Ringtrambus UZ Jette–Zaventem Speeds Up with New Vilvoorde Bus Lanes

Brussels – The Ringtrambus connecting Jette UZ and Zaventem Airport is set to operate at a faster pace thanks to recent infrastructure upgrades in Vilvoorde’s city center, including the addition of dedicated bus lanes along its route.

The bus-tram hybrid known as the Ringtrambus, operating between UZ Brussels Jette and Brussels Airport in Zaventem, is seeing improved travel times after the implementation of new dedicated bus lanes. According to reports from VRT, 3.5 kilometres of priority lanes now run through key areas of Vilvoorde, including Heldenplein, Stationlei, and Europabrug.

These infrastructure efforts aim to make public transport more appealing by reducing delays and increasing efficiency. The improved Ringtrambus route follows a similar path to bus line 820, connecting Grimbergen to Brussels Airport via Vilvoorde. By offering a faster and more reliable journey, authorities hope to shift more commuters away from private vehicles and reduce traffic congestion on the Brussels Ring.

“The Ringtrambus looks like a tram, but it runs on regular roads and can carry more passengers,”

explains Marco Demerling, spokesperson for De Lijn.

“We want to convince as many people as possible to leave their cars at home and opt for public transport. With the Ringtrambus, we offer a comfortable and smooth alternative to the Brussels ring.”

By 2027, the Ringtrambus will transition its terminal point from Machelen to Diegem. This change is part of an ongoing tunnel construction project beneath the Brussels Ring at Woluwelaan, which will facilitate the new routing.

Once complete, the full route will include 8.5 kilometers of dedicated bus lanes operating in both directions, significantly enhancing efficiency and travel experience. Upgrades to the Heldenplein bus station and broader traffic optimization efforts in Vilvoorde are central to these commuter-focused improvements.

The Evolution of Public Transport in Brussels

Brussels has long grappled with traffic congestion, prompting regional authorities to seek sustainable transport alternatives. One such initiative, “Brabantnet,” serves both Flanders and Brussels and has been instrumental in the development of the Ringtrambus system.

Over the years, efforts to lessen reliance on cars have included extending tram lines and launching high-frequency bus services. The heavily congested Brussels Ring Road (R0) has remained a strategic focus for these developments, with the Ringtrambus designed to improve mobility and alleviate pressure on this critical traffic artery.

Public transportation in Vilvoorde has seen steady growth in recent years, reflecting ongoing investment in commuter infrastructure and urban mobility planning.