The service offered by the Belgian public railway company NMBS/SNCB decreased by 3,9% last year compared to the previous year. Last year, all NMBS/SNCB trains together covered 79,2 million train-kilometers, compared to 82,4 million in 2024 – a decrease of 3,2 million train-kilometers.
Nevertheless, the railway company aims to increase its service by 10% over the next 10 years.
Strike days, sick train drivers, and broken-down trains were the cause of this decrease, according to the NMBS/SNCB sustainability report.
Absenteeism and old trains
The railway company had, however, projected a 1,6% increase in service compared to 2024. But this did not materialize for various reasons. For example, a high rate of illness-related absenteeism among train drivers was observed, which meant fewer trains could run during the summer.
In addition, more trains were out of service, resulting in a high percentage of cancellations. Due to delays in the delivery of new trains, older trains must remain in service longer, and those trains require more maintenance and break down more often. Furthermore, there were also specific challenges with certain international connections, resulting in additional cancellations.
Another key factor was the numerous rail strikes. Finally, there was also a lack of capacity on the rail network between Brussels and Antwerp – one of Belgium’s most important infrastructure corridors – which meant that only four IC trains per hour could run between the two cities instead of five.
An additional 12,4 million train-kilometers
To turn the tide, NMBS/SNCB says it is taking “ambitious measures.” For example, greater efforts are being made to recruit train drivers and reduce absenteeism rates. Meanwhile, the departments responsible for rolling stock maintenance are taking steps to increase fleet availability, thereby reducing the number of canceled trains.
Currently, NMBS/SNCB has more than 500 M7 cars in service, and 750 M7 cars have been purchased; the final delivery is scheduled for late 2026. In 2030, delivery will begin on the controversial and massive CAF order for more than 600 AM-30 trainsets over a 12-year period, which will replace the older MS75, MS80, MS86, MS96, and MW41 railcars. In addition, NMBS/SNCB has a fleet of 492 M6 cars, but these have been in service for quite some time and need a thorough renovation. By 2027, 50 Traxx 3 MS locomotives are also expected to enter commercial service.
The public service contract with the government stipulates that NMBS/SNCB will increase its service offering by 10% by 2032 compared to 2022. This means that 91,6 million train-kilometers would be covered in 2032, a goal that remains a priority and toward which the NMBS/SNCB is continuing to work step by step.
