7 Million Euro Tram Bridge..No Trams Running Sparks Outrage in Gent Public Transport

7 Million Euro Tram Bridge Sparks Outrage in Gent Public Transport

The Gaardeniersbrug, built for trams since 2010, remains unused—symbolizing Gent’s stalled public transport ambitions and political neglect.
Marie Dupont9 July 2025Last Update :
OPINIE. “Een trambrug van 7 miljoen euro zonder trams: het symbool van het treurige beleid van De Lijn in Gent”
www.nieuwsblad.be

Gent’s public transport challenges remain at the heart of local debates, with the Gaardeniersbrug standing as a symbol of stalled progress. Since 2010, this sturdy bridge designed to carry trams has seen none, reflecting the ongoing delays in De Lijn’s tram expansion plans. On 2025-07-09 09:34:00, the situation remains a pressing concern for residents and commuters alike.

6 Key Takeaways
  • Gaardeniersbrug symboliseert falend trambeleid Gent
  • Stelplaats Wissenhage plannen vertraagd door protesten
  • Openbaar vervoer aandeel Gent blijft laag
  • Tramlijnuitbreiding Gent Spoort wacht op stelplaats
  • Actiecomité Ringspraak verzet zich tegen tunnel
  • Gent Spoort toont luisterbereidheid en ambitie

Originally intended to connect new tram depots in the Wondelgemse Meersen, the Gaardeniersbrug now mainly serves cyclists and pedestrians. Yet, political reluctance and environmental activism have slowed tram infrastructure development. How can Gent reconcile the demands for green spaces with the need for efficient public transport?

With tram lines limited and key routes like line 1 disrupted until 2027, the city’s mobility future hinges on resolving these conflicts. The following Fast Answer highlights the current state and outlook for Gent’s transport network.

Fast Answer: Gent’s public transport is hampered by delayed tram projects and political hurdles, with the Gaardeniersbrug unused for trams since 2010, while environmental protests and permit issues stall progress despite urgent local demand.

Is it possible to balance sustainable urban development with improved transit? The stalled Wissenhage depot and ongoing legal battles illustrate this tension clearly. Key points include:

  • Only 10% of Gent’s trips use public transport, compared to 40% in Zurich.
  • Tram network expansion has added a mere 4 km in two decades.
  • Environmental groups successfully delayed the depot to protect green areas.
  • Major investments like the €780 million Gent Spoort project depend on resolving these disputes.
Gent’s transport woes highlight broader Flemish challenges in balancing infrastructure growth with environmental concerns, a debate resonating across Belgium’s urban centres.

Looking ahead, Gent must find common ground between green activism and public transit needs. Will the city’s leaders and citizens unite to push projects like tram line 7 forward? Engaging in this dialogue is vital for a more connected and sustainable Gent.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


We use cookies to personalize content and ads , to provide social media features and to analyze our traffic...Learn More

Accept
Follow us on Telegram Follow us on Twitter