Belgian rail must save at least €45 million already this year

As already known, the Belgian railroad company NMBS/SNCB must save over 675 million euros from the new government. But now the business newspaper L’Echo/De Tijd is also publishing more detailed figures on what those savings must look like year by year.

This year, the railroads must save 50 million euros from the De Wever government. The lion’s share is for the NMBS/SNCB, which must find 45 million euros. Because of these cuts and reforms that the government wants to implement at the railroads, the unions are preparing Tuesday for what is already the 21st day of strikes at the railroads this year.

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So, this year, the Belgian railroads must save 50 million euros. That amount will systematically increase in the coming years. In 2026, it will be 100 million euros, followed by 125 million in 2027, 150 million euros in 2028, and up to 250 million in 2029.

According to the business newspapers, the NMBS/SNCB must save 45 million euros this year, 41 million euros of which will come from the fixed operating fee the railroad company receives from the state. The remaining tranche of 9 million euros out of 50 million euros will be divided between NMBS/SNCB and rail network manager Infrabel.

Neither NMBS/SNCB nor Infrabel wants to comment on how those savings will be realized. At Infrabel, according to the government, the investments must remain unaffected “to prevent the components of the network from becoming obsolete.”

Millions lost due to strike days

However, painful decisions will have to be made. Will fares increase? Will stops be abolished? Or will the NMBS/SNCB cut back on personnel, which will also increase the workload?

By 2030, the train supply must be contractually increased by 10% and the number of passengers by 30%. However, the 2023-2032 contract already foresees a decrease in government revenues by 2.5 billion euros.

In addition, due to the numerous strikes by personnel against the planned reforms, NMBS/SNCB is losing millions in income. In fact, on April 22 and 29, the five rail unions are already planning new actions.

During Tuesday’s railroad strike, most trains will run otherwise. The NMBS/SCNB always works out an adjusted timetable based on the willing personnel, a consequence of the law on guaranteed service.

Most trains will run as usual during the 24-hour strike that starts Monday evening at 10 p.m. That is the case for seven out of 10 IC trains between major cities and six out of 10 local L trains and suburban S trains. Few rush-hour (P) trains will be running, however.