The announced fare reform at the Belgian public railway company NMBS/SNCB will be launched on October 15. The most significant changes to the ticket offering, the biggest change in 30 years, are fares per kilometer and a discount card. Nothing will change for subscriptions.
According to the NMBS/SNCB, the average fare is expected to decrease, particularly during off-peak hours and for frequent train passengers. 70 to 80% of train passengers will pay the same amount or less, according to the railway company.
New Train+ discount card
The new fares are intended to provide greater simplicity and clarity. From October 15, they will be calculated based on the distance traveled, with a maximum fare of € 20.90 for a single journey, compared to €26 currently. Seniors (over 65), young people (up to 26), and people with an increased allowance receive a standard 40% discount on the price of a regular ticket.
Additionally, every passenger can purchase a Train+ card, which offers an extra 40% discount during off-peak hours and on weekends, replacing the ten-trip ticket. The total discount on the standard price can thus amount to 64% for seniors, young people, and passengers with increased allowances.
The discount card also limits the maximum fare for a single journey to €14 for adults, which is at least €3 more expensive than a standard multi-ticket, and € 5.50 for the above categories, even during rush hour.
The Train+ card, which will be registered to the holder, costs €4 per month or €32 per year for the specific categories, and €6 per month or €48 per year for other passengers. There is a launch promotion: until January 4, the card is available at half price.
“Train+ is intended for travelers who take the train multiple times, but in some cases, for long journeys, the card can be advantageous even for a single trip,” says Marc Huybrechts, Director of Customer Services at NMBS/SNCB. A train delay that causes the departure to unexpectedly fall within rush hour between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. on weekdays will have no consequences, NMBS/SNCB promises.
Tickets for classic bicycles €1 more expensive during rush hour
In addition, a new weekend fare will be introduced for individuals aged 26-64, offering a 30% discount. A fare for groups of 4 to 14 people will also be available, with a 40% discount during off-peak hours and weekends.
Furthermore, the bicycle ticket will be adjusted accordingly. Instead of €4, you will now pay €5 during rush hour and €3 during off-peak hours. A folding bicycle remains free of charge.
The existing Youth Ticket, Senior Ticket, Youth Multi, Local Multi, and Standard Multi tickets will be discontinued, as will the Ticket for large families. The Student Multi, for students living in student housing, will remain in place, as will the discount for groups of 15 or more people.
Passengers increase by 5 to 9% expected
For NMBS/SNCB, renewing its ticket offering is one of the key elements in its ambition to increase passenger numbers by 30% by 2032. The company is logically counting on more passengers, because “with the same number of passengers, our revenues will fall” with the new ticket offering.
Huybrechts also points out that the price increase for passengers who will pay more than they do now, which is mainly the case for long journeys, will be capped by the new, lower maximum price.
“We want to attract more passengers, especially during off-peak hours, and we want passengers to take the train more frequently.” In concrete terms, this should result in 5 to 9% more passengers within three years.
The NMBS/SNCB website already features a simulator to calculate the impact of the new fares. From October 15, around 250 additional staff members will also be stationed at train stations for three weeks to provide passengers with further information and explanations about the new fares.
“Much more complicated than expected”
Travel organization TreinTramBus considers the new fares to be “much more complicated than expected.” Chairman Peter Meulkens points to the difference between off-peak and peak times, as well as to the cumulative discount percentages. In some instances, for example, you can combine a 40% discount with another 40% discount, which together makes a 64% discount and not 80%.
The passenger organization, which itself advocates a “half-price” card, as in Switzerland, where you always pay half the price of a regular ticket with that card, also fears that the distinction between off-peak and peak hours will lead to discussions.
A train boarding at Brussels-South may still fall within peak hours, while passengers boarding the same train a little further on at Brussels-Central may be boarding during off-peak hours. According to TrainTramBus, it was no longer necessary to make this distinction. “The number of passengers during off-peak hours has already increased, and rush hour is not yet at the same level as before the COVID-19 pandemic.”
TreinTramBus thinks the discount card is a good idea in itself. “If you take the train regularly, you benefit. But you must keep your eyes open. It should help that the ticket machines automatically guide passengers to the cheapest ticket.”
A day at the seaside is 75% more expensive for seniors
The Flemish seniors’ association OKRA criticizes the fact that longer journeys would become so much more costly for people over 65. “With the current senior citizen ticket, a day trip to the seaside from Antwerp to Ostend costs €8,50 if you leave after 9 a.m.,” says OKRA.
“With a Train+ card costing €4 per month, there is a maximum fare of €5,50 per single journey, bringing the ticket price to €11. That’s €15 in total, or 75% more expensive than the current senior citizen ticket.
OKRA also notes that 17% of low-income seniors aged 55-74 do not have internet access at home, and only 35% of those aged 75 and over own a smartphone. “Quickly arranging your ticket with the NMBS/SNCB app: for many seniors, this is not possible.”
