The national rail authority SNCB today brings into operation its new transport plan for 2019, which includes changes to timetables and the closure of a number of stations. Because of works on the regional express network around Brussels, the two last daily trains on the S1 Antwerp-Brussels-Charleroi line will stop at Brussels Midi, and will not serve the stations Forest-East, Uccle-Stalle, Uccle-Calevoet, Linkebeek, Holleken, Sint-Genesius-Rode, De Hoek, Waterloo, Braine-L'Alleud, Lillois, Nivelles and Obaix-Buzet. Passengers on those trains will have to rely on the Stib or Tec.
The S2 train Braine-le-Comte-Leuven-Brussels will double in frequency in both directions on Saturdays, becoming a half-hourly service.
The IC train from Antwerp to Hamont will stop at Mol because of electrification works between Mol and Hamont, and stations Lommel, Overpelt, Neerpelt and Hamont itself will not be served until December 2020.
Until August 2020, the last two IC trains from Brussels via Namur to Luxembourg will run as far as Libramont, leaving out Marbehan, Arlon and Luxembourg.
On one Thursday a month, between 0840 and 1520, trains between Mons and Quévy will be replaced by a bus service in both directions.
On weekdays, the S41 from Liege-Guillemins to Verviers Central will be served by two extra trains in the morning and evening rush hours.
Finally, the rail link between Paris and Namur, Charleroi and Mons will be re-established.
Passengers are advised to consult their local station or the SNCB website (www.belgiantrain.be) for details on the lines which concern them.
Alan Hope
The Brussels Times
