In a surprise move whose impact on tourism is heavily uncertain, the city of Budapest has issued a decree that the operation of bus lines must be a “monopoly of local governments.” Those buses used for sightseeing may avoid this by achieving reclassification into the tourist industry, but a least until March 30^th the buses will not be in operations due to canceled licenses.

The city of Budapest cancelled the operating licences of the four sightseeing bus companies in the capital from January 1 and extended them until March 30, due to an amendment of the law on national assets.

The new regulation states that the operation of bus lines must be a monopoly of local governments.

However, the Budapest Transport Centre has not extended its permits for the use of bus stops, said Gábor Dittel of hauler association NiT Hungary representing the companies.

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