Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – NMBS launched the Eurocity Direct train from Amsterdam-Zuid to Brussels-South/Midi, but it reduced local services, causing overcrowding.
The new Eurocity Direct train has caused issues for local train services. To make space for this fast train, NMBS cut the number of trains between Antwerp and Brussels from four to three each hour. This change worries many Belgian commuters. They fear overcrowding and less convenience on this busy route.
Passenger groups have criticised this decision. They say the new international train is good for travel between Belgium and the Netherlands but should not affect local services. They mentioned that this shows the challenge of balancing international train plans with local needs.
Is Eurocity Direct overcrowding Antwerp-Brussels train services?
According to TreinTramBus, cutting train service between Antwerp and Brussels has caused big problems. With one less train each hour, the remaining trains are very crowded. Passengers often have to wait on platforms because there is not enough space.
Peter Meukens from TreinTramBus is worried about this situation. He says it does not meet the needs of one of Belgium’s busiest train routes. He calls the overcrowding a serious issue. Fewer trains put too much pressure on the ones still running, making it hard for commuters and travellers.
Antwerp and Brussels train service has problems. It is not reliable. Meukens said last-minute cancellations and fewer trains make things worse. Passengers are frustrated because they need this service. TreinTramBus thinks the service is unacceptable. They say this route is essential for travel in Belgium. They want NMBS to fix these issues quickly. More trains and better service are needed.
“The remaining trains are so full that people are left behind on the platforms every day,” says Peter Meukens of Trein TramBus.
How is the new NMBS schedule affecting Waasland to Brussels travel?
The passenger organisation has made a specific suggestion to improve train travel. They want the Eurocity Direct, an international train, to be open to domestic passengers for the route between Antwerp and Brussels. They believe there is still a lot of space on this train that could be used.
The organisation is asking for more trains to run during peak hours when many people are travelling. This change would help ease the overcrowding and make the service better for everyone who needs to travel between these two important cities.
There is a new change in train service. People can no longer go straight from Waasland to Brussels. Now, those coming from Sint-Niklaas and Lokeren must change trains in Dendermonde. The NMBS said the new trains would be on time, but Trein TramBus says this is not true.
The time to change trains in Dendermonde is very short. During busy times, many passengers rush through a narrow tunnel from platform 9 to platform 1. Meukens says this situation is not safe. Many passengers miss their trains and take longer to travel. Trein TramBus wants to meet with NMBS to talk about these problems.
In mid-December 2024, NMBS changed its train schedule. They started a new fast train called Eurocity Direct. This train connects Amsterdam-Zuid to Brussels-South/Midi. It stops at Schiphol Airport, Rotterdam Central, and Antwerp Central. The journey takes about 2 hours and 8 minutes. This is 45 minutes faster than before. The Eurocity Direct runs 16 times a day.
NMBS also stopped the old Intercity Brussels-Amsterdam train. They added another train called EuroCity. This train goes from Rotterdam Central to Brussels-South/Midi and stops at smaller cities like Breda and Mechelen.
