BRUSSELS — After nearly two years of disruption due to major engineering works, Brussels’ historic tram line 44 will return to full service this Saturday, reconnecting Montgomery in Etterbeek with the Flemish town of Tervuren.
The reopening marks a significant milestone in the capital’s public transport upgrades and promises to improve green mobility across regional lines.
The tram, which weaves through the leafy eastern suburbs of Brussels and the lush Soignes forest, has long been celebrated as one of the city’s most scenic public transport routes.
Since August 2023, however, most of the line was suspended due to extensive refurbishment works, with replacement buses servicing passengers between the Tram Museum and Tervuren.
Now, following the completion of a major 7-kilometre overhaul, STIB/MIVB has announced that line 44 is ready to resume full operations.
The project involved the installation of 28 kilometres of new rails, 22,000 concrete slabs, updated overhead electrical cables, and the renovation of three tram stops: Trois Couleurs, Auderghem Forêt, and Ravenstein.
To celebrate the reopening, the Brussels public transport operator will run a special heritage service on Saturday between 13:00 and 19:00.
In partnership with the Brussels Tram Museum, historic trams will run along the entire line, giving passengers a rare opportunity to enjoy the route aboard iconic vehicles from the city’s transit past.
These vintage trams will follow the regular timetable, allowing for both practical use and nostalgic enjoyment. “Tram 44 will resume its mission of providing a green connection between Brussels and its eastern periphery,” STIB/MIVB said in a statement.
The company highlighted the line’s potential to boost sustainable tourism, noting its scenic route through the protected Soignes forest and its link to Tervuren Park, a favourite destination for walkers and nature lovers.
The restoration of full tram service is also seen as a key step in promoting intermodality between Brussels and the Flemish region.
In 2023, the Flemish government constructed a new park-and-ride facility in Tervuren, designed to encourage commuters to leave their cars behind and complete their journey via tram into the city centre. STIB/MIVB sees the revived tram 44 as a crucial link in this strategy.
While the line will initially resume with older generation trams, higher-capacity models are expected to be introduced later this summer. The company is also studying the feasibility of adapting the Montgomery terminus to accommodate more modern rolling stock in the future.
With its unique combination of heritage charm and environmental benefit, tram 44’s return is being warmly welcomed by residents, tourists, and mobility advocates alike. Saturday’s festivities mark not just the return of a tram, but the renewal of a vital connection between the city and the countryside.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
