Brussels public transport operator STIB's "Tram New Generation" (TNG), designed to make trams more accessible, welcomed its first passengers.
Hailed a "jewel of technology" by the company, the first of the new trams was unveiled in Brussels on Wednesday. The TNG is a more modernised version of the latest entrants to the STIB network, the T3000 and T4000, which took to the tracks in the Belgian capital.
A life-size model of the new vehicle was presented in 2019 when it was inaugurated by King Philip. Four years later and after extensive testing to guarantee comfort and safety, it has now transported its first passengers.
Credit: The Brussels Times/ Lauren Walker
"The model version was inaugurated by the King and with these real trams, we want to give passengers the royal treatment," said mobility minister Elke Van den Brandt. "These TNG represent a solid upgrade for our passengers."
Thousands more seats
The TNG comes in two shapes: a 32-metre version can transport 182 people and has 47 seats while a 43-metre version has capacity for 256 passengers, of which 65 are seats. STIB ordered 79 short trams and 11 long vehicles in total.
The first TNG will be deployed on the northern section of line 51, between Brussels-Midi and Stade. This is one of the busiest and most important lines in the region and runs between two hospitals and the city centre.
During its first official ride for members of the press, the vehicle was operated by STIB CEO, Brieuc de Meeûs. Credit: The Brussels Times/ Lauren Walker
The new vehicles will be gradually rolled out across Brussels: by the end of 2023, a total of ten TNG trams will be added to the network. All 60 vehicles included in the first order made by STIB will be running the network by 2025. An additional 30 TNG trams will take to the tracks by the end of 2026.
The extra vehicles on this line will also allow the tram fleet to be expanded "to respond to numerous developments on the network, such as the increase in passenger numbers and new lines," STIB explained.
"With the introduction of the first 60 TNGs, a total of 11,734 extra places will be added to the network."
Access and comfort
The new vehicles offer more comfort for all passengers and in particular, will be more accessible to people with reduced mobility.
The TNGs are more spacious and have wider doors and lower floors to make it easier to board and disembark. They also feature two "multi-purpose areas" for wheelchair users and people with prams.
One of the multi-purpose areas. Credit: The Brussels Times/ Lauren Walker
To assist wheelchair users at platforms that have not yet been raised to the level of the trams, the vehicle is also equipped with floor-integrated manual ramps that facilitate wheelchair boarding and alighting.
"These are the most accessible trams that will circulate in the region. Together with the continuous improvement of accessibility at the stops themselves, this is a big step forward in providing public transport for all Brussels citizens and visitors to our city," Van den Brandt said.
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Innovations have been added for the comfort of passengers, such as more comfortable folded seats, large information screens, LED lighting and an efficient air cooling system. Safety features include improved rear view mirrors and front cameras to minimalise the blind spot.
