In a move to align its budget and ensure accurate revenue predictions, Brussels public transport operator STIB will raise its ticket fares beginning 1 September.
This fare adjustment, which was part of a budgetary agreement concluded with the Brussels-Capital Region last October, will see an overall increase of 6.9% in ticket prices.
However, preferential rates for youths under 25 and seniors over 65 will remain unchanged, with annual passes continuing to cost €12.
Fare Adjustments in Detail
The price for a single journey ticket will increase from the current €2.10 to €2.20. Additionally, a day ticket, which presently costs €7, will rise to €8.
Passengers traveling to Brussels Airport will see the fare for a single journey go up by 50 cents, reaching €7.50, while a ten-journey ticket for the airport will increase by €3.20, bringing the total to €49.20.
Moreover, the fare for the taxi bus service will rise by 10 cents, making the new cost €1.80. Day tickets for school groups consisting of individuals under 18 years old will see a €1 increase, setting the new price at €16.
Monthly subscriptions will now cost €52, a €3 increase from the previous €49, and annual subscriptions will see a jump from €499 to €520.
Indexation for Predictable Revenue
STIB has emphasized that the reintroduction of automatic indexation is a strategic measure to help predict revenue more accurately.
The decision to proceed with the fare hikes stems from a contractual agreement with the Brussels-Capital Region, which stipulates that should the government decide against annual fare indexation in the future, it will fully compensate STIB for any resultant shortfall in revenue.
The anticipated fare increases are projected to generate an additional €2.1 million for STIB. This revenue is crucial for the operator as it continues to manage its budget and maintain service quality across the Brussels-Capital Region.
Impact on Commuters
While the fare hikes are necessary for STIB’s financial stability, they will inevitably impact commuters who rely on public transport for their daily travel.
The increase in costs, particularly for frequent travelers and those commuting to the airport, might strain some budgets. However, the unchanged preferential rates for youths and seniors provide some relief for these specific demographics.
STIB’s commitment to maintaining affordable rates for younger and older passengers reflects its understanding of the financial constraints faced by these groups.
The €12 annual pass for under-25s and over-65s remains a significant concession amidst the broader fare increases.
Future Projections
As STIB moves forward with these adjustments, the emphasis on automatic indexation suggests a long-term strategy aimed at financial predictability and sustainability.
By ensuring that fares are regularly adjusted in line with economic factors, STIB aims to avoid sudden, steep increases in the future, thereby providing a more manageable approach to fare management.
Commuters and stakeholders will be closely monitoring the impact of these changes, particularly in terms of service quality and passenger satisfaction.
The additional revenue generated will play a crucial role in enabling STIB to invest in infrastructure, service improvements, and other operational necessities.
In summary, while the upcoming fare hikes present a challenge for Brussels’ public transport users, the broader objective remains to ensure that STIB can continue to deliver reliable and efficient services to the region.
The balanced approach of maintaining preferential rates for vulnerable groups while adjusting fares to reflect economic realities demonstrates a nuanced approach to public transport management in the Belgian capital.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
