Brussels public transport has announced that last week it saw the highest number of passengers since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. Public transport company STIB recorded the high numbers, indicating that commuters are travelling to, from, and around the capital more frequently, both for work and for leisure.
Last week, passenger numbers reached a record of 82.3% compared to the pre-Covid period. Metro journeys are recovering the fastest, with the majority - no less than 87% - opting for an underground journey, while trams and buses accounted for 78%.
At the height of the Covid crisis, STIB reached a low point with only 10 to 15% of regular passenger numbers. As soon as Covid-19 restrictions were slowly lifted, the return of the commuters gradually increased.
The increase in public transport commuters also reintroduces rush hour, which STIB says are reappearing. “During the corona crisis, peak hours had levelled off,” STIB said.
The use of public transport for leisure trips during the weekend is also noteworthy - “a trend that has been apparent for several months," STIB explains.
Public transport was free during the pollution alarm on Friday 25 and Saturday 26 March, which has also played a role in the increase of commuters. STIB reported that the number of metro passengers officially peaked on Saturday, indicating a hopeful return to normality.
