One ticket for Brussels public transport

7 November 2005

BRUSSELS — A one-ticket system will soon be introduced for trains, trams and buses in the Brussels area, State Secretary for Public Enterprises Bruno Tuybens said.

The Diabolo project aims at improving public transport access to the Belgian capital and improving travel times over the Regional Express Net (GEN).

More rail connections and better links between trains, trams and buses in an area up to 30km away from Brussels are one of the key elements of the project, broadcaster VRT reported.

Belgian rail NMBS-SNCB has reached a deal with local transport companies to introduce the one-ticket system.

“We want to make things easier and clearer for our customers,” Tuybens said.

The NMBS-SNCB is already co-operating with tram and bus company MIVB-STIB in Brussels.

Meanwhile, the national rail operator is planning to introduction new rail connections, having recently announced the new direct rail link between Leuven and Zaventem Airport in Brussels.

Elsewhere, work to the GEN is expected to be completed sometime between 2010 and 2012.

Subject: Belgian news