Belgian railway company NMBS/SNCB is renovating toilets in 14 major train stations “according to a new total concept”. NMBS/SNCB will collaborate with specialized Dutch company 2theloo for this purpose. The existing toilets in the 14 stations will be gradually rebuilt over the coming months, with partial or complete renovations.

With the new uniform concept, there will be night toilets, all facilities will be accessible to persons with reduced mobility, and an intercom will be available 24/24. In addition, entry will cost 1 euro, twice as much as now, except for children under 1,20 meters tall.

Those who must pay will receive a discount voucher that can be used at one of the shops at the station. How much that discount will be, varies from station to station.

CO2 neutral

The new concept also allows for a significant reduction in energy consumption of water, paper, and soap. In addition, 2theloo wants the toilets to be completely CO2 neutral. The Dutch company will maintain the sanitation facilities for at least eight years.

The Amsterdam-based 2theloo launched in 2011 and operates in twelve countries at around 200 locations in Europe, including train stations (SNCF), highway car parks (Total Energies and Shell, for example), and busy city centers.

Coming soon

The revamped toilets can soon be found in Antwerp-Central, Bruges, Brussels-Central, Brussels-North, Brussels-South, Charleroi-Central, Ghent-Sint-Pieters stations, Kortrijk, Leuven, Liège-Guillemins, Mechelen, Mons, Namur, and Ottignies.

Smaller stations are not included in this operation. However, sanitary facilities are in the top three of travelers’ main expectations. By when all stations should be ready is not yet definite.