Ring trambus
The ‘Werken aan de Ring’ programme focuses on providing sustainable and smooth mobility options for every road user. High-quality public transport is a rock-solid alternative to the car and daily traffic tailbacks: clear departure and arrival times, seamless connections and good quality vehicles with a high level of comfort for the traveller. We are working hard to realise this ambition with the Brabantnet. This public transport network consists of three major routes that will soon guarantee an easy connection between the Noordrand and Brussels: the Airport Tram, the Ring Trambus and the Express Tram. The Ring trambus runs between the Heysel and Brussels Airport.
What is the Ring trambus?
The Ring trambus will soon be running from the Heysel via Vilvoorde to Brussels Airport. A trambus is a bus that resembles a tram in a few respects, notably in its length. However, a trambus rides on conventional roads, not on rails. The Ring trambus will have its own separate bus lane.
Why a Ring trambus?
In the Noordrand, a solution is needed for structural traffic jams. As it has its own bus lane, the Ring trambus can offer fast and comfortable transport to a large number of passengers. It is electric and therefore environmentally friendly.
The Ring trambus route in detail
Trambuses have been running along the route of the current6 820 bus line since the summer of 2020. Once all road works have been completed and the separate bus lanes are ready, the Ring trambus will run on its definitive route. You can find more information on the timetable of bus line 820 here.
The Ring trambus is part of the Brabantnet, a set of three new connections north of Brussels. The Airport Tram and the A12 Express Tram will complete the network.
Where and when are we working on the Ring trambus?
Road works in Zaventem, Vilvoorde and Strombeek-Bever have already cleared the path for the Ring trambus along the first part of the route:
- Obstacles have been removed to give the long trambuses smooth passage.
- Stops and platforms have also been lengthened, so that passengers can get on and off the Ring trambus safely and comfortably.
At the moment, work on the route of the Ring trambus is ongoing in various places.
Step by step towards optimal occupancy
At present, the tram buses are not yet running fully on their free bus lanes and, consequently, their attractiveness is not yet at its maximum. Hence, the occupancy and use of the Ringtrambus is not yet at its optimum. It is expected that all free bus lanes can be brought into use in the course of 2024, so that the speed and reliability of the Ringtrambus will increase even further. Together with De Lijn, we are aiming for an occupancy of 3,295 passengers during rush hour with the Ringtrambus.
Since early 2022, the Ringtrambus has been running on the smart bus lanes of Sint-Annalaan and this is highly appreciated by passengers. Just like the free bus lanes in the Stationlei in Vilvoorde that have been used by the Ringtrambus since autumn 2022.
So to evaluate the true success of the Ringtrambus, we will have to wait at least until 2024 when all the free bus lanes have been put into use, including those on Woluwelaan in Diegem.