Travelling by train during off-peak hours or at weekends is becoming cheaper in Belgium. This is one of the most important conclusions looking at the state-owned rail operator’s new ticket pricing. The new fares come into effect on 15 October. Passengers will in future be able to purchase a discount card that entitles them to a 40 per cent reduction. Young people, senior citizens and people already entitled to increased support will receive the 40 per cent reduction in any way.
The NMBS company speaks of the biggest change in ticket prices in decades. The aim is to attract more passengers during off-peak hours and at weekends, when there is still too much spare capacity on trains.
Currently, 70 to 80 per cent of potential train passengers travel once a month, and 60 per cent barely once or twice a year. The reforms were announced earlier this year but are now being implemented fully.
According to the railway company, the average fare will decrease. This will be particularly noticeable during off-peak hours or at weekends, and less so during peak hours.
During off-peak hours or at weekends, you will be able to enjoy a 40 per cent discount, provided you have purchased a Train+ discount card costing 6 euros per month or 48 euros per year.
A promotional rate of 50 per cent off applies to Train+ until the end of this year.
Adults with a Train+ card will pay a maximum of 14 euros per journey, even during rush hour.
Young people, senior citizens and people entitled to increased support always receive a 40% discount. You can combine this discount with the Train+ discount, giving you an extra 40% discount on the reduced fare. Train+ is also cheaper for these categories: 4 euros per month and 32 euros per year.
Train+ will be available for purchase from 15 October, both online, via ticket machines and at the ticket office. The system can be linked to your MoBIB card, your online profile on MyNMBS or used as a separate QR code.
Rates will now be calculated per kilometre. The rate for long distance travel will decrease. The maximum price will be calculated based on a distance of up to 120 kilometres instead of the current 150 kilometres.
Other changes
A discount rate is also being introduced for groups of 4 to 15 people. They will receive a 40 per cent discount during off-peak hours and at weekends.
Nothing changes for larger groups. They will receive a 60 per cent discount on condition that they book in advance.
If you take your bicycle along with you, you will now pay 3 euros instead of 4 euros during off-peak hours and 5 euros during the rush hour. Folding bicycles will remain free of charge.
One ticket for all modes of public transport?
In addition to the new fares, rail company NMBS also announced that, together with regional transport companies De Lijn (Flanders), MIVB (Brussels) and TEC Wallonia), it is proposing working on a so-called ‘intermodal fare’, allowing passengers to travel on trains, trams, metros and buses with a single ticket. The price of such a ticket should be the sum of the fares charged by the various transport companies.
According to the NMBS, the proposal has been well received by the various mobility ministers. The aim is to present a more concrete proposal in March.