Brussels public transport operator STIB will raise prices by 6.9% in September 2024, l'Echo reports.
The hike follows STIB's declining revenue relative to expenses over the past few years. Currently, STIB's earnings cover just 25% of total costs, down from 45% in 2019.
The increase also comes just days after the Brussels Regional Government announced that it would grant STIB additional funds to improve security and address rising drug use and homelessness in the capital's metro stations.
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The price hike is also expected to help plug the Brussels Regional Government's growing budget deficit, which has nearly tripled since 2018. In his recent budget announcement, Brussels Minister-President Rudi Vervoort said that his Government will aim to reduce the capital's deficit by €200 million in 2024.
The hike is likely to come as a serious shock to commuters, as STIB ticket prices have remained frozen since 2015. However, concessionary fares for those under the age of 25 and over the age of 65 will reportedly not be affected.
