Children’s Railway in Budapest Turns 60

The children’s railway in the hills on the outskirts of Budapest today celebrated the 60th anniversary of its first launch on August 20, 1950.

The train is operated by children 10-14 years of age under the supervision of adults.

The children print tickets, pull switches and signals and keep passengers informed during the short 11-km journey. The only job performed by adults is driving the steam and diesel locomotives which travel at a maximum speed of 18 kilometers per hour.

The journey through hills, viaducts and tunnels on the Buda side of the city takes 45 minutes.

Children must study for and pass a number of tests before they are allowed to work for the railway.

Railways operated by children originally appeared in the Soviet Union and Eastern Bloc countries during the Communist Era.

The intent was to encourage children to learn about the railway profession.