New and old, used and refurbished – the meeting point of public transport and the circular economy
Image by Magyar CIVINET secretariat
On 12 February, Magyar CIVINET, together with Mobilissimus, held a professional event titled “New and old, used and refurbished – the meeting point of public transport and the circular economy” in Szeged, in cooperation with Szeged Transport Company. The event took place within the framework of the CE4CE project and directly reflected CIVITAS values: resource efficiency, lifecycle thinking, and pragmatic sustainability in public transport.
Opening remarks by the City of Szeged highlighted a reality familiar to many CIVITAS cities: public transport is a political and financial priority, yet heavily underfunded, making refurbished and second-hand vehicles a necessity rather than a choice. Still, sustainable mobility was reaffirmed as the most cost-effective long-term solution for citizens.
The CE4CE project presentation demonstrated how many CIVITAS Cities are operationalising circular economy principles through practical tools (Circularity Compass, Knowledge Platform) and pilot actions, such as second-life batteries, system optimisation, and data-driven decision-making across Central Europe.
Several operator perspectives illustrated the full spectrum of circular approaches:
- Strategic use of second-hand vehicles as emergency solutions, low-risk standardised options, or long-term assets after deep refurbishment.
- The Veszprém case showed the counterpoint: investing in a fully standardised new fleet can reduce long-term risks and operating costs—but only where stable political and financial backing exists.
- Academic cost-comparison models underlined the importance of lifecycle cost analysis, rather than purchase price alone, when choosing propulsion technologies and fleet strategies.
- Budapest’s experience confirmed that used vehicles are often solutions born of necessity, viable only when contractual and maintenance conditions are carefully managed.
The event ended with a study tour to the tram depot in Szeged, where traditional TATRA trams and modern low-floor PESA trams, forming the fleet’s backbone, were showcased. Special attention was given to on-site repair and improvement of door-opening mechanisms as part of the CE4CE project.
Author: Magyar CIVINET
