Brussels public transport operator STIB will be adjusting the route of tram line 35. The purpose is to limit the line to its busiest section, freeing up trams for another line in the north of Brussels.
The route of the tram 35 line, which currently connects the Esplanade (Laeken) and Bienfaiteurs (Schaerbeek) stops, will change from 11 March this year, STIB announced on Monday. The route was launched just several months ago during the reorganisation of the tram network in the north of Brussels, and launch of tram line 10 in Neder-Over-Heembeek.
"The main purpose of line 35 was to serve the route between Esplanade and Heembeek and thus ensure a smooth connection with line 10," STIB noted in a statement. Four months after line 35 was put into service, STIB made an initial assessment, and found that the tram line remains underused between Heembeek and Bienfaiteurs. "Most travellers on this route prefer tram 7, which offers more destinations."
It will therefore be adjusted. From next month, the line will only run between Esplanade and the Dockx Bruxsel shopping centre, its most frequently travelled section. This change will free up more trams, benefitting line 62 between Heysel and Eurocontrol (Evere). STIB is planning a 15% increase in capacity on this line.
Improving transport on Boulevard Lambermont
Several construction projects are also affecting the regularity of line 35, including the configuration of the Bienfaiteurs terminus. "Here, tram 35 cannot stop without blocking trams 25 and 62, which also has a negative influence on the line's traffic."
From September, after the completion of works affecting mobility in this part of the city, tram 35 will be extended to Schaerbeek station. This rerouting will facilitate connections with tram 92, one of the key lines in Brussels, but also with trains on the SNCB's S network.
Line 25, between Rogier and Boondael, will keep its current route. "The inner ring road will therefore retain its direct link with Avenue Rogier."
STIB will also continue to study how connections along the Boulevard Lambermont can be improved. "Demand is very high there, but the limitations of the existing infrastructure and the comfort of the travellers must also be considered."
