Brussels / Bruxelles Trams (2010)Visitors to the center of Brussels might think the city has no tram system. During the 1970s and 80s, most of the tram lines in the downtown area were converted into tram subways, or "pre-metro," as some system announcements still call them, before later being transformed into a full metro. This has created an unusual situation for the new low-floor, easy-access trams, which must stop at cut-out sections in high-level heavy metro platforms reached by steps.
The policy of placing trams (and their passengers) underground dates back to a time when trams were considered obstacles to cars on the roads. Today, more progressive and environmentally conscious city planners prioritize public transportation and pedestrians on the surface, while discouraging private car use.By michaelinlondon Belfast - .
Tram Brussels South Station (2021)At Brussels South Station (Zuidstation), metro and tram lines run continuously on metro lines 2 and 6, as well as on tram lines 3, 4, and 51. Note the layout of the tram platform for the pre-metro. Transfers between the metro and tram are facilitated thanks to the central platform, allowing for easy transfers from one mode of transport to the other. The tram rolling stock used for lines 3 and 4 are T4000s, and for line 51, PCC 7900s. The metro uses "Mx" trains (M1 to M5 series).By BillyFlorian - .
Brussels / Bruxelles Trams (2010)Visitors to the center of Brussels might think the city has no tram system. During the 1970s and 80s, most of the tram lines in the downtown area were converted into tram subways, or "pre-metro," as some system announcements still call them, before later being transformed into a full metro. This has created an unusual situation for the new low-floor, easy-access trams, which must stop at cut-out sections in high-level heavy metro platforms reached by steps.
The policy of placing trams (and their passengers) underground dates back to a time when trams were considered obstacles to cars on the roads. Today, more progressive and environmentally conscious city planners prioritize public transportation and pedestrians on the surface, while discouraging private car use.By michaelinlondon Belfast - .
