Savings for the majority of passengers. That's the aim of the new range of fares that Belgian railways SNCB are hoping to launch before the end of the year. The aim is to boost train use.
By Luc Citrinot -
This will be done before the end of the year. The Belgian rail transport company SNCB will be reforming its pricing structureThe new system will replace flat-rate fares with percentage reductions according to the type of passenger or for those travelling with a discount card.
According to the SNCB spokesman, thehe train will become cheaper overall, especially during off-peak hours and at weekends, and for frequent travellers. In addition, all routes will be eligible for a discount, notably with the reduction in the basic fare on long-distance routes.
The aim is to increase train ridership by 30% by 2032...
This will be done before the end of the year. The Belgian rail transport company SNCB will be reforming its pricing structureThe new system will replace flat-rate fares with percentage reductions according to the type of passenger or for those travelling with a discount card.
According to the SNCB spokesman, thehe train will become cheaper overall, especially during off-peak hours and at weekends, and for frequent travellers. In addition, all routes will be eligible for a discount, notably with the reduction in the basic fare on long-distance routes.
The aim is to increase train ridership by 30% by 2032. Any drop in revenue would thus be offset by the greater number of passengers.
Discounts for all
Thanks to this tariff overhaul, SNCB will automatically offer the best price for each train journey.
All fares will now be calculated on the basis of the distance travelled. The maximum fare will now be calculated on the basis of the distance travelled. 120 km travel distance instead of 150 km, which will result in a tariff reduction of 20 % for very long distances. The maximum price will therefore fall from 26 euros to 20.90 euros. When booking, the SNCB website will systematically show the cheapest fare.
For adults aged 26 to 64, there will be a new version of the Weekend Ticket with 30% discount. Unlike the current Weekend Ticket, this discount will also apply to one-way travel.
Another new feature for adults is a reduced fare for travel in smaller groups, from 4 people. In this case, they will benefit from a discount of 40 % at weekends and during off-peak hours. A formula that could appeal to business travellers travelling in groups.
The Avantage card, the new key to even more discounts
SNCB is also continuing to modernise its rail fleet (Photo: LC)
SNCB will also be introducing a "Advantage Card. Any traveller will be able to subscribe to benefit from additional reductions. It should cost €6 for an adult for a monthly card. And €48 for year-round use. It will be available via all SNCB sales channels, in particular on the website via a QR linked or not to a customer account.
This card will entitle all travellers to a additional reduction of 40 % during off-peak hours and weekends. Travellers with the Avantage card will be able to combine their discounts with other offers.
In addition, passengers with an Avantage Card will benefit from a maximum low fare set at 14 euros one way, regardless of the distance travelled or the time of day, including during rush hour. SNCB is expected to announce the exact launch date of this fare reform in the coming months.
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