Deputy Maarten van Gaans (D66) is disappointed with the decision of the Flemish government to pull the plug on the express tram between Maastricht and Hasselt.
But he is not really surprised by it, given the discussion in Flanders last year.
Belgium prefers trambus to express tram
On Monday, Flemish minister Lydia Peeters, transport company De Lijn, the province and the municipality of Maastricht sat around the table in Hasselt. During that conversation it immediately became clear that Flanders is opting for an electric trambus instead of a light rail. “We have to respect the decision of Flanders, despite the fact that we have worked together for 18 years on a light rail”, said deputy Van Gaans.
Also read: Plan tram Maastricht-Hasselt after 18 years in the trash
Financial compensation
“But we do want compensation from the Flemish side. Because 20 million has been invested from the Dutch side by the national government, the province and the municipality of Maastricht,” says the deputy. He states that Minister Peeters has made it very clear that she understands very well that there must be financial compensation from the Flemish side.
Make appointments
The parties will meet again in mid-June to make agreements about the route in order to possibly reach an agreement. It is also discussed that Maastricht and the province previously promised six million to Flanders for the fact that the intended express tram could not drive to the station in Maastricht because the Wilhelmina Bridge could not handle the tram. Half of that six million has been paid.
Also read: Maastricht and province want compensation for express tram back
Cross-border public transport is important
Deputy Van Gaans only wants to talk about the alternative of the electric trambus once agreement has been reached on the financial settlement. “But I continue to find it very important to properly arrange cross-border public transport. Not only between Maastricht and Hasselt, but also between Sittard and Genk, for example,” says Van Gaans.