More than 1.5 million people have already applied for a Railpass in the one week since it launched, the Belgian National Railway Company (SNCB) said Monday in a press release.
Despite initial technical problems reported by multiple users, almost 500,000 applications had been registered within the first 24 hours of the scheme, which provides a free 12-journey rail pass.
Any resident of Belgium over 12 years of age can obtain a pass, while children can travel free of charge if accompanied by an adult.
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“The aim of the measure is to encourage Belgians to take the train to discover or rediscover our beautiful country and all its facets or to make a journey of their choice,” said François Bellot, Federal Mobility Minister in a press release launching the pass.
The pass can be ordered until 30 September via this website, and is sent out by post within 8 to 10 days. It can be used from 5 October to 31 March 2021 and entitles the holder to two journeys per month.
Alongside the launch of the pass, SNCB is also running a communication campaign under the name 'Hello Belgium' to highlight the role of the train as a sustainable means of transport, supporting tourism, commercial, recreational and cultural sectors.
The Brussels Times
