{"id":327,"date":"2024-09-13T18:16:43","date_gmt":"2024-09-13T16:16:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/magyarbusz.info\/en\/2024\/09\/13\/seat-reservation-system-at-volanbusz-questions-and-answers\/"},"modified":"2024-09-13T18:16:43","modified_gmt":"2024-09-13T16:16:43","slug":"seat-reservation-system-at-volanbusz-questions-and-answers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/magyarbusz.info\/en\/2024\/09\/13\/seat-reservation-system-at-volanbusz-questions-and-answers\/","title":{"rendered":"Seat reservation system at Vol\u00e1nbusz: questions and answers"},"content":{"rendered":"

The first month of Vol\u00e1nbusz\u2019s pilot seat reservation system<\/a>, launched as an optional feature, came to an end in the first week of September. According to the company\u2019s statement sent to our editorial team, nearly 68,000 seat reservations were made during this period\u2014something they see as a sign that most passengers quickly adapted to the new system. However, the company also received a number of questions during this initial phase. Below, Vol\u00e1nbusz provides practical answers and guidance to help clarify these issues for passengers.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Since the introduction of the new seat reservation system on August 5, 2024, Vol\u00e1nbusz has received numerous questions and comments. The company has published detailed information on its website<\/a> and social media channels, including Facebook<\/a>. Now, they have summarized the most frequently asked questions and their answers based on the experiences gathered so far.<\/p>\n

I travel daily to school, work, or medical appointments\u2014do I need to buy a seat reservation every time?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Not everywhere, but it is possible for some routes and recommended for others. Seat reservations are currently available for long-distance buses either departing from or arriving in Budapest with route numbers between 1010 and 1257 (excluding 1120), and also for certain Mez\u0151k\u00f6vesd-based VONAT-BUSZ connection services (routes 1426, 1427, 4008, and 4030). Route numbers can be found on the Vol\u00e1nbusz website<\/a>, in the M\u00c1V app<\/a>, at jegy.mav.hu<\/a>, on M\u00c1V-Start ticket machines, and also displayed on the buses themselves. Vol\u00e1nbusz emphasizes that seat reservations are not mandatory on any of these services.<\/p>\n

On other bus services\u2014where the route number is not four digits or does not start with 10, 11, or 12\u2014travel options remain unchanged: seat reservations are neither needed nor available.<\/p>\n

If there are no free seats, will I have to stand for hours?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Buses with the seat reservation system are typically designated as seated-only services (classified as M3\/III category<\/a> coaches \u2013 editor\u2019s note<\/em>), although some may carry standing passengers. If you want to ensure a seat, Vol\u00e1nbusz recommends booking a reservation in advance\u2014especially for busy routes or during peak travel times.<\/p>\n

I had a seat reservation, but someone else took my seat!<\/strong><\/h4>\n

According to the Vol\u00e1nbusz terms of service<\/a>, if a passenger with a seat reservation fails to show up at the boarding location at least 10 minutes before departure, their seat may be taken by another passenger. To avoid issues, Vol\u00e1nbusz recommends arriving at the boarding location at least 15 minutes in advance. This is also clearly stated on the seat reservation ticket.<\/p>\n

Why am I not allowed to board first as a person with reduced mobility, a senior, or a pregnant passenger?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

\u201cOur drivers continue to give special attention to assisting passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility. However, on busier routes, we also recommend these passengers reserve a seat in advance. Each bus has two designated seats for blind or visually impaired passengers, and seat reservations are not available for these specific seats. That said, if more than two visually impaired passengers intend to travel on the same route, and one wishes to ensure a seat, we recommend booking a seat reservation.\u201d \u2013 states Vol\u00e1nbusz. (Though the original question remains somewhat unanswered… \u2013 editor\u2019s note<\/em>)<\/p>\n

Why do I need to pay if I\u2019m eligible for free travel?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Previously, many of these services required a mandatory long-distance supplement even for passengers entitled to free travel. Under the new system, no such supplement is required\u2014the choice is yours whether to reserve a seat for guaranteed seating.<\/p>\n

I don\u2019t have internet access or can\u2019t use the M\u00c1V app\u2014does this mean I can\u2019t travel?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Seat reservations can also be purchased in person at Vol\u00e1nbusz<\/a> and M\u00c1V-Start<\/a> ticket counters, or at M\u00c1V-Start vending machines\u2014up to 60 days before travel.<\/p>\n

How can I buy a seat reservation in the M\u00c1V app?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

In the M\u00c1V app<\/a>, first select Bus<\/em> under Transport mode<\/em>, then choose Passenger transport 2nd class<\/em> and Seat reservation 2nd class<\/em> under Services<\/em>. If you only want to book a seat, activate the Seat reservation only<\/em> option in Search criteria<\/em>. After selecting your route, you\u2019ll be given three options in the Choose seat reservation mode<\/em> menu:<\/p>\n