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.

[–] raynethackery@lemmy.world 7 points 6 months ago (3 children)

Why is it set up that way?

[–] AnaisRim@lemmynsfw.com 12 points 6 months ago

Everybody in Europe needs to go to spas in Budapest. It's medicinal. And required.

[–] TheGreenGolem@lemmy.dbzer0.com 4 points 6 months ago

Our capitol was always overprioritiezed because of some kind of elitism.

[–] kilgore_trout@feddit.it 2 points 6 months ago

I can only guess the reasons but I experienced this frustration when I needed to go from the very north to the very east of the country and still had to go through Budapest.

[–] franglais@lemm.ee 1 points 6 months ago

France is no different, going anywhere by TGV ? You'd best like going via Paris