Brussels Metro Lines and Stations

Brussels Metro Lines and Stations

The premetro lines are powered (like the ground-level tram lines) by overhead lines at 600 V DC, the conventional metro lines use instead an elevated third rail at 900 V DC. They all use standard-gauge. Conventional metro platforms are "high platforms", built flush with the floor of the metro compartments, premetro platforms are the same height, but with a lowered section at least as long as the longest tram, for compatibility with tramways which must be able to take passengers from the sidewalk of a street, or even from the street floor itself. Upgrading a line from premetro to metro service includes, among others, raising the whole platform to metro height and replacing the overhead line by a third rail power supply.

Brussels Metro

There are four conventional metro lines and, as of 2008, 59 stations (not including premetro stations). Most stations are underground, although some on lines 5 and 6 are at ground level. On 4 April 2009, the connection at Gare de l'Ouest/Weststation that enables Line 2 to form a circular line was put into service. As a consequence, the metro network was significantly reorganised. The development plan for this change and related tram and bus network changes was approved by the Brussels-Capital Region in July 2005.

As of 4 April 2009, the four lines are as follows:

• Line 1 from Gare de l'Ouest/Weststation to the west to Stockel/Stokkel at the east end (formerly part of line 1B).
• Line 2 is a loop starting and ending in Simonis via the eastern side of the Small Ring (an extension of former Line 2 from Delacroix north-bound to Simonis).
• Line 5 from Erasme/Erasmus to the south-west to Herrmann-Debroux to the south-east (combines parts of former lines 1A and 1B).
• Line 6 from Roi Baudouin/Koning Boudewijn to the north-west to Simonis (including the loop of the newly extended Line 2, combines the former Line 2, the new connection, and a branch of the former line 1A).

Line 1 (M)
Gare de l'Ouest / Weststation
Stockel / Stokkel

Line 2 (M)
Simonis
Elisabeth

Line 5 (M)
Erasme / Erasmus
Herrmann-Debroux

Line 6 (M)
Roi Baudouin / Koning Boudewijn
Elisabeth

Brussels Metro Premetro

Line 3 and Line 4 are tram lines using the North–South Axis tunnel which crosses the city centre from Brussels-North via Brussels-South to Albert. Line 3 runs from Churchill in the south to Esplanade in the north. Line 4 runs from Brussels-North to Stalle Parking in the south. This North–South Axis is being upgraded to metro service, works have begun in 2019, including north-eastward prolongation of the metro tunnel, and the transition to conventional metro is foreseen for 2024.

Line 7 is the main line of the Greater Ring, replacing Tram 23 and Tram 24 as of 14 March 2011. It services the Heysel/Heizel, runs under Laeken Park and then via the Greater Ring to the terminus of Line 3 to terminate one stop later at Vanderkindere for connections to tram lines 3, 4 and 92. The somewhat shorter Line 25 also runs the Greater Ring premetro, but with different termini at both ends.

Line 3 (T)
Esplanade
Churchill

Line 4 (T)
Gare du Nord / Noordstation
Stalle Parking

Line 7 (T)
Heysel / Heizel
Vanderkindere

Line 25 (T)
Rogier
Gare de Boondael / Boondaal station

Brussels Metro Overview

Brussels Metro Native Name:
Métro de Bruxelles (French)
Brusselse metro (Dutch)
Brussels Metro Locale: Brussels-Capital Region
Brussels Metro Transit Type: Rapid transit
Brussels Metro Number of Lines:
4 metro lines (M1, M2, M5, M6)
3 premetro lines (T3, T4, T7)
Brussels Metro Number of Stations: 59 (metro only)
69 (with premetro)
Brussels Metro Annual Ridership: 129.2 million (2022)
Brussels Metro Began Operation: 20 September 1976, 48 years ago
Brussels Metro Operator(s): STIB/MIVB
Brussels Metro Number of Vehicles: 66
Brussels Metro System Length:
39.9 km (24.8 mi) (metro only)
55.7 km (34.6 mi) (with premetro)
Brussels Metro Track Gauge: 1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) standard gauge
Brussels Metro Electrification: 900 V DC third rail