Anderlecht (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Brussels metro line 5 services in Anderlecht will not operate past 9:00 pm during the time periods of 3, 17 and 24 March. During the weeks of March 3, 17, and 24, MIVB will test its brand-new signalling system with the Brussels public transport service.
The Brussels metro line 5 will conduct a signalling system test in Anderlecht from 21:00 during the weeks of 3, 17, and 24 March. The transport disruption involves the connection between Weststation and Erasmus station. Passengers will receive alternative transportation through buses supplied by MIVB during the testing period.
The interruption is a result of testing the brand-new signalling system CBTC (Communication Based Train Control). This system has already been installed on that part of the route.
“The signalling is a complex communication system with which tracks and metro trains are equipped to organize metro traffic safely and efficiently. The system ensures that metro trains do not drive too fast or follow each other too closely”
MIVB explains.
The current signalling system dates from 1976; with the new one, the frequency of the metro can be increased in complete safety.
The metro service will undergo interruptions from 9 p.m. starting on three separate schedules: 3 March to 9 March, 17 March to 21 March, and 24 March to 28 March. Shuttle buses will serve between Erasmus and Weststation during these specific times. Bus route 46, together with tram route 49 and bus route 81, operate within Anderlecht and are available for passenger use. The modernisation project focuses on improving Brussels metro safety and efficiency, where CBTC system installation stands as its essential element.
What is the background of the Brussels Metro Modernization plan?
The public transportation backbone of Brussels operates through MIVB as it transported riders from its first start. Since 1976, the existing signalling system has remained in operation even though advances in technology limit operational performance and safety measures.
Reliable metro services have required continuous modernisation initiatives because of escalating passenger demands during the last few years. The implementation of Communication-Based Train Control (CBTC) is a major directional change that will improve train safety and frequency performance.
The signalling system upgrade constitutes part of an organisational initiative that also involves new M7 metro train procurement as well as modernisation activities on existing trains. The testing phase occurring in Anderlecht shows how challenging it is to merge advanced technology systems with traditional infrastructure, which requires temporary disruption of services. The company MIVB works towards their strategic goal of establishing a modern and thus efficient and safe metro system for Brussels’ expanding population.
