The new mobility plan of local transport company De Lijn radically overhauls tram lines in Ghent starting January. The current network consisting of 3 long lines will be replaced by 4 shorter as well as new routes, but still using existing tracks. The new lines run from Flanders Expo to Gentbrugge, from Evergem to Melle, from Zwijnaarde to Moscou and from the Ghent University Hospital UZ to the downtown. However, the network immediately faces a big challenge: major road works mean that shuttle buses will have to be used right from the start.
From January next year, Ghent’s tram network will look completely different. Tram 1 will run from Flanders Expo to Gentbrugge, Tram 2 from Evergem to Melle, Tram 3 from Zwijnaarde to the stop Moscou and Tram 4 from the UZ to the centre. The aim is to be able to carry more passengers on the busiest axes. In its model, De Lijn envisages an increase in passenger numbers of over 10 per cent in the short term. In addition, the new routes should also stop incidents from causing major and protracted delays. This is the 'wished for network', because trams won’t run as De Lijn envisages from the start.
There are already works at the Coupure and on the busy Veldstraat - Kortrijksepoortstraat axis, there are plans for more. This means that from the start shuttle buses will have to run for a while on the new tram routes.
The timing of the works is not at ideal. However, disruption will ease after the summer, when the works at the Coupure will be finished. Work on the Veldstraat-Kortrijksepoortstraat axis will only be completed much later, in 2029 at the earliest. Only then can the new line 1 follow the planned route.
Buses and trams until after midnight
It is not only tram offerings that are changing in Ghent. A lot of bus routes too are undergoing change. Some bus numbers and buses and trams will run later, during the week until 1.30 a.m. and even until 2.30 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. The current night bus network will cease to exist.
As you may have read De Lijn is scrapping many stops throughout Flanders and also in Ghent. Regular buses will no longer call at almost 50 stops. Passengers will be able to use so-called flexi-buses. Throughout Ghent, 13 will be provided.
A ride must be booked in advance, which can only be done if there is no alternative for the traveller. Passengers must also meet several conditions. De Lijn provides more explanation on its handy website and will engage with the media to announce all the changes.