Of the 254 train stations in Flanders, only 73 are independently accessible to people with disabilities. This means that over 70% of stations are not accessible.
This became clear from a written question from Member of Parliament Niels Tas (Vooruit) to Mobility Minister Jean-Luc Crucke (Les Engagés) on Tuesday, Belga News Agency reports. Platforms are independently accessible if they are equipped with a ramp or lift to each platform, if the platforms are 76 centimetres high, and if they are equipped with guide lines for the visually impaired.
There must be at least one accessible ticket machine with an assistance button, allowing passengers to immediately contact an employee from national railway operator SNCB/NMBS who can operate the machine remotely.
But currently, the situation in Flemish stations is "tragic", according to Tas. Today, only 73 train stations in Flanders (29%) are independently accessible. The remaining 181 train stations, accounting for 71%, are not independently accessible.
Making accessibility a priority
"Mobility Minister Jean-Luc Crucke previously confirmed that he wants to make accessible public transport a priority. And that is necessary: there are still too many stations with lifts that do not work, assistance that is not provided and platforms that are inaccessible," the Flemish socialist complained.
"Vooruit is therefore calling for a clear timeline for the implementation of the Accessibility Master Plan. With more ambition than just the large stations. Smaller stops must also be adapted."
In a response, SNCB/NMBS emphasised that the accessibility of both its stations and trains is a top priority. "According to the agreements made with the Federal Government, 176 stations will be independently accessible by 2032. These are the stations where three-quarters of passengers take the train. SNCB/NMBS is working on this with the resources promised by the government in the Public Service Contract and the accompanying investment plan, which runs until 2032," it said.
SNCB/NMBS presented its first autonomously accessible train in February 2024 in a bid to ensure that public transport can be used by everyone. The autonomously accessible M7 double-decker coach helps passengers to board trains and arrive at their final destination without requiring staff assistance.
Platforms are also being adapted and new ticket machines fitted with assistance buttons will be installed from 2026. These machines will enable travellers to immediately contact an SNCB/NMBS employee who can take over the machine remotely.
"Everyone should be free to choose their means of transport, and even more so to choose the safest and most environmentally friendly means of transport," said Georges Gilkinet, the Minister for Mobility at the time.
