The MIVB, the public transport company in the Brussels region, is increasing and extending its services on New Year's Eve. Some 650 drivers, dispatchers and security staff will be on hand to transport passengers safely. Metro, tram and bus services will run more frequently and stay operational later into the night. Between midnight and 5.30 a.m., the entire network will also be free for all passengers.
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MIVB carries passengers free of charge in Brussels after New Year's Eve celebrations
Colin Clapson
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One of the many attractions organised at the turn of the year in Brussels is the traditional fireworks display at the Heizel. The MIVB is increasing its services so that spectators and revellers do not have to worry about their return journey. From midnight, the MIVB network will be free for all passengers.
Last year, the MIVB recorded approximately 130,000 journeys on New Year's Eve. All metros, almost all tram and bus lines, numbers 45, 49, 54, 59, 65, 87 and 96 will run until 2.30 a.m. Frequencies will be increased on the four metro lines and on nine tram lines (tram lines 4, 7, 9, 10, 39, 44, 55, 81 and 93). The last metro on line 6 will depart from the King Boudewijn station, where the traditional fireworks display will take place, at around 2 a.m.
"Respect the staff"
The MIVB’s Laurent Vermeersch has another important request for passengers on New Year's Eve. "Everyone who works deserves respect, and we ask passengers to respect our staff. Usually, this goes very well; most people are in a good mood and in a festive spirit. The most difficult job is actually for our dispatch team, who have to map out crowds at particular times."
To complete the night service, tram line 81 between the Drievuldigheid and Montgomery stops will also run throughout the night and into the following day, with a tram every 15 minutes. The trams on line 81 between Sint-Gillis Bareel and Marius Renard will run according to their normal timetable until around 1 a.m.
Buses on the Noctis night network will run from midnight to 5.30 a.m. The last night buses will depart from the city centre at 5 a.m. at the earliest. After that, the regular timetable will take over immediately.