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Company

In addition to the daily operation of the public transport system, STIB is responsible for the development, maintenance and renewal of its infrastructure and rolling stock. To carry out the numerous projects it develops, STIB relies on technical teams with a high level of expertise. STIB undertakes numerous projects to constantly improve its public transport network and thus remain or even become the preferred choice in terms of mobility in Brussels. New lines, new vehicles, maintenance of its network... Every effort is being made to offer a quality service.

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Transparency and financial responsibility

Income
Expenses
Income from passsengers traffic
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New Tram Line 10 inaugurated in the presence of King Philippe

Designed to improve accessibility in the rapidly growing district of Neder-Over-Heembeek, the new Tram Line 10 connects the Military Hospital to the Brussels city centre, before continuing to Churchill (Uccle). Inaugurated on September 23th in the presence of King Philippe, who piloted the first tram, the line offers a fast, direct, and high-capacity connection. The tram covers approximately 15 km from terminus to terminus, including a new 5-km section between Military Hospital and Heembeek. It can transport between 1,600 and 2,400 passengers per hour during peak times. From its launch, the line was an immediate success.

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Reorganisation of the tram network

The creation of Line 10 led to a reorganisation of the tram network in northern Brussels. The first phase, in summer 2024, involved the swap of routes between Trams 9 and 19 beyond Simonis, allowing for higher frequencies and better regularity. Additionally, Tram 62 was extended to Heysel, providing two tram connections to eastern Brussels (Lines 7 and 62).

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20 new trams on the network

The first TNG (Tram New Generation) was put into service in April 2023. By the end of 2024, 20 TNG trams were in operation. These new vehicles are essential for expanding services and meeting growing passenger demand. In 2025, more TNG trams will be delivered. Currently, they are running on Tram Lines 9, 19, and 82, as well as on Line 51 during weekends.

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Bus

Delivery of the 1st eCitaro electric articulated bus

A new 100% electric bus arrived at STIB at the end of August. This is the first of an order of 70 new fully electric eCitaro articulated buses, expected on the STIB network between 2024 and 2026. The first 56 buses ordered are intended to replace around 50 Euro 5 diesel buses. The additional vehicles will enable the STIB bus fleet to be expanded, offering more space and comfort to passengers.

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New signalling in the Metro

The railway signalling system is the complex technical system installed along the tracks and on the vehicles. It enables the exchange of information necessary for the safe movement of the metro trains. This includes traffic lights, speed limits, safety distances, automatic braking, etc.

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New signalling in the Metro

The signalling system on metro lines 1 and 5 dates from the creation of the metro in 1976. Although robust, safe and efficient, it needs to be modernised to adapt to the evolution of metro traffic, which has developed significantly in 50 years with new and more vehicles as well as increased frequencies. In addition, metro lines 1 and 5 are particularly busy on their shared section during rush hour. With the current signalling system, it is no longer possible to increase the frequency by reducing the interval between two vehicles. The new CBTC signalling system will make it possible to do this in complete safety and thus increase the capacity of the metro and the number of people transported.

Works to replace the safety signalling system began in 2020. They are mainly carried out at night when the metro network is shut down between 1am and 5am, in order to disrupt the service offered to passengers as little as possible. In 2024, STIB organised longer nights on the section between Joséphine-Charlotte and Stockel, in order to speed up the installation of the CBTC-system.

Installation is complete on line 5 between Erasme and Gare de l'Ouest and is in progress on line 1 between Montgomery and Stockel as well as on the common trunk between Beekkant and Merode. In 2025, installation will begin on line 5 between Thieffry and Herrmann-Debroux.

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Metro 3

The Metro 3 project consists of converting the current pre-metro between Albert and Gare du Nord into a metro and extending it beyond Gare du Nord towards Bordet, with a brand-new tunnel. The goal is to create a high-capacity line of 10.3 kilometres long with 18 stations.

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Albert

The civil engineering work has been finalised at the entrance on Avenue Besme and at the future metro terminus on level -2. On level -1, work on signage and finishing continued, with the installation of floor coverings, ironwork and glazing, as well as painting work. On the surface, a second lift has been installed at the corner of Avenue Besme and Chaussée d'Alsemberg, and is in service since early 2025.

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Toots Thielemans

The structural work on the Toots Thielemans station is complete, as is the structural work on the connecting tunnel under Boulevard Jamar, towards Brussels South Station. Construction of the 120-metre connecting tunnel to Anneessens, which will pass under the Palais du Midi, can begin as soon as the planning permission authorising the dismantling of the interior of the Palais du Midi and its subsequent restoration has been obtained.

The planning permission for the work under the Palais du Midi is expected to be obtained in 2025. The year will therefore be devoted to the administrative side, preparations for the deconstruction and redevelopment of the surface on Avenue de Stalingrad.

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Renovation of stations

Central Station

Located in the historic heart of the capital, the Central Station metro stop dates from 1969 and is one of the oldest metro stations. Its complete refurbishment aims to offer more comfort to travellers. It includes the creation of new spaces, the renewal of the interior and the improvement of accessibility for people with reduced mobility.

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Renovation of stations

Parc

Not far from Central Station, the Parc metro station is also undergoing a thorough renovation. The station dates from 1969. Its modernisation will improve comfort and accessibility for passengers. The works are organised so that the station remains accessible throughout the duration of the project.

albert
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Renovation of stations

Porte de Namur

In addition to these major renovations, the ’Refresh Station’ project aims to implement rapid improvements to the customer journey.

porte de namur
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Network maintenance

Centre of Jette

Neerstalle

Carsoel

Tracks renewal

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Adapting depots

Avenue du Roi

Jacques Brel

Marly 2

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Network maintenance

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Marly II

Marly 2

The Marly depot in Neder-Over-Heembeek was commissioned in 2019. The depot will eventually be used to store, charge and maintain the fleet of electric buses.

STIB is applying eco-construction principles to the building of this depot and is aiming for BREEAM certification in accordance with strict specifications:

  • Rainwater recovery for bus washing and sanitary facilities
  • Recycling bus washing water
  • Infiltration basin
  • Polluted water retention basin
  • Insulation above and beyond legal requirements
  • Installation of photovoltaic panels
  • LED lighting
  • Maintenance of ecological corridors
  • Natural landscaping
  • And much more ...

In 2024, progress has been made on both the charging stations and the future administrative building. Around sixty charging stations have been installed, enabling the new electric buses to be charged. The first eCitaro buses arrived in Marly in the summer for initial testing prior to their entry into service.

A new workshop will also be built on the site of the Marly depot. Level -2 is already visible. The basement walls have been built, as have the pillars on which the floor of the upper level will rest. The building will be inaugurated at the end of 2026. It will be used for the maintenance of electric buses.

av du Roi

Avenue du Roi

The tram depot on Avenue du Roi has undergone a major transformation that began in September 2021. This site is over 100 years old and is characterised by the naves that make up its roof. The works, which were completed in 2024, have been carried out while the depot remained in operation. This historic depot can now accommodate more modern vehicles that are longer and wider than the old high-floor PCCs. The new TNG tram has already taken up residence there.

The façade of the building has been sandblasted and the windows fitted with double glazing for greater energy efficiency. These let in natural light, creating a more pleasant working environment for employees. The installation of underfloor heating in the pits also guarantees more comfortable working conditions for the mechanics. The technical infrastructure has been modernised with new footbridges, rigid overhead lines and a new, wider track layout for the T3000, T4000 and TNG trams.

Particular attention has been paid to the environmental aspect. The depot has a new tram wash with a wastewater recycling system, new automatic doors to keep the heat inside the building better and a new rainwater collection tank with a capacity of over 10,000 litres has been installed.

Jacques Brel

Jacques Brel

The arrival of the new M7 metro trains requires a reorganisation of the storage and maintenance of the vehicles between the metro depots. The new M7s are stored at Delta. Jacques Brel has to make room to accommodate the MXs, the older ‘orange trains’. This is an opportunity for STIB to refurbish the entire depot (metro and bus sections), which celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2025.

The works, which began in June 2022, are now complete. The staff now have a new pit for working under the metros, a new training room, a new canteen and a new ventilation system. The works will be finalised in 2025.

Reorganisation of the tram network

In September, Tram Line 3 (which linked Churchill to Esplanade) was partially replaced by the new Line 10. The new Tram Line 35 took over the remaining section between Esplanade and Heembeek, ensuring an easy connection with lines 7 and 10. This network reorganisation was further optimised in March 2025, which also enabled reinforcement of Line 62.

Meanwhile, Bus Lines 47 (Heembeek – Vilvoorde Station) and 57 (North Station – Military Hospital) were merged into a new Line 47 Heembeek – Vilvoorde Station, serving industrial zones and the canal area. Additionally, Bus Line 46 was extended to Pannenhuis, offering a direct link between Anderlecht and Pannenhuis via the Brussels city centre, the Suzan Daniel bridge, and the new districts of Tour & Taxis and Tivoli, with their numerous schools

20 new trams on the network

The arrival of these new vehicles requires adjustments, starting with the training of driving personnel. This takes place first on a simulator, which reproduces the cockpit of a TNG tram in real size. Situations that can potentially be encountered on the network are displayed on the screen: rain, snow, crowds of passengers on the platforms or badly parked cars. This virtual learning phase is followed on the network, by lessons with instructors on board a TNG reserved for staff training.

Furthermore, maintenance depots have to be adapted to accommodate these longer and wider trams. The Avenue du Roi depot, previously limited to PCC trams, was completely renovated to accommodate T3000, T4000, and TNG trams.

Jette

The centre of Jette renovated

The Boulevard de Smet de Naeyer between Avenue Guillaume De Greef and Avenue Charles Woeste has been reconstructed. This has provided an opportunity to make crossings safer, create green spaces and enable smoother and safer public transport connections. At the Cimetière de Jette stop, the multimodal transport hub now includes the stops for four tram lines (19, 51, 62, 93), making connections easier for passengers.

Rue Léon Theodor, the main axis of tram line 19, has undergone a major transformation. STIB has laid new tracks on anti-vibration mats to reduce vibrations and noise pollution. This renewal of the tracks was accompanied by a widening of the footpaths, a renovation of the tram stops to bring them up to the latest accessibility standards (raising of platforms, access ramps, tactile paving, etc.), making the approaches to schools safer and planting 42 trees.

When the lines reopened, the STIB took the opportunity to reverse the routes of trams 9 and 19 beyond Simonis, in order to increase the frequency between Simonis and UZ Brussel and to offer a more regular service between Simonis and Groot-Bijgaarden.

Neerstalle

Chaussée de Neerstalle

The municipalities of Forest and Uccle, Bruxelles Mobilité and the STIB are collaborating on a project to renovate the Chaussée de Neerstalle. The renewal of the tram tracks, essential to guarantee efficient and safe public transport, has been an opportunity for the local and regional authorities to completely rethink the layout of the street to improve the comfort of users, but also the performance of tram lines 82 and 97.

As the width of the street does not allow for a dedicated lane for the tram in both directions, the tram will have a dedicated lane in one direction, towards the junction with Rue de Stalle. This measure will help to improve the regularity of the trams and pacify the neighbourhood by reducing through traffic. STIB will take the opportunity to bring its Merlo and Carrefour Stalle stops up to accessibility standards, to enable people with reduced mobility to board the vehicles more easily.

After an initial phase between Chaussée de Ruisbroek and Rue André Baillon, the work on Chaussée de Neerstalle entered its 2nd phase at the end of 2024. The work is scheduled for completion in mid-2026.

Carsoel

Carsoel bridge

The Carsoel bridge passes over the railway tracks and allows trams on line 92 to cross St-Job station in Uccle. The demolition and reconstruction of this bridge, which was in very poor condition, is currently underway. The project, led by Infrabel, brings several significant improvements, to the benefit of users:

  • Reduction of tramway curves: trams used to make an ’S’ turn to cross the bridge, causing shocks, which were bad for both the rails and the bridge
  • Development of an intermodal hub facilitating connections between tram, bus, train and bicycle
  • Greening of the public space with the addition of green spaces

Work to renew the tram tracks began in November, with completion scheduled for June 2025.

Renouvellement des Voies

Tracks renewal

As part of the regular maintenance of its network, STIB has a multi-annual track plan that schedules the replacement of several kilometres of track each year, depending on their degree of wear. As part of this plan, STIB has initiated the replacement of some of the tram tracks located:

  • Avenue de Jette: between Avenue de Laeken and Avenue des Gloires Nationales. The rails, worn and laid more than 25 years ago, had to be replaced to avoid any risk of derailment and to ensure passenger safety. The work on Avenue de Jette was organised in phases, between the beginning of November 2024 and the end of March 2025, followed by the laying of grass in the area until mid-May 2025.
  • Avenue de Tervueren: the work, divided into different phases, started in June 2024 between Quatre Bras and Tervuren Station. It will end in May 2025 with the Madoux – Quatre Bras section.
  • Avenue Delleur: STIB replaced the tram tracks between Avenue de la Forêt and Boitsfort station from September to December. Bruxelles Mobilité will continue to redevelop the road network in 2025.

New Tram Line 10 inaugurated in the presence of King Philippe

The creation of line 10 goes hand in hand with the significant developments taking place in Neder-Over-Heembeek, with new services, new infrastructure, numerous companies and an ever-increasing number of residents. According to forecasts, between 2018 and 2035, Neder-Over-Heembeek will see a 24% increase in its population, a 32% increase in the number of pupils and a 36% increase in jobs. Tram 10 meets the new mobility needs generated by this growth, opening up the neighbourhood and offering a direct, fast, comfortable and high-capacity connection for residents, workers and visitors.

Delivery of the 1st eCitaro electric articulated bus

These vehicles are an addition to the 37 fully electric buses that are running on the STIB network since 2018: 25 fully electric articulated buses, 5 fully electric standard buses and 7 midibuses. The 70 eCitaro buses are ‘opportunity charging’ buses: their batteries can be recharged at night, at depots, as well as on the network, at terminuses.

The first articulated eCitaro bus was put into service on line 53 at the beginning of 2025. This major project to progressively electrify the entire bus fleet encompasses several aspects: the installation of charging poles at the terminus, the adaptation of the depots, the training of staff, etc. In total, some 500 employees are to be trained: not only the driving staff, but also supervisors, technical teams and colleagues of the dispatching centres.

Metro 3

Three major worksites are currently in progress on the first section between Albert and Gare du Nord:

  • At Albert, to transform and renovate the station into a major multimodal hub
  • Close to Brussels-South station, where the Toots Thielemans metro station and two connecting tunnels on either side of it are under construction
  • At Brussels North Station, where a new reversing space under the railway tracks is under construction

The highlights of 2024 were:

  • The completion of the structural work on the Toots Thielemans station and the connecting tunnel under the Jamar boulevard
  • The preparation of the permit application for the tunnel under the Palais du Midi
  • The end of the civil engineering works at Albert station to create a new terminus and reversing space for the future metro at level –2, as well as the renovation of the access on avenue Besme
  • The installation of a new switch in the pre-metro tunnel between Bourse and Anneessens and the cabling of the technical rooms between Albert and Gare du Midi
  • The discovery of mammoth bones on the Toots Thielemans station construction site.

Central Station

The project is divided into four main phases: the reconfiguration of the existing station at the foot of Rue des Colonies (March 2022 to March 2023), the extension of the station on the Rue Ravenstein side (March 2023 to March 2024) and on the Rue Cardinal Mercier side (March 2024 to December 2025). The fourth and final phase (from the end of 2025 to the autumn of 2027) consists of renovating the interior of the station.

In 2024, the creation of the new extension on the Rue Ravenstein side was finalised and work began on the second extension on the Rue Cardinal Mercier side. When the work is finished, the station will be 88% larger than it is today. It will also be more modern and completely accessible to people with reduced mobility. An additional lift and two escalators per platform will be installed. The station will also have a lift connecting the surface directly to platform level.

Central Station is one of the few stations in the STIB network to be devoid of works of art. Two artists and a collective, selected in 2024, will soon remedy this. Their projects are expected in 2026 and 2027.

Parc

The main achievements of 2024 are the following:

  • Installation of 4 new escalators
  • Installation of 2 new lifts
  • Installation of new wall cladding on the platforms
  • Finishing work of the entrance and installation of a new roller shutter
  • Finishing work of the station and the installation of a new artwork
  • Parachèvement de la station, y compris poursuite de l’installation de la nouvelle œuvre d’art

The works will continue in 2025. The 4 new escalators and 2 new lifts will be put into service, while work will continue on the platform flooring, the installation of the equipment in the station and the finishing details (entrance mat, benches, doors, bins, bike racks, handrails, etc.), the placement of tactile paving, the commissioning of new technical rooms, the refurbishment of the premises at the entrance to the station with the installation of an automatic toilet and the installation of the line of access gates.

Porte de Namur

This busy station has benefited from several improvements:

  • Installation of 6 new escalators
  • Renewal of the floor covering, including the tactile paving for the visually impaired
  • Renewal of the wall covering in the corridor leading to Rue de Namur
  • Deep cleaning of the marble and application of an anti-graffiti product to protect it
  • Relocation of the line of access gates
  • Enhancement of the two existing works of art and integration of a new fresco, created by the Collectif auQuai
  • Renewal of the lighting, signage, ceiling painting, fire-fighting system and furniture

In 2025, the Diamant, Stockel, Osseghem and Étangs Noirs stations will also benefit from similar works.

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Activity report 2024

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