"Quiet zones" introduced in some Belgian trains earlier this year are set to remain in place for longer than originally planned.
The zones, which were first introduced at the end of January as part of a trial project by Belgian train operator SNBC, were initially set to be discontinued at the end of this month. They will now remain in place until June, at which point a decision will be made as to whether they should become a permanent fixture in Belgian trains.
"The trial continues until well into June," said SNCB spokesperson Bart Crols. "And the quiet zones will remain until a final decision is made based on the analysis."
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Quiet zones can currently be found in trains on the Ostend-Eupen and Brussels-Luxembourg lines. They are typically located in the front or rear of the train and are identifiable by "quiet zone" stickers placed outside and inside the carriages. Travellers do not have to pay extra to access these zones and no reservations are required to get a seat.
"In order to maintain silence and tranquillity in this carriage, it is recommended not to talk loudly to each other or talk on the phone, not to set the volume of headphones or earphones too loud and to put mobile phones in silent mode," SNCB explained when announcing the project.
Quiet zones have long existed in Belgium's neighbouring countries, including in the UK and the Netherlands.
