The long escalator that takes passengers from the lower platforms to the main hall at Antwerp Central station will remain out of service for several more weeks. Rail operator NMBS is waiting for a new rubber handrail to be made to measure. In the meantime, hundreds of passengers are struggling up the stairs every day, carrying luggage, buggies and scooters.
Home News
Main escalator at Antwerp Central station out of service for weeks
Published:
“It’s not exactly fun,” says a man who has just climbed the more than 60 steps carrying two large suitcases. “The climb was quite difficult, as I’m not exactly young anymore.”
Meanwhile, a woman is making her way up at a very slow pace. “I have respiratory problems; I suffer from asthma,” she says. “For me, this climb is really impossible.”
For international travellers, too, the discovery of Antwerp hasn’t begun with the architecture of the station building for weeks now but rather with the unexpected climb. “It’s incredibly inconvenient that the escalator isn’t working. I don’t know where I can find a working escalator or lift either,” says one visitor.
“It’s complicated and time-consuming,” says a man behind her. Another man reasons that taking a flight of stairs is good for his health. “But I do realise that it can be a problem for people with health issues and the elderly.”
I suffer from asthma. For me, this climb is really impossible
Amid the stream of frustrated train passengers is a woman who has managed to carry an electric scooter up the stairs. “It’s tiring, of course. I also find it rather embarrassing for the many tourists here,” she says. “It’s a bit of a disgrace for our city.”
The NMBS is frustrated by the situation. “We are really pressing the maintenance company to ensure the escalator is repaired as soon as possible,” spokesperson Dimitri Temmerman said. “It is not a standard escalator, so spare parts always have to be made to measure. The rubber handrail is faulty and needs to be replaced along its entire length. It’s important that this is done as soon as possible, as this is a very important escalator for many train passengers.”
In total, there are currently five escalators and four lifts out of order at the station. Nevertheless, Temmerman says that – with a bit of searching – every platform is still accessible via at least one lift.
It’s a bit of a disgrace for our city
“I would advise passengers who don’t visit Antwerp Central very often to ask an NMBS member of staff for the best route to get upstairs,” he said. “In the meantime, we are also looking into how we can communicate the most accessible routes for each platform.”
The NMBS is planning a major refurbishment programme. Of the 50 escalators and lifts, 20 will be completely refurbished as early as next year. Further refurbishments will follow in the years after that.