Belgian railway company SNCB announced on Wednesday that they will be gradually returning to normal service.
Earlier this year, SNCB had to reduce its offerings amid staff shortages related to the pandemic, with many employees unable to work because they were either quarantining while ill or caring for a family member with Covid-19.
“In view of the favourable evolution of the situation among the members of its staff who are absent due to illness and/or quarantine, SNCB can put back into service 70 trains, including those which have been temporarily suspended for a month,” the railway company said in a press release.
“With this gradual return to normal, the SNCB will return to 96% of its usual service as of Monday 21 February.”
Related News
- Two trains per hour from every station by 2040: Belgium's ambitious new train plan
- Belgian rail will spend €28 million to improve accessibility of stations
- Public transport networks across Belgium impacted by staff shortages
For a month, the frequency of some trains had been reduced and some connections had been suspended, with priority given to keeping in service the trains most frequently taken by commuters and students.
In practice, as of Monday 21 February 2022, some trains to Brussels that run during the morning rush hour will be back in service, as well as the S53 Ghent-Sint-Pieters-Lokeren trains.
Extension of Braine-L'Alleud link to Lillois and Nivelles
SNCB is also reintroducing the S9 Braine-L'Alleud – Landen trains, extending this link to Lillois and Nivelles. On weekdays, beginning 21 February, these S9 trains will be extended to Nivelles and will also stop every hour in Lillois.
“With this new connection, passengers at Nivelles and Lillois stations will benefit from two trains per hour to Brussels-Schuman instead of one,” SNCB said.
Passengers were invited to consult the SNCB website or mobile app to view timetables.
