Regional Express Network

The Gewestelijk ExpresNet aims at developing an integrated network of suburban train and bus connections within a radius of approximately 30 km around Brussels. The GEN aims to stimulate the use of public transport to and fro, within and around the capital to the fullest. The GEN offer mainly focuses on servicing a number of multimodal growth poles. In these areas, the local city and road policy is geared to different types of transport. More specifically, these areas are the North-South Connection, the European Village in the eastern part of Brussels and the Zaventem airport. These three poles are guaranteed a high-quality network for medium-range distances.

 

 

The future suburban network will be framed around an intricate web of local railway connections. These railway connections are continued by GEN bus routes, opening up areas where trains do not pass. The GEN trains will constitute an independent network. Moreover, these trains are intended to be put into service on separate tracks. This means the NMBS (Belgian National Railway Company) adds the GEN offer to its existing lines. The Belgian National Railway Company tries to fit the GEN trains into the network of express trains (IC and IR trains), in order to assure smooth connections in the multimodal poles. Furthermore, smooth connections between train, tram, uderground and bus are provided. This way, the different types of transport within the GEN zone are complementary.

 

On the 31st of May 2006, a protocol agreement was signed by the Ministers of Mobility and the State Secretary for the development of an interoperable ticket. The objective of this agreement is very ambitious: by 2010, public transport has to be accessible by one single ticket for every public transport company in Belgium. Within this scope, the 3 Ministers of Mobility presented the ‘Ubi Go’-card to the press and the public in July 2008. This electronic chip card will be valid for all public transport networks in Belgium. By developing a national uniform system, there is no need to create a ticket that is solely intended for the GEN network. Therefore, the Ministers of Mobility decided to emphasize the introduction of compatible tickets in the Brussels Capital Region and the surrounding areas. The introduction of the electronic Mobib-pass by the MIVB (Company for Interurban Transport in Brussels) in May 2008 goes hand in hand with this policy.

 

The configuration of the GEN assumes a minimum amplitude of 20 hours per calendar day. This means that the stations in the multimodal poles (see above) will be serviced from 5 a.m. until 1 a.m on weekdays and from 6 a.m until 2 a.m on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. During peak hours, the GEN strives for a minimum frequency of one GEN train every 15 minutes. the peak hours, the target frequency is 30 minutes.These high frequencies constitute an important condition in achieving the mobility objectives of the GEN plan.

 

Essential to the success of the GEN are the accompanying preconditions, which are an integral part of the project.This includes taking action regarding parking policy, intermodality (the use of different means of transport during one trip), commercial speed of public transport and road classification.Especially the introduction of paid parking places in the streets and in car parks in Brussels seems to play an important role in reducing the use of private cars and stimulating the use of public transport.

 

The initial timing of the GEN project aimed for 2012. In the meantime, the completion and implementation of the GEN network has been postponed. For more information, please visit the Infrabel website. Here you will also find detailed information on the timing and progress of the works at the different GEN railway lines.

 

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