Belgium’s national railway company, SNCB, has reported a notable improvement in train punctuality for May 2024 compared to the same period last year.
According to the company’s statement released on Friday, the punctuality rate reached 88.9%, up from 87% in May 2023.
This means nearly nine out of every ten trains arrived at their destinations, including Brussels, on time or with a delay of no more than six minutes.
The overall punctuality rate for the year so far stands at 88.7%, a significant increase from 87.2% for the same period in 2023.
The SNCB has attributed this improvement to several factors, including fewer delays caused by the railway company itself.
There has been a noticeable reduction in rolling stock breakdowns and less time spent on platform operations, contributing to the enhanced punctuality figures.
However, external factors continue to be the primary cause of delays. These interferences often include trespassers on tracks, level crossing accidents, and incidents of copper theft.
Despite these ongoing challenges, the SNCB’s efforts to improve operational efficiency are yielding positive results.
The month of May saw a reduction in the number of train cancellations as well. Just under 3% of trains were partially or fully canceled, compared to 4.4% in May 2023.
In total, 3,856 trains were canceled in May, accounting for 3.9% of the total services that ran last month. This marks an improvement from the previous year’s rate of 4.7%.
The SNCB’s data highlighted two significant incidents that contributed to delays in May. The most impactful event occurred at Kortenberg on May 27, where a personal accident resulted in 198 train cancellations and 4,645 minutes of accumulated delay.
Another major incident involved a fault with an overhead line at Brussels-North station on May 24, leading to 170 train cancellations and 2,591 minutes of delay.
Despite these setbacks, the overall trend indicates a positive trajectory for the SNCB in terms of both punctuality and service reliability. The company continues to work on minimizing disruptions and improving the travel experience for passengers.
The decrease in delays attributable to the SNCB suggests that their internal measures and operational strategies are effectively addressing some of the common causes of service disruptions.
The improved figures are encouraging for the Belgian railway system, which plays a critical role in the country’s public transportation network.
With ongoing efforts to address external interferences and enhance operational efficiency, the SNCB aims to further improve punctuality rates and reduce cancellations in the coming months.
Passengers have responded positively to the improvements, expressing appreciation for the more reliable service. The SNCB’s commitment to transparency and regular updates on service performance also helps maintain public trust and confidence in the railway system.
As Belgium continues to invest in its railway infrastructure and implement measures to mitigate external factors causing delays, the outlook for train punctuality and reliability appears promising.
The SNCB’s progress in May 2024 is a testament to the company’s dedication to providing better service to its passengers, and it sets a hopeful precedent for the future of rail travel in Belgium.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
