Trade unions are taking to the streets today in protest of a Europe-wide "return to austerity". As expected, the action is having a widespread impact on public transport in the region.
Due to the national demonstration led by the socialist union FGTB-ABVV, the STIB public transport network in Brussels is disrupted today (12 March), as previously announced. Only metro lines 1 and 5 are operating, while lines 2 and 6 will be down all day, the company stated on social media.
"Currently, metro lines 1 and 5 are running, alongside tram lines 3, 4, 7 (only between Vanderkindere and Docks Bruxsel), 8, 9, 18, 51 and 92," STIB announced.
Bus lines 12, 29, 36, 46, 50, 53, 56, 59, 60, 65, 71, 73 and 87 (between Beekkant and Elbers, and Hunderenveld and Black Ponds) as well as 88, 95 and T-bus 3 (extended from Esplanade to Heysel) will also be running today.
"No other lines are served today," the company noted, adding that the frequencies of services are also lower than on a normal day.
Bus, tram and metro traffic are disrupted both because staff are participating in the action, and because the demonstration will pass the route of several lines. Passengers have been advised to find alternative means of transport to get around Brussels throughout the day.
Commuters will be informed about the disruptions in real-time via the operator's website, the STIB app, its social media and via the screens at stops and in stations. Also from 06:00, the Customer Care service will also be available to answer questions via social media and on the phone at 070-23.2000.
A demonstration against the European Union's plans to reintroduce austerity, in Brussels, Tuesday 12 December 2023. Credit: Belga/ Hatim Kaghat
The City of Brussels/Ixelles Police Zones also warned drivers that road traffic will be disrupted, particularly in the European Quarter. "We advise you to avoid Rue de la Loi and the tunnel near the Berlaymont and Justus Lipsius building." Mobiris added that the Reyers-Centre Tunnel is closed to traffic coming from the E40 and A3, as are the Cinquantenaire and Arts-Loi tunnels towards the city centre. Traffic disruption is expected from 10:00 until 12:00.
Disruptions on TEC network
Walloon public transport operator TEC is also experiencing disruptions in its network. "To find out if your route has been cancelled, please consult the timetable for your line or look on the website or the TEC app. Cancelled routes are crossed out and marked as 'not operating'/'cancelled'," the company stated on Tuesday.
Public transport operators SNCB and De Lijn are not experiencing disruptions to their services.
Unions will lead a demonstration at the Schuman roundabout from 12:00 on Tuesday. Around 2,000 people are expected to take part, and trade unionists from France, Italy and elsewhere will be present. Find out more about why they are striking here.
Related News
- Why are trade unions protesting against a 'return to austerity' in Brussels today?
- Brussels public transport will be 'severely disrupted' due to demonstration on Tuesday
Aerial view taken from the giant wheel shows a demonstration in Brussels against the European Union's plans to reintroduce austerity, December 2023. Credit: Hatim Kaghat
