Near-Total Public Transport Shutdown in Belgium for Five Days
Starting this Sunday evening, Belgium will experience widespread disruptions in its public transport network due to a nationwide strike lasting five consecutive days, threatening to halt train and bus services for hundreds of thousands of passengers.
Belgian Railways NMBS/SNCB stated that the strike will begin at 10:00 PM on Sunday and continue until 10:00 PM on Friday, January 30, while the transport network in Wallonia (TEC) will join the strike starting Monday for an indefinite period.
These union actions come in protest against the railway reform bill proposed by Transport Minister Jean-Luc Crucke, which includes:
- Abolishing permanent employment contracts and replacing them with temporary contracts.
- Reducing budgets allocated for public services by approximately €675 million.
- Demanding improved working conditions and adjustments to the retirement age.
The strike in Belgium is expected to cancel most local and suburban trips, while high-speed lines will operate at a very limited pace.
Passengers are advised to check the NMBS/SNCB app or website 24 hours before heading to stations to stay updated on the latest schedules.
Some international services, such as Eurostar and Thalys, may also be affected due to disruptions in the local network, despite efforts to maintain a minimum level of international service.
This post is also available in:
العربية
