportation alternative. MOL’s long-term commitment, along with Mastercard’s involvement, clearly demonstrates that the development of urban, green mobility is a shared cause, to which BKK can contribute even more effectively together with its strategic partners.”

We are proud that one of Budapest’s most popular and revitalised mobility services continues to bear the MOL name. Since its launch in 2014, we’ve believed that public cycling contributes to a more liveable, sustainable Budapest. These initiatives are great because people truly feel a sense of ownership and use them regularly. MOL Bubi is just that—it’s not just a mode of transportation but has become an iconic service in Budapest over the years. “Our goal remains to be a part of people’s everyday lives, keep them active, and support solutions that provide a community experience while making urban transport easier,” said Péter Pantl, Director of Communications at the MOL Group.

“Mastercard is pleased to participate in sustainable public transport innovations and initiatives that expand digital payment solutions into new areas. We thank BKK for their cooperation—we’ve been working with them for years, among other things, the development of the Pay&GO bankcard-based ticketing system. “We are proud that our convenient and secure payment technology service can contribute to the revitalisation and promotion of public bike use,” said Tibor Berkes, Head of Product Development for Hungary and Slovenia at Mastercard’s Central European Division.