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
In 2024, more than 110,000 fines were issued to passengers traveling without a valid ticket or pass, according to STIB spokesperson Laurent Vermeersch. This amounts to just over 6% of all travelers using the network
The route was closed to traffic as authorities anticipated major congestion. The demonstration is expected to last until 2:00 p.m., with severe traffic delays reported around Rogier and Boulevard Roi Albert II
The Joint Trade Union Front – comprising the socialist ABVV/FGTB, liberal ACLVB/CGSLB, and Christian ACV/CSC unions – will lead the protest. Demonstrators will gather at the Brussels-North railway station at 10:30 a.m. before marching towards Brussels-Midi
The strike, organized to protest wage stagnation and demand better working conditions, has seen participation from public and private sector employees, amplifying its impact on essential services
