Mechelen (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – NMBS confirms only half the usual trains will run between Antwerp and Brussels this summer due to Mechelen bridge works, sparking travel disruptions.
Therefore, TreinTramBus, a passenger organization, is requesting that NMBS find a way to permit domestic passengers to travel on the international Eurocity train on the Antwerp–Brussels segment. “That’s not feasible,” replies NMBS.
The third Vierendeel bridge across the Leuvense Vaart and the renewal of the rail infrastructure on the Antwerp-Mechelen-Brussels railway line in Belgium will be the focus of ongoing work by rail network manager Infrabel in Mechelen from today until Sunday, August 31. Train traffic around Mechelen will be modified as a result, and there will be fewer tracks and switches accessible.
“On weekdays, there will be fewer IC trains running between Antwerp and Brussels during off-peak hours,”
Explains Bart Crol of NMBS.
“During rush hours, there will be additional trains on that route. The IC train between Essen and Charleroi-Central will not run between Antwerp-Central and Brussels. There will also be fewer suburban S-trains during rush hours.”
There will be half as many trains stopping at Mortsel-Oude God during weekends. Every hour, a train will halt.
“Travellers will have to wait longer and miss a number of connections. And there will also be fewer seats,”
Warns Peter Meukens of the passenger organisation TreinTramBus.
“The trains that do run, do not always leave well-spread over the hour.”
The passenger organisation proposes to open the international train that runs between Antwerp and Brussels to domestic passengers.
“There are at least 300 seats available per trip, let the passengers ride here and we already have part of an alternative” proposes Peter Meukens. “Besides, in the Netherlands that train is accessible to domestic passengers, so why wouldn’t that be possible in Belgium?”
NMBS responds that it recognizes the temporary arrangement is not optimal. However, they oppose letting people go to the Netherlands via international train.
“We have to work with the capacity that is available, and that does indeed mean that some trains are a bit close together, but there will certainly be seats available,”
Says Bart Crols.
He does not think it is a solution to allow domestic passengers on the international train.
Comments
5 responses to “NMBS: Half of Antwerp-Brussels Trains Operational”
Seems like NMBS has decided that summer is the perfect time for a “half-off” sale on train services between Antwerp and Brussels. Who wouldn’t want to embrace the joys of waiting longer for fewer trains? 😂
Only half the trains are running? Perfect! Just what I needed for my “exercise regime”—nothing like a good old-fashioned wait on the platform to keep the heart racing. 🚉💨
Typical NMBS, eh? Half the trains, double the waiting—who needs efficiency when you can enjoy a leisurely extra hour at the station? 🚉🙄
Brilliant move, NMBS! Who doesn’t love standing in a crowded station waiting for a train that only shows up when your coffee has gone cold? 🚉☕️
Incredible! So we get to enjoy the thrill of travel chaos this summer with half the trains running—perfect for those who love a good suspense story while waiting at the station. 🚉💼
Seems like the NMBS is really committed to the ‘less is more’ philosophy this summer—who needs trains when you can enjoy a lovely, extended wait in Mechelen? 🚉💤
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