Brussels local transport company MIVB speaks of a ‘rather limited number of vehicles operating'. Flemish local transport company De Lijn claims 70% of drivers are working, while a 24-hour rail strike is also under way.
At the start of today’s national union day of action, Brussels public transport operator MIVB reported that the number of metros, trams and buses running in Brussels this morning is ‘rather limited’.
In a post on its Facebook page, MIVB says that metros are only running on line 1 (extended to Erasmus). Only trams 4, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 51 are operating as well as buses 59, 71, 73 and 87 (extended to Zwarte Vijvers).
De Lijn: ‘70 percent of drivers will set out’
In a first update on the situation at Flemish local transport company De Lijn, spokesman Frederik Wittock says the disruption will be noticeable across Flanders today.
‘About 70 per cent of drivers will set out, which means that 7 out of 10 journeys will be operated’.
Disruption is expected to be slightly greater in major cities, he notes: Ghent and Antwerp but also the coastal tram. ‘There, about 60 per cent of journeys will operate today’.
For the latest information consult De Lijn's route planner ahead of your trip. ‘Provided you make some effort, you will be able to plan a bus or tram ride,’ the De Lijn spokesperson concludes.
23rd day of strike action on the railways
At 10pm yesterday evening, the new 24-hour strike at Belgium’s state-owned rail company NMBS started.
During the 24-hour strike, 6 out of 10 IC trains will run. In addition, 5 out of 10 Local and Suburban trains will also operate. Most P commuter services will not run.
The rail company has drawn up an alternative train service based on the staff working. Travellers can see which trains will run in the route planner .