From February 1, travelers in Belgium will face higher fares from various transport companies.
Those who use trains, trams, buses, or subways on a daily or occasional basis will notice that prices are rising on average by between just over 2 percent and well over 4 percent. The adjustments vary per company and per type of ticket, with some notable exceptions and even price decreases in addition to increases.
The Belgian National Railway Company (NMBS) is increasing ticket prices by an average of 2.14 percent. For season tickets, the increase is slightly higher at 2.60 percent. The adjustment is in line with the general indexation implemented by the railways, but some fares will remain unaffected. For example, the price of the Train+ card will not change. Passengers who take their bicycles on the train or transport a pet will not have to pay any extra costs, as the bicycle supplement and pet supplement will remain unchanged. At the same time, NMBS is implementing a number of targeted reductions. Season tickets for journeys longer than 120 kilometers will become cheaper, which will mainly benefit long-distance commuters. In addition, the rates for day tickets for car parking for train passengers will also fall, a measure designed to encourage motorists to take the train more often.
average 4.2 percent
The Flemish public transport company De Lijn is adjusting its fares by an average of 4.2 percent. This means that most season tickets will become more expensive, as will multi-trip tickets and group tickets. However, there will be less change for passengers who use buses or trams sporadically. Most fares for occasional tickets, such as single tickets and day tickets, will remain unchanged. A notable feature of the new fare package is the significant price reduction for one specific season ticket. The Buzzy Pazz for young people between the ages of 18 and 24 will be almost a quarter cheaper. The price will drop from €215 to €165, a change that should make public transport considerably more affordable for young adults.
Fares are also being adjusted in Brussels. The Brussels transport company MIVB is also implementing indexation. As a result, the price of a single journey will increase from €2.30 to €2.40. A monthly pass will go from €55 to €56 and an annual pass from €550 to €560. Not all passengers will be affected by these changes, as some prices will remain unchanged. School passes will retain their current fare, which offers families with school-age children a degree of stability in a period of general price increases.
In Wallonia, the public transport company Letec is adjusting its fares with an average indexation of 2.15 percent. In addition to this price increase, a structural change is also being implemented in the fare system. The existing zone fares will disappear and be replaced by a single price on the traditional lines. This reform should make the fare system simpler and clearer for passengers, although in practice it means that some journeys may become more expensive while others become cheaper.
adjustments
The various price adjustments show that transport companies are seeking a balance between financial feasibility and affordability for passengers. While the general trend points to higher fares, conscious choices are being made here and there to spare certain groups or provide them with extra support. Long-distance commuters on NMBS and young people on De Lijn are seeing their costs fall, while occasional travelers in Flanders are largely spared. At the same time, the impact of indexation remains palpable for those who depend on public transport on a daily basis, especially at a time when other costs are also rising.
Travelers would be wise to review and compare their subscriptions and tickets in good time. The changes coming into effect on February 1 make it clear that public transport is continuing to evolve, not only on the rails and roads, but also in terms of fares and structures.
