Trambus takes to Brussels' streets for first test run

Flemish public transport authority De Lijn has carried out its first test run of the new trambus on its planned route from Jette to Brussels Airport. The aim was to find out what infrastructure changes will be needed along the route.

The trambus can use existing tram lines, such as on pre-metro sections of the route and on sections where trams ride in their own reserved bedding, while having the flexibility of buses in other sections, making way at certain times for events such as weekly markets.

The test run through the Brussels periphery was a success, said Flemish mobility minister Ben Weyts. “We will be investing in the coming years in new road infrastructure as well as alternatives for the car, including cycle infrastructure and public transport,” he said.

The Brabant network with the Ring tram is part of that, he added. The Ring tram will travel from Heizel via Koningslo and the centre of Vilvoorde to Machelen and Diegem via Woluwelaan to Brussels Airport.

Laying down tramlines, Weyts said, costs a lot of money. The trambus allows a faster and cheaper alternative, though it is intended to be only a temporary replacement, with a full tram service intended for the future. The trambus is due to come into service in 2019.

Photo courtesy VRT