The new, extra-fast train service between Brussels and Amsterdam will mainly benefit international travellers, and have far-reaching, negative consequences for domestic train supply, mayors and an association warned.
The Intercity New Generation (ICNG) between the Belgian and Dutch capitals, to be launched by Dutch (NS) and Belgian (SNCB) railway operators later this year, was announced with great fanfare. The companies vowed it would double the number of services, and bring passengers between the two cities in about two hours – more than 40 minutes faster than at present.
However, several concerns were soon raised by outsiders: the train was set to skip the Brussels-North and Brussels-Central stations, only stopping in Brussels-Midi. Passenger organisation TreinTramBus also questioned what impact it could have on domestic train traffic.
SNCB had for months said it was too early to give a definite answer, however, the final timetable has been unveiled. "It now appears that the introduction of an additional international train on this line will indeed have a huge impact," TreinTramBus wrote in an open letter to Sophie Dutordoir, CEO of SNCB, co-signed by mayors of the affected municipalities.
'Sacrificing domestic passengers'
According to TreinTramBus, to make room for a new express train, services are being shifted or even abolished across the country.
Among others, it argued Genk (and by extension the Maasland region) will lose its direct train to the coast on weekdays, on weekends, virtually all Limburg connections between buses and trains will have to be axed, and those wanting to travel from Kortrijk to Blankenberge have to wait half an hour in Bruges for a connection.
"Travellers between Antwerp and Brussels are likely to be the biggest victims: one in four domestic IC trains will be cancelled in both directions," the open letter read. "And that while travellers between Brussels and Antwerp sometimes already have to stand up for lack of seats."
The organisation and mayors said it is "unacceptable" that a train from the regular domestic offer is being replaced by a train that will only be accessible to international passengers. "SNCB is sacrificing its domestic passengers for a commercial project."
In their opinion, this violates the management contract between SNCB and the Federal Government. They also criticised the lack of open communication from SNCB about what they say is "the biggest change since 2014". Those who signed the open letter are calling for urgent consultations with SNCB to adjust the plans, and to make the train accessible to travellers within Belgium.
Meanwhile, SNCB maintains that no formal decision has yet been taken, adding that next year's timetable will be decided on in the next few weeks.
