Metro 4 - Budapest's first fully automatic Metro

Budapest's Metro 1 was built during the reign of Emperor Franz Joseph and opened in 1896, while Metro 2 was constructed during the Socialist era and opened in 1970. Metro 3 was opened in 1976 and Metro 4 is currently under construction. All the lines have been maintained, refurbished and extended since their construction. The construction of new metro lines is central to the transport strategy of Budapest for creating new inter modal junctions (train, tram, trolleybus and metro with park and ride facilities). As well as being environmentally friendly the construction of new metro lines is expected to bring significant economic development along the lines' corridors. Phase 1 of the Metro 4 construction project will link the south of Buda with the city centre. The history of the project is described along with details about the route; the transport operator (BKV/DBR); funding arrangements; the contractors and contracts; the construction of tunnels and stations; the rolling stock; and the electronic engineering systems. Although progress is slower than originally planned, the project is making progress with the opening being estimated as 2012.