Hasselt (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – From Monday, the Werkvennootschap will initiate site construction to build a platform for tram buses at the Hasselt station. The station will function as a final stop for lines 1 and 2 of Spartacus when tram buses need to recharge.
From Monday, the Werkvennootschap will initiate platform construction at Hasselt station to accommodate tram buses as their terminal point. Lines 1 and 2 of the Spartacus plan terminate their operations at this platform, which enhances tram bus charging efficiency and performance. The project focuses on improving public transit through zone relocation to Frans Massystraat and constructing distinct paths for pedestrian and cycling traffic. The beginning projects form part of extensive station reconstruction plans to enhance travel ease and reduce station congestion for everyone.
In order to charge the tram buses, a new medium-voltage cabin will also be built in the Grote Breemstraat.
“Where we can, we will also focus on de-hardening and greening,”
Struyf adds.
“There are quite a few interventions that should make the station accessible and safe for all travellers and road users.”
The work that starts on Monday will precede a larger reconstruction.
“The stop is an important step towards smoother and more sustainable public transport in Hasselt,”
Says Alderman for Mobility Kevin Schouterden (Vooruit).
“By carrying out interventions now, we are clearing the way for the team bus before the complete reconstruction of the station area starts.”
“We want to do something about those problems and go to 1 flow of pedestrians,”
Emphasises Struyf.
“Now, it is not always clear who should be where and in what wa,y and people shoot in front of and behind buses. We are going to put things in order with clear walking routes and demarcated zones. We are not going to build tunnels or bridges, but we want to work as conflict-free as possible. Experience from other city centres teaches us that this is never completely possible, but we want to make it as safe as possible”.
Since it is the beating heart of Limburg public transport, attention is also paid to other transport options. For example, there will be a platform for classic buses.
“There will also be a separate bus stop for FlixBuses. At the moment, it is not always clear where to take them,”
Says Struyf.
The work will certainly last until September.
“We are building the medium-voltage cabin, but it is up to De Lijn to set it up. This way, they can tailor the charging infrastructure to their buses and needs as best as possible. There is no end date in sight for the works yet,”
Says Struyf.
Still, it won’t be long before the tram bus runs through Limburg.
“The advantage is that you can use them when the 2 final stops are ready,” Struyf explains. “The final stop in Terhills must be completed this spring. The works on Campus Diepenbeek will start in May. These works in Hasselt will be completed in September and then it is up to De Lijn to do their part, so that the trambuses can charge.”
What is the history behind Hasselt’s tram bus project?
The Hasselt tram bus project operates under the Spartacus plan, which serves as a long-term framework for modernising public transportation throughout Limburg. The initiative began operation more than a decade ago with its main goal to unite tram-like buses with local transportation networks to provide both speedier, sustainable transportation methods.
Back in the late 1990s, Hasselt became world-famous by implementing its trailblazing zero-price bus system, which lowered traffic through its streets. Rapid urban growth eventually created congestive and inefficient issues, which necessitated the development of modern tram bus solutions. The current station development in Hasselt continues and expands previous initiatives to establish Hasselt as a city focused on sustainable transport and better infrastructure.
