Minister Gilkinet aims at at least 3.4 billion euros extra for NMBS and Infrabel | Inland

The committee members were relieved that there was finally an agreement on the new management agreements – the previous ones dating from fourteen years ago. But there was also criticism about the financial ‘flou’ of the plans. Several MPs accused the minister that his ambitions are not financially substantiated. N-VA MP Tomas Roggeman talked about “a bad check”.

But Minister Glikniet clarified that this is the normal course of business, because these are only calculated proposals, in consultation with the NMBS and Infrabel. Negotiations are now starting within the government and the minister hopes to pull out just over 3.4 billion euros in extra government budget. “I hope for an agreement against the 2023 budget talks, even if it is a multi-year process,” Gilkinet said, referring to the investment plans at Defense.

In addition to additional government funding, the objectives of the new management agreements are also intended to be financed with more own resources (for example from ticket sales) and efficiency gains, Gilkinet clarified. On Wednesday it was already announced that the railway companies will have to make do with about 2,000 fewer employees by 2032.

The outlines of the new management agreements were announced earlier. For passenger traffic, the target is 30 percent more travelers by 2032. This will be achieved by allowing more trains to run (at least 4,220 on weekdays versus 3,800 today), a better frequency and more early and late trains. In addition, the railway company will be given more freedom over its rates (for example, cheaper rates during off-peak hours) and must make 181 stations more accessible. The management contract also aims for 40 percent more bicycle sheds and 500 extra parking spaces for cars. By 2025, the entire rail network must be equipped with the ECTS safety system.

At least 91 percent of trains must run on time in the following years. Several MPs, including Joris Vandenbroucke (Vooruit), would have preferred a little more ambition in the minister, “because punctuality is annoyance number one”. But Minister Gilkinet pointed out that the ambition is indeed being increased: “In the previous management contract there was at least 86 percent, with neutralization.” The minister also wants to get a more truthful picture of punctuality and will measure in 108 stations. “We also want to know the punctuality at a 3-minute delay instead of a 6-minute delay”, the minister said, but no agreement has yet been reached with the NMBS/SNCB.