SNCB wants 10-year extension to monopoly on Belgian rail travel

The SNCB has begun lobbying for a 10-year extension to its monopoly on domestic rail travel in Belgium, ahead of next month's federal elections.

Belgium's rail market is due to be opened up to competition in 2023. The request to remain the sole operator is contained in a memorandum intended for political parties standing in the 26 May vote.

The SNCB "requests confirmation from the Belgian state as soon as possible of its public service mission for a duration of 10 years on the whole Belgian network," the memorandum says.

This mean the rail operator would be the sole recipient of subsidies to run domestic train services. In exchange, the SNCB pledges to evolve "into a modern, digital, operationally and financially efficient company serving all its customers".