Belgian public railroad company NMBS/SNCB may soon collect a bonus for last year’s performance. According to its publication, ‘Realizations and Key Figures 2024,’ this is because it performed better than agreed upon in several areas.

Built into the public service contract between the federal government and NMBS/SNCB is a bonus-malus system of up to 5 million euros. If the railroad company performs better than agreed, it receives a bonus; but if it underperforms, a malus follows.

12 performance indicators

The financial impact is calculated using 12 so-called performance indicators. Last year, NMBS/SNCB performed better than agreed upon for three performance indicators: passenger information in the event of disrupted train traffic, energy consumption of electric traction vehicles, and carbon footprint. Only two remained underperforming: passenger mileage and rolling stock availability.

The other seven indicators were at the agreed level. These included the increase in the number of autonomously accessible stations, bicycle and car parking spaces, and punctuality.

This was still inferior in 2023, forcing NMBS/SNCB to pay the state over 416,000 euros in fines last year, but improved in 2024 to 89.7% within the agreed range.

7.17 out of 10 on customer satisfaction

Customer satisfaction is another indicator that is at the right level. On average, passengers gave NMBS/SNCB a score of 7.16 out of 10, compared to  7.17 out of 10 in 2023.

NMBS/SNCB does not yet want to comment on a possible bonus. The Federal Public Service Mobility and Transport draws up a report each year on the performance indicators and makes the settlement.