Improving public transport access to Belgian coastal areas remains a key topic for local authorities and commuters alike. With growing demand for seamless travel, enhancing the quality and convenience of public transport is more important than ever. On 2025-05-02 17:46:00, Van Acker emphasized the need for investment in public transport to boost capacity, comfort, and integration.
- Invest in improving public transport quality and capacity
- Implement unified ticketing for train and tram
- Maintain good train-tram connection in Oostende
- Promote the extensive reach of the coastal tram
- Enhance pedestrian routes from station to beach
- Make public transport more attractive for beachgoers
One promising idea is the introduction of a unified ticket system for trains and trams, similar to the Swiss model. This would make transfers more attractive and simplify journeys to the coast, a region well served by Belgium’s famous Kusttram, the longest tram line in the world.
But how can Belgium make the final leg of the journey to the beach more appealing? This question is central to ongoing efforts, especially in cities like Oostende, where pedestrian routes from stations to the shore are being improved.
Why focus on ticket integration and pedestrian routes? Because convenience drives public transport use. Van Acker’s points highlight key improvements:
- Unified ticketing between train and tram to encourage transfers
- Already strong connections between trains and trams
- The Kusttram’s extensive reach along the Belgian coast
- Potential upgrades to pedestrian pathways in Oostende for better accessibility
Looking ahead, investing in public transport infrastructure and user experience will be crucial. Could Belgium become a leader in coastal mobility by adopting integrated systems and enhancing last-mile connections? The coming years will reveal how these plans unfold.
