Brussels toys with overnight public transport

16 January 2006

BRUSSELS — The Brussels government has allocated EUR 1.32 million towards the launch of overnight public transport in the Belgian capital.

The expansion in public transport services is expected to take effect in the second half of this year, newspaper ‘La Dernière Heure’ reported on Monday.

There are three possibilities being considered. Firstly, part of the current infrastructure might be extended or special tram and bus lines might be used at night. The third alternative is a system involving collective taxi usage.

Brussels Transport Minister Pascal Smet wants to proceed with all three options, but has not yet decided the order in which they will be introduced.

The first initiative could be realised in November, namely the extension of public transport services in the metro and on some train and bus routes.

Smet said metro services will be extended until 1.30am or 2am. In regards trams and buses, night services will be offered on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights.

However, the chief of Brussels transport authority MIVB-STIB, Alain Flausch, is not yet sold on the proposals for overnight travel and is instead focused on developing early evening services by the end of the year.

Subject: Belgian news