Public transport is all the rage in Belgium!
When we think of Belgium, we think of its cultural heritage, its gourmet cuisine and its picturesque landscapes. But there's another aspect that deserves just as much attention: its public transport network. Well-developed, dense and widely used, it offers a practical and environmentally-friendly alternative. And it's fair to say that Belgians love them for getting around our flat country!
An extensive network
If public transport is so popular in Belgium, it's because of the quality and extent of its network! Not to mention the Brussels network, which is 5 times denser than the rest of the country.
Major cities like Brussels and Antwerp are well connected by trains, metros, trams and buses. These connections make it very easy for people to get around both within the cities and between the different regions of the country. But that's not all! We also have Thalys and Eurostar, making it easy to travel to neighbouring countries and conquer Europe.
Reduced environmental impact
Above all, public transport is a smart ecological choice, as it has less impact on the environment than the car. In the current climate of climate change, more and more Belgians are turning to this option, leaving their car parked in a car park or even parked outside their home.
Electric trains, trams and metros are seen as even more environmentally friendly, making a greater contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. A trend that is in line with our country's new vision of sustainability and transition to a greener society.
Social and economic benefits
Public transport facilitates access to urban centres and therefore to shopping areas. This benefits both retailers and consumers! And let's not forget their social impact, with the social cohesion and encounters they foster, as well as the growing number of job opportunities they generate.
What's more, they offer an affordable travel solution for everyone, whatever their income or geographical location. From the good it does for the community to improving our quality of life, the benefits of public transport are numerous.
So what about the future?
Although Belgium's public transport network is extensive, it is not without its challenges. Delays, overcrowding and the need for maintenance to modernise the infrastructure are all part of everyday life... But Belgium is not discouraged, and is planning improvements to satisfy its citizens even more. These include expanding the network to underserved areas, integrating new technologies to improve the passenger experience and move with the times, and focusing on renewable energies to power vehicles and infrastructure. As you can see, there's still a lot of work to be done, even if progress and advances are clearly visible every year!
The possibilities in Brussels
There are many public transport options in the Brussels region. These include: STIB, Brussels' main transport operator (trams, buses and metro); TEC and DE LIJN, Walloon and Flemish bus companies that also operate in Brussels; and SNCB, with trains departing from 35 stations in the capital.
As for parking, if you absolutely must make part of the journey in your own car, why not leave it at one of the "Park & Ride" car parks at the entrance to the city? There are 8 strategically placed car parks with direct connections to public transport.
Progress is even being made in terms of tickets: since 2021, you can travel in and around Brussels with a single ticket valid for all 4 operators.
In conclusion, it's fair to say that Belgians are in favour of public transport. Much more than a means of getting around, it embodies a conscious choice in favour of sustainable mobility, a more dynamic economy and a fairer society for all. By continuing to invest in it on a daily basis, Belgium is setting itself up as an inspiring model for other countries looking to improve their own public transport systems.
Are you ready to embrace change for a more pleasant city?