Newest generation of tram vehicles running in Brussels

Brussels public transport company MIVB/STIB has introduced a new generation of tram vehicles. The first TNG vehicle was deployed on the northern section of line 51, between Brussels South Station and the Stadion stop at the King Boudewijn Stadium.

The TNG, for ‘Tram New Generation’, is intended to strengthen the tram offer in Brussels. Over the next three years, 90 of the TNGs will gradually be rolled out in the Brussels public transport system. The introduction of these new TNGs was delayed by a year due to the “battery of tests to be carried out”.

More spacious and comfortable

According to MIVB/STIB, the state-of-the-art vehicle is more accessible and comfortable. “It is a modern and stylish evolution of the most recent trams, T3000 and T4000, where the design is inspired by the Art Nouveau style and was entrusted to designer Axel Einthoven of company Yellow Window,” says MIVB/STIB. The new tram is, for example, more spacious and comfortable, with wider doors and easier access for people.

The new tram, which will thus first be used on Line 51, where until only PCC trams were used, the city’s oldest trams, ran in Brussels in a short version of 32 meters, with 182 places, of which 47 are seats. A long version of 43 meters, with 256 places, of which 65 are seats, will also be deployed.

There are 79 short trams to be deployed and 11 long trams. The second TNG will be put on the network in mid-June. The last of the 90 TNG trams ordered from Alstom, with a price ticket of around 2,5 million euros each, is expected in Brussels by the end of 2026.

The TNG is equipped with all kinds of gadgets, such as sensitive sensors at each door, a front camera to reduce the blind spot, obstacle detection, and soft elements at the front to reduce impact in collisions.

25% more seats

“With this TNG, we can increase the number of available seats by 25% within three years,” says Brieux de Meeûs, CEO of MIVB/STIB. The trams currently offer 45 660 places to passengers. With the introduction of the first 60 TNGs, passengers will get an additional 11 734 places or 25% more.

According to De Meeûs, it doesn’t stop there either. “There are still a lot of new lines on the horizon. We are building tomorrow’s network today, which applies to bus, tram, and metro.” The Brussels government’s tram plan calls for the construction of several tram lines by 2035.

Brussels Mobility Minister Elke Van den Brandt (Groen) is pleased with deploying the new trams. “These trams are the most accessible trams on the network. Together with the continuous improvements to accessibility in the stops themselves, this is a big step forward to offer smooth use of public transport to all Brussel residents and visitors to our city.”

Unlike the Flemish urban transporter De Lijn or the Wallon pendant TEC, the Brussels urban transporter MIVB/STIB often gets good comments from its customers. The Brussels government is consequently spending much time and money on its public transport.