The number of passengers using Brussels public transport is gradually re-approaching pre-pandemic figures.
Brussels public transport operator STIB saw a rise in passenger numbers last year after a slump caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, the company reported on Wednesday.
STIB ended 2024 with 402 million trips made in one year, up by 7% since the previous year.
In 2019, before the pandemic brought the world to a halt, the company recorded a peak of 433.5 million trips. Passenger numbers then plummeted, only to surpass 400 million trips again in 2024.
The upward trend was observed throughout the day and week across all three transport modes, with the tram seeing a slightly more pronounced increase than bus or metro services.
An electrified fleet in 2025
STIB aims in 2025 to continue the electrification of its bus fleet, a key project for the next several years. This consists in the introduction of new vehicles, infrastructure upgrades and staff training.
In 2023, the operator ordered around 70 fully electric buses and 36 standard buses to replace the Euro 5 diesel buses from period between 2008 and 2010. The first of these buses is operational on line 53 as of the beginning of 2025.
In addition, it will roll out more next-generation trams next year on top of the first 20 that were introduced in late December. Metro modernisation will also proceed with signal upgrades and switch replacements.
Renovation work at Brussels Central Station will continue as planned.
