With the costs of the construction of Metro 3 in Brussels running much higher than intended, several associations campaigning against the works have come up with an alternative plan: Premetro+.
Almost since the first day, the construction of the Metro 3 – connecting the north and the south of the city – has encountered problems. Most recently, the works were halted because the groundwater level was too high, but the debacle surrounding the iconic Palais du Midi – whose interior needs to be dismantled – previously delayed the project by over two years.
"We fear that the plan will eventually be rolled out in phases, which will cause even more inconvenience to travellers," said Tim Cassiers of BRAL, one of the associations coming up with an alternative proposal.
The Metro 3 line would first connect Albert station (in Forest) in the south of the city to the Brussels-Midi station, and then the North station to Bordet (Evere) in the north. Between Midi and North stations, the M3 line would use the existing Anneessens, Bourse, De Brouckère and Rogier stops – with the addition of the Toots Thielemans station currently being built at Palais du Midi.
A premetro alternative
The rising costs of the works are another issue: the construction of Metro 3 already costs nearly €5 billion, while the price tag of the associations' Premetro+ alternative comes down to just €175 million. "Even if all existing plans were now cancelled and reversed, our idea is still cheaper. And it uses the existing infrastructure."
The associations suggest simply running more trams or a premetro (which is a system formed by regular tram lines which sometimes run through tunnels – giving it a metro-like quality).
"The solution is very simple: the existing infrastructure should be used optimally," Cassiers said. "For example, we have calculated that in the tunnel between North Station and Midi Station, three trams can pass at the same time, instead of two. And the trams can run at a higher frequency."
Proposed Brussels (pre)metro and tram network, without Metro 3. Credit: Premetro+
Given what the associations call "the total collapse of Metro 3," Premetro+ would be "a realistic and ambitious" alternative. "It would improve services to the city centre and the north-east with direct lines, accommodate the capacity needed during peak hours and offer Brussels residents an attractive network for all their travel."
The associations are afraid that a number of politicians fear losing face if they decide to stop the Metro 3 project – especially after all the controversy and discussions surrounding it. "But we ask them to really think about the possibilities and alternatives."
"They should take responsibility and say that the plan was a nice dream, but they should dare to admit that it is no longer affordable," Cassiers said. "That would only be a sign of good governance."
