Genk (Brussels Morning): NMBS the Belgian railway company is making major changes to the train schedule including a new Brussels-Amsterdam route. This will affect train connections in Flanders with Genk potentially losing its direct train to Blankenberge. The city of Genk is unhappy with these changes and feels overlooked by NMBS.
In December NMBS the National Railway Company of Belgium, is going to make big changes to the train schedule. They will add a new train route between Brussels and Amsterdam. Because of this they will need to change a lot of the current timetable affecting travel in Flanders including Limburg. The new Brussels-Amsterdam train connection will lead to schedule and route changes all over Flanders. NMBS is doing this to make their network more connected and efficient. As the start date gets closer passengers and others involved will get more detailed info about the specific timetable changes and how things will operate differently.
Will Genk Lose Its Direct Train Connection to Blankenberge Due to NMBS’ Network Changes?
From Hasselt more trains will go to Brussels because of the changes which is good news. But for Genk it’s not so great. Genk might lose its direct train connection to Blankenberge. People traveling from Genk to the coast might have to change trains starting next year. This decision isn’t final yet but Genk is worried about it.The city council in Genk is not happy with NMBS. Mayor Wim Dries is disappointed with NMBS’s plans. Genk has been losing train connections for years even though the number of train passengers keeps going up. Last year we had 8,866 passengers per week the highest in years. It’s really unfortunate that they want to take away another train connection.
Mayor Wim Dries from Genk a member of CD&V, expressed his frustration by saying “We have a fantastic station but it feels like we are always being overlooked or treated as less important.” He believes that despite having a great station in Genk the city is not getting the attention and priority it deserves in terms of train connections and services.
Karel Kriekemans and Mayor Wim Dries point of views about this projects
The person in charge of transportation in Genk Karel Kriekemans was surprised by the possible changes. They were hoping for more trains but now they might lose some instead. This is disappointing especially since public transport in Limburg already has issues. The mayor mentioned that the route between Genk and Blankenberge is important not just for Genk residents but for all of East Limburg. Cutting this connection off affects Limburg’s access to the coast. Having to switch trains in Hasselt will increase waiting times and travel duration. Studies show that transferring between trains can discourage people from using public transport. Direct connections are more popular because people prefer not to switch trains. It’s essential to invest in public transport but decisions like this might push people to choose cars instead.
Karel Kriekemans and Mayor Wim Dries are mad about the bad communication with NMBS. They heard about the changes from TrainTram Bus, not NMBS directly. They want to talk to NMBS but always end up hearing news from other sources. Genk feels ignored, even though they have a good station.
“If this continues and more disappears, we will have virtually no public transport left in Limburg“
Alderman for Mobility Karel Kriekemans (CD&V)
The mayor mentioned that despite NMBS investing heavily in Genk station in 2013 they are still facing issues like reduced ticket offices lower attendance, and fewer trains. Genk is the 11th city in Flanders and deserves a good train connection.The alderman expressed concern about the lack of progress in promoting a modal shift in transportation. They see improvements in other provinces but feel Genk is moving backward. They believe Genk has the potential to enhance public transport like Antwerp or Mechelen
