In Brussels, the bus, metro, streetcar, and train are regaining importance after a decline during the Covid-19 pandemic. Not only is the number of travelers increasing proportionally, but the number of trips by public transport in the capital is also rising, according to a recent survey by Brussels Mobility. Looking purely at the market share, public transport in Brussels has even caught up with the car.
The results of the survey show that in Brussels last year, 31% of journeys were made on foot, 29% by car, and 27% by metro, streetcar, and bus. Cycling remains at 9% of trips and the train at 2%.
However, if you add the 27% share of metro, streetcar, and bus services of the Brussels public transport company MIVB/STIB, which accounts for 2% of train passengers, the share of public transport in Brussels is equal to that of car passengers. The car thus follows a structural downward trend since 2010 (-9%), despite a 2% increase between 2022 and 2024.
Popular with young people
Especially teenagers and people in their twenties use public transport. In the 12-17 age group, 49% of trips are made by subway, streetcar, or bus, while in the 18-24 age category, it is 46%, not coincidentally the category that can buy an annual pass for €12. The share of public transportation is lowest in the age groups 45-54 years (21%) and 55-64 years (22%).
Compared to the 2022 study, there appears to be a significant increase in public transportation. Back then, the share was 22%, instead of the 27% today. “The trend is clear,” says Laurent Vermeersch of MIVB/STIB. “The car, which at the turn of the century still accounted for more than half of all travel, is losing importance in favor of active modes: public transport, walking, cycling, and shared mobility.”
In terms of shared mobility, 10% of the 6,000 respondents subscribe to a car sharing system (+5% compared to 2022), 12% use shared e-scooters (+4%), and 8% use shared bikes (also +4%).
Several factors
Brieuc de Meeûs, CEO of MIVB/STIB, attributes the increase in part to the result of “major investments by the region in public transport.” “The travelers are not mistaken. If you improve the quality of supply, they are on the deal. The share of public transport today is higher than before Covid-19. If we want to sustain this, we must keep investing.”
Another factor that has undoubtedly played a decisive role is teleworking: 54% of working people work from home at least once a week, and 28% work at least three days. There is also the effect of Good Move, the Regional Mobility Plan for the Brussels-Capital Region, which aims to improve the living environment and quality of life for Brussels residents, and to promote sustainable and safe mobility.
Another element not to be underestimated is that it is currently not a pleasure for the car driver to visit Brussels due to the numerous road works. From Rue de la Régence and the South to the Chaussée de Haecht in Haren, the Brussels-Capital Region resembles a large construction site, with more than 15 roadworks underway.
However, it is also a significant problem for weaker road users, as it is not always easy to move safely as a cyclist through the traffic at such a site.
