Brussels, 21 September, (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Brussels has marked 50 years since the opening of its first full metro, with exhibitions, station events and a public open day celebrating one of the Belgian capital’s most important transport networks. The Brussels Metro anniversary fell on 20 September, exactly half a century after the system was inaugurated in 1976.
Brussels Metro reaches 50-year milestone
King Baudouin inaugurated the Brussels Metro on 20 September 1976. The original network connected De Brouckère with Tomberg and Beaulieu, establishing the foundation of the underground system used across the capital today.
STIB-MIVB says the metro has recorded almost five billion passenger journeys during its first 50 years. The operator describes the underground network as an essential part of everyday mobility in Brussels.
The anniversary celebrations ran throughout September, with the main programme held from 14 to 20 September. Activities included performances, street art, guided tours and distributions of commemorative items at stations across the network.
STIB chief highlights five billion journeys
STIB chief executive Brieuc de Meeûs said the scale of metro use demonstrates its importance to Brussels.
“In fifty years, the Brussels metro has recorded nearly 5 billion journeys and is now the backbone of STIB’s public transport network.”
De Meeûs said the metro also has a special place for Brussels residents because it connects neighbourhoods and people while providing access to employment and activities across the city.
The Brussels Metro anniversary also included 30 collectible cards featuring vehicles, stations, artworks and stories from the system’s history. Thirty special Gold Cards were placed among them as part of an anniversary competition.
Car-Free Sunday coincides with metro anniversary
The 50th birthday coincided with Brussels’ Car-Free Sunday on 20 September, during the region’s Mobility Week, which runs from 16 to 22 September. STIB made its entire network free for the day and increased frequencies to accommodate additional passengers.
Brussels Mobility Minister Elke Van den Brandt said:
“Mobility is much more than simply getting from point A to point B: it is about a pleasant city and healthy air for everyone, young and old.”
She said the anniversary added to a Mobility Week programme intended to highlight how residents experience Brussels when streets are opened to uses beyond private cars.
Jacques Brel depot opens for anniversary
STIB opened the Jacques Brel metro and bus depot to visitors from 10am to 4pm on 20 September. The public could see how vehicles are maintained, cleaned and prepared for service, sit in a metro driver’s position and view the latest generation of electric buses and charging infrastructure.
The open day also marked another significant Brussels transport anniversary: 100 years of bus services in the capital.
Anniversary exhibitions continue across Brussels
The anniversary programme includes exhibitions at Botanique and Bourse stations, alongside historic photographs, videos, podcasts and stories documenting five decades of underground travel.
The Brussels Metro anniversary therefore extends beyond the official 20 September birthday, giving passengers an opportunity to explore the history of a network that has developed into a central part of daily transport in the Belgian capital.
