The sanitary facilities in 14 major train stations across Belgium will be renovated and improved to fit a "new toilet concept," announced national railway company SNCB and 2theloo – a specialist in operating public toilets.
Sanitary facilities are in the top three most important expectations of passengers: they are indispensable in busy stations and must meet certain quality requirements in terms of availability, cleanliness and safety.
"Thanks to this new partnership, SNCB will be able to offer its passengers a quality service and guarantee hygienic and modern sanitary facilities," said Patrice Couchard, Director of Stations at SNCB.
From now on, the operation of the sanitary facilities in the stations Antwerp-Central, Mons, Bruges, Brussels-North, Brussels-Central, Brussels-Midi (South), Charleroi-Central, Ghent-Sint-Pieters, Kortrijk, Leuven, Liège-Guillemins, Mechelen, Namur and Ottignies will be entrusted to 2theloo.
Credit: Michiel Stock/2theloo
In the coming months, facilities will gradually be remodelled with partial or complete renovations; night toilets will also be installed. All facilities will be accessible to persons with reduced mobility.
"This partnership is an excellent opportunity to strengthen our presence in Belgium and continue our mission to provide clean, modern and pleasant toilets in high-traffic areas such as train stations and vibrant city neighbourhoods," said Chris Meijers, CEO of 2theloo. "We look forward to the start of this new partnership with Belgian Railways."
The new toilet concept includes extended opening hours, an intercom available 24/7, staff that can be deployed flexibly based on how busy the station is (such as during events), thorough cleaning and numerous amenities for a practical and comfortable service.
Entry will be free for children smaller than 1.20 metres. Other travellers will pay €1 and receive a discount voucher that they can use at various shops in the station.
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The new concept also uses up to 50% less energy and water, 35% less paper and 60% less soap than today. On top of that, measures – such as using rainwater when available, limiting the dispenser system and using environmentally friendly soap – will also be taken to offset CO2 emissions, meaning that the sanitary facilities in these 14 stations will be completely CO2 neutral.
In the various toilets, there will also be a separate area with a children's toilet, a microwave oven, an ergonomic chair for breastfeeding and a changing table for babies.
People with reduced mobility will also be taken into account, with adapted toilets, more space, a sliding door, washbasins at the right height and an alarm button to call for help. Contrasting colours will be used for the furnishings and guidelines will be installed for the visually impaired and blind.
