Advancing Budapest’s modern e-ticketing and fare payment system
Rebel supports the BKK Centre for Budapest Transport in defining business needs, designing the conceptual framework, and shaping the procurement strategy for expanding cEMV-based fare payments across Budapest’s public transport network, enhancing the customer experience and modernizing revenue collection for more than 1.5 billion annual passengers.
The challenge
Rebel operates in a context where Budapest’s existing ticketing system no longer meets modern operational, analytical, or passenger experience requirements. The challenge is to define a scalable, future-ready solution that integrates real-time data, supports innovation, and delivers both economic and environmental value. Rebel must also help BKK learn from a previous unsuccessful procurement while ensuring alignment with the strategic, technical, and financial objectives for the introduction of a citywide cEMV payment system.
The approach
Rebel provides comprehensive advisory support to BKK as it prepares to introduce cEMV-based fare payments across Budapest’s entire transport network. The assignment begins with identifying BKK’s business, operational, and technical needs by analysing the existing fare collection system, passenger flows, operational processes, and institutional responsibilities. This establishes a clear understanding of the improvements required to deliver a seamless, user-friendly, and financially sustainable e-ticketing ecosystem.
Rebel conducts an in-depth market and technology analysis to assess global best practices, supplier capabilities, innovation trends, and proven approaches for large-scale cEMV deployments. This analysis helps BKK understand feasible technical options, system architectures, and integration pathways for buses, trams, trolleybuses, and metro lines. Findings are translated into clear conceptual designs that reflect Budapest’s operational realities and the expectations of modern travellers.
To support decision-making, Rebel develops structured business cases demonstrating the economic, operational, and environmental benefits of upgrading to a modern e-ticketing system. This includes modelling investment requirements, operating costs, revenue impacts, and potential efficiency gains.
Rebel also prepares detailed decision-support materials such as risk assessments, cost–benefit analyses, ROI calculations, implementation scenarios, and governance recommendations. These materials help BKK select a preferred system approach grounded in evidence and aligned with long-term public transport goals.
Rebel further designs the procurement strategy, ensuring compliance with public procurement requirements and alignment with BKK’s strategic objectives. This includes advising on lot structuring, technical specifications, performance requirements, supplier market engagement, and evaluation methodologies. Rebel supports BKK in building robust tender documentation and continues to provide assistance throughout the procurement process to ensure clarity, competitiveness, and adherence to international best practices.
A key aspect of Rebel’s work is ensuring that the planned system is adaptable to future innovations, supports real-time analytics, and promotes a seamless passenger journey. By integrating lessons from previous procurement challenges, Rebel strengthens BKK’s readiness to deliver a modern, resilient, and customer-focused e-ticketing system.
Impact
Rebel accelerates Budapest’s transition to modern, user-friendly fare payments.
