Budapest - FAV

Crime prevention measures
Because of the low crime situation of Hungary during its time as an "Eastern bloc" nation and the high level of formal surveillance, the Budapest metro system was never built or managed with a strong emphasis on crime prevention. Due to the trade agreements of COMECON, all rolling stock in the Budapest Metro had to be bought in Russia, a/o Mytischi in Moscow. These vehicles, which are also used in Prague, have a very basic and spartan design in which there is no effort to establish a pleasant atmosphere. Visibility and atmosphere are also a problem in most of the stations. Lighting levels are often insufficient, colour settings are dark and depressing, and sharp corners are omnipresent. Especially the smaller stations and the heavily used Földalatti show clear signs of deterioration.

Fortunately, there are plans for a reconstruction of the Földalatti soon. However, due to the sad financial situations of Hungary and the city, it is not likely that much more than this will be done to improve the public safety situation in the metro system. Meanwhile, crime rates are staggering and vandalism and muggings are on the increase.

Source: López, M.J.J., Crime Prevention Guidelines for the Construction & Management of Metro Systems, Den Haag: RCM-advies 1996, pg. 18-19.

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