The new number 9 tramway line, linking the Simonis and Arbre Ballon stations, commences operation this Saturday. Three years after laying the first rails, STIB is delighted to launch the line which enables access to the Place Reine Astrid, the so-called Mirror, to the school, the Model City and the Brussels University Hospital but also, ultimately, to the Heysel Plateau.
A celebration open to the public has been organized on this occasion from 2 p.m. in the Central Square in Jette until 11 p.m. The event will comprise concerts, a brass band, stilt-walker displays, activities for children, a ball and a fireworks display to close the evening.
The King will take part in these celebrations by taking a tram journey. He will then attend the opening of the Place Reine Astrid which has been redeveloped. He will also meet workers who have worked on the construction site, as well as residents and shopkeepers.
The first metres of rails were laid in September 2015. Tramway 9 will run on exclusive lines (unusually on lawn) for the entirety of its journey, being ten stops, and the line will be served by more modern trams from STIB, having a low floor and air conditioning.
Ultimately, the line will be extended as far as the Roi Baudouin station, so as to connect to the metro and serve the Heysel plateau.
During the week, the tram will operate every six minutes at peak times and every ten minutes during the day. During evenings and weekends, there will be a maximum 15 minutes waiting time for passengers.
The Brussels Times
