Belgian Railways price increase

Belgian Railways (NMBS) has increased its fares by an average of 5.9%. The price of a monthly or annual season ticket went up by 6.25% starting Feruary 1. Belgian Railways says that the fare rises are necessary to compensate for inflation and rising energy costs. VIDEO REPORT

During the cold snap it was apparent that NMBS provides passengers with too little information. Many passengers were not given any information while they remained stranded on platforms or in trains.....my neighbor happened to get home from work in Brussels at midnight on one of those cold nights.

Brussels public transport company also puts up fares
The Brussels public transport company MIVB has also increased its fares by an average of 6%.
The price of a twelve-month season ticket went up from 415 to 440 euros from midnight on Saturday.
The under 25’s now pay 300 euros for a year’s unlimited travel on the capital’s buses, trams and metro.
The price of a five journey ticket has risen by 30 eurocents to 7.30 euros, while a ten journey ticket now costs 12.30 euros, a rise of 80 cents.

Railroad traffic will come to a standstill at 22:00 tonight

The liberal VLD together with the employers' organisations and the Bond van Trein-,Tram- en Busgebruikers (The league of commuters) demand the implementation of peak-hour trains during the general strike in order to assure the rendering of a minimal service.

According to the Minister of Public Enterprises, Inge Vervotte (CD&V), this is however not attainable as it means that 65 pct of the personnel will have to work. Moreover, the minister refused to call on personnel. Open VLD asked why it can be done in France but not in Belgium.

Vervotte agreed with NMBS management that it is far more important to avoid spontaneous strikes. This can be achieved through viable agreements with the unions, the NMBS spokesperson said. The Open VLD did not accept this and demanded that the minimal service rendering be placed on Friday's agenda of the super ministers' cabinet meeting, to which the unions and employers have also been invited. The unions welcomed Vervotte's approach: 'We are pleased to find that the minister understands us', said Jos Digneffe of the railway union, ACOD-rail.