Before 2032, many Belgian train stations will undergo renovation work to improve passenger experience, Gazet van Antwerpen reports. In total, the government will free up as much as €1.8 billion to reshape the transport hubs, improve accessibility, expand bicycle parking facilities, and improve the environment of run-down stations.
Federal Mobility Minister Georges Gilkinet warns that the planned investment will not go towards ambitious architectural projects, such as the new design of the Mons station, but rather to the quality of life improvements.
Mobility still remains an issue at many Belgian train stations. Currently, out of the 550 stations in Belgium, there are only 88 fully wheelchair-accessible stations allowing passengers to travel from the street to the train without assistance.
Under the government plans, this is set to double in the next 10 years, thanks to new lifts and raised platforms at Belgian stations. It is hoped that the modifications to the additional 88 stations, which include some of Belgium’s largest commuter hubs, will allow more than 75% of passengers to board a train without steps.
“Making stations and their surroundings accessible to people with reduced mobility or disabilities benefits all travellers,” said the minister. “People travelling with children or luggage also benefit from easily accessible stations and trains.”
Of the €1.8 billion allocated for the renovations, 40% will ultimately go towards improving mobility at the stations. The rest of the funding, the minister assures, will go towards improving the function of stations, rather than their appearance.
The minister says that ambitious projects have cost the cast millions and money is better spent on “investing in trains and services.” As such, a series of “austere” and “functional” renovations are planned across the country.
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One of the new ideas that the minister is keen to promote is the idea of train stations as “lively places”, rather than unsociable transitory locations. From its pilot project in Brussels’ Jette station, the Belgian ministry wants to create the concept of a “staytion” – a “living space that connects the surrounding neighbourhoods and is frequented by both travellers and local residents.”
Investments will go towards mobile phone charging stations, daycare drop off and grocery collection services; as well as events and exhibitions. Other investments will go towards promoting green mobility, envisioning the creation of around 164,000 additional bicycle parking spaces at dozens of stations, as well as creating clear signage towards bus or tram stops.
