What’s truly bullshit about this map is Hungary. To get anywhere, you have to go through Budapest and it’s been like this since the last 150 years, when it comes to rail. Even though it has at least seven metropolitan areas outside of Pest county with population above 100k… NOPE! You have to go through two of the three major railway stations of Budapest.
What’s worse is say you are a local to Hungary and you live east of the Danube. You want to visit Lake Balaton in the west. You have to take the train to Budapest. You then transfer by Metró to the other railway station. And then take another train to the lake. Three fares and two transfers, which might be fine as an individual but adds up in costs and stress if you are with family or have accessibility needs. And by accessibility needs I’m just talking about being elderly (who mostly travel free or at a very reduced rate) or a stroller.
What’s truly bullshit about this map is Hungary. To get anywhere, you have to go through Budapest and it’s been like this since the last 150 years, when it comes to rail. Even though it has at least seven metropolitan areas outside of Pest county with population above 100k… NOPE! You have to go through two of the three major railway stations of Budapest.
What’s worse is say you are a local to Hungary and you live east of the Danube. You want to visit Lake Balaton in the west. You have to take the train to Budapest. You then transfer by Metró to the other railway station. And then take another train to the lake. Three fares and two transfers, which might be fine as an individual but adds up in costs and stress if you are with family or have accessibility needs. And by accessibility needs I’m just talking about being elderly (who mostly travel free or at a very reduced rate) or a stroller.
France is no different, going anywhere by TGV ? You’d best like going via Paris