STIB (Brussels Intercommunal Transport Company) saw large numbers using Brussels metro stations in rush hour on Friday morning, a spokeswomen for the company observed on Friday. Once again, the four metro lines saw high volumes of users. However, only 38 of the 69 stations were accessible.
Since the attack on Maelbeek metro station, shuttle buses have been put in place between Schuman and Gare Centrale on the metro route. “Metro trains have to turn around and are not operating as per the normal timetable which partly explains the high morning numbers,” that are also linked to the closure of several stations, elaborated the spokeswoman.
On metro line 1, in the eastern part of the city, trains stop at Stockel, Crainhem, Alma, Roodebeek, Tomberg, Montgomery, Merode and Schuman stations, and, on the western part of the city, at Gare Centrale, De Brouckère, Comte de Flandre, Beekkant and Gare de l'Ouest.
Similarly on line 5, also encompassing the eastern part of the city, the metro stops at Herrmann-Debroux, Delta, Pétillon, Merode and Schuman stations, and at Gare Centrale, De Brouckère, Comte de Flandre, Beekkant, Gare de l'Ouest, Jacques Brel, Saint-Guidon, Bizet, CERIA and Erasmus on the western part thereof.
On the other lines, there is a service to Ribaucourt, Rogier, Botanique, Madou, Trône, Louise, Porte de Hal, Gare du Midi, Gare de l'Ouest, Beekkant, Simonis, Belgica, Bockstael, Stuyvenbergh and Roi Baudouin.
Buses are operating normally, except for lines 12 and 22.
Regarding the tram service, in particular lines 3, 4 and 51, the Albert, Gare du Midi, Porte de Hal, Horta, De Brouckère, Rogier and Gare du Nord stations are operating normally, as are Montgomery and Diamant stations on lines 7 and 25.
Police forces are working to ensure the security of the underground network. Metro stations will be open until 7.00 p.m. CET this Friday, whilst those of the rapid transit light railway may be used throughout normal operating hours.
(Source: Belga)
