Latest news with #SNCB
Yahoo
10-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
CAF wins bid to supply Belgium's SNCB with new AM30 train fleet
Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles (CAF) has been granted the preferred bidder position in a tender process to supply the National Society of Belgian Railways (SNCB) with a fleet of AM30/MR30 trains. The board of directors of SNCB has approved the continuation of the procurement process, aiming to finalise a framework agreement worth up to €1.7bn ($1.84bn). The framework agreement, potentially spanning 12 years, includes an initial base commitment for units equating to 54,000 seats, part of a larger scope for 170,000 seats. The AM30 railcars, designed for intercity, suburban, and local connections, will feature integrated engines, eliminating the need for separate locomotives, reported Trip By Trip. These trains, which will have a maximum speed of either 160km/h or 200km/h, are planned for both domestic and cross-border operations, connecting Belgium with neighbouring countries. SNCB has requested three configurations for the new fleet, including a battery-powered variant to replace older diesel-powered models. If the contract with SNCB is finalised, this will mark the first introduction of CAF trains into the Belgian railway network. A prototype is expected to be ready by the second quarter of 2027, with testing and approval slated for the following two years. The first AM30 railcars are anticipated to enter service by the second quarter of 2029. In October 2024, CAF strengthened its foothold in the Italian market by securing two tram rolling stock contracts in Bologna and Rome, worth around €200m ($219m). In Bologna, CAF has been awarded a framework contract to deliver up to 60 trams, along with a four-year maintenance agreement, spare parts, and special tools. "CAF wins bid to supply Belgium's SNCB with new AM30 train fleet" was originally created and published by Railway Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Sign in to access your portfolio
Euronews
21-02-2025
- Euronews
Travel chaos in Belgium as nine days of national train strikes begin: Will any lines be running?
Widespread travel disruption is already hitting Belgium this morning as a 9-day train strike begins. A nationwide railway strike officially starts today (Friday 21 February) at 10pm, running until 10pm on 2 March. To add to travellers' woes, airport workers will continue striking on the 13th of every month until further notice, and travel across Belgium is expected to be impacted by more strikes and mass protests that could last well into springtime. Read on for Euronews Travel's advice on how to navigate the travel disruption in Belgium. Belgium: Nationwide rail strike from 21 February to 2 March Travellers can expect significant travel disruption in Brussels, Antwerp, Bruges, and other major cities from 10pm on 21 February until 10pm on 2 March, not just with trains but also to other public transport, including buses, trams, and metro services. In a statement, Belgian National Railway Company SNCB say: 'We understand and regret that this strike may interfere with your travels', adding that 'in order to deal with the limited number of trains running, we will put in place an alternative service in accordance with staff availability.' Most SNCB personnel and those working on rail infrastructure for companies Infrabel and HR-Rail will be on strike, meaning Belgium's rail network could be brought to a near standstill. SNCB advises travellers to regularly check for updates via its journey planner on its website or the SNCB app. International train services, including Eurostar, TGV INOUI, EuroCity, Eurocity Direct, ICE and OUIGO, are expected to remain unaffected, but you can receive live updates on the SNCB International website. The SNCB suggests you 'consider alternative routes when travelling on cross-border local trains to/from Lille, Maubeuge, Luxembourg, Roosendaal, Maastricht or Aachen - and if you need to take a local connection in Belgium before or after your international journey'. Commuters are already complaining about delays and cancellations The impact of the rail strikes are already being felt by commuters. X user @blasco_music wrote on the social media platform morning, "The@SNCB dares to strike for 10 days and put people in even more trouble when you know because of them there are people who already have daily problems with their employers because they never arrived on time." Another person, under the handle @KvanCoban, posted even stronger words on X: "What is wrong with the Belgian railways!" and adding, "How can it not be solved for so long? And they say that Belgium is a developed country!" The nationwide strike comes after recent mass protests in Brussels Some Belgians are opposed to the new government coalition, and they are taking to the streets to make their feelings heard. It was estimated that 50,000 people protested on the streets of Brussels yesterday, according to union officials. These mass protests are to address 'imbalances' around public services and purchasing power in the coalition government's agenda. These include concerns over cutting public services, stricter measures on unemployment benefits, pension reform and workplace flexibility. Demonstrations of this nature are common in Belgium and are primarily peaceful, especially in the Brussels' EU quarter (Schuman area) and around transport hubs and government buildings. However these protests can cause significant problems for public transport, postal services, and air travel, and disruption to businesses. A general strike has also been called on 31 March. All these strikes are in opposition to the federal government's proposed policies. Why are there so many strikes happening in Belgium? Most of the strikes are targeting new government policies. While negotiations with unions are underway, tensions remain high. The main reasons for the railway industrial actions are pension reforms, changes to labour law, and budget cuts to rail operator SNCB. The strikes coincide with the school holidays in French-speaking education. While the government has not responded to the planned strikes, the leader of the Flemish Christian-democratic political party (CD&V), Sammy Mahdi, struck out at the railway strikes, calling them 'completely irresponsible.' He called them 'a slap in the face of commuters, workers in less privileged sectors and future generations who rely on us to secure pensions,' according to the Belga news agency. 'Organising total chaos on the railways because you're the only sector that can't retire at 55? Irresponsible.' Are rail passengers entitled to compensation during a strike? The normal conditions for refunding or exchanging your ticket remain the same, even if there is a strike, as according to EU law, train companies have to get ticket holders to their final destination or issue them with a refund. If you choose to travel even if your train is delayed, you may still be eligible for a partial or full refund. This usually depends on how late your train arrives at its destination. If your train is delayed by more than 60 minutes, you can choose not to travel and will receive a full refund for your ticket. Alternatively, you can have your ticket reissued for travel at a later date. SNCB has full details on how to claim a refund here.
Euronews
20-02-2025
- Euronews
Belgium train strikes: 9 days of nationwide rail cancellations begin
By Published on •Updated Travellers in Belgium are advised to re-think travel plans as the next six weeks hold several planned strikes. Widespread travel disruption is set to hit Belgium as mass protests and a 9-day train strike begin. A nationwide railway strike begins tomorrow (Friday 21 February) at 10pm, running until 10pm on 2 March. To add to travellers' woes, a mass protest is planned in Brussels today, 20 February. As airport workers continue striking on the 13th of every month until further notice, travel across Belgium is expected to face further chaos this month that could last well into springtime. Read on for Euronews Travel's advice on how to navigate the travel disruption in Belgium. Mass protests in Brussels Some Belgians are opposed to the new government coalition, and they are taking to the streets to make their feelings heard. At least 50,000 people are expected to protest on the streets of Brussels today, according to union officials. The mass protest is to address 'imbalances' around public services and purchasing power in the coalition government's agenda. These include concerns over cutting public services, stricter measures on unemployment benefits, pension reform and workplace flexibility. Demonstrations of this nature are common in Belgium and are primarily peaceful, especially in the Brussels' EU quarter (Schuman area) and around transport hubs and government buildings. However the protest will likely cause significant problems for public transport, postal services, and air travel, and disruption to businesses. A general strike has also been called on 31 March. All these strikes are in opposition to the federal government's proposed policies. Belgium: Nationwide rail strike starting 21 February Travellers can expect significant travel disruption in Brussels, Antwerp, Bruges, and other major cities from 10pm on 21 February until 10pm on 2 March, not just to trains but also to other public transport, including buses, trams, and metro services. In a statement, Belgian National Railway Company SNCB say: 'We understand and regret that this strike may interfere with your travels', adding that 'in order to deal with the limited number of trains running, we will put in place an alternative service in accordance with staff availability.' Most SNCB personnel and those working on rail infrastructure for companies Infrabel and HR-Rail will be on strike, meaning Belgium's rail network could be brought to a near standstill. SNCB advises travellers to regularly check for updates via its journey planner on its website or the SNCB app. International train services, including Eurostar, TGV INOUI, EuroCity, Eurocity Direct, ICE and OUIGO, are expected to remain unaffected, but you can receive live updates on the SNCB International website. The SNCB suggests you 'consider alternative routes when travelling on cross-border local trains to/from Lille, Maubeuge, Luxembourg, Roosendaal, Maastricht or Aachen - and if you need to take a local connection in Belgium before or after your international journey'. Why are there so many strikes happening in Belgium? Most of the strikes are targeting new government policies. While negotiations with unions are underway, tensions remain high. The main reasons for the railway industrial actions are pension reforms, changes to labour law, and budget cuts to rail operator SNCB. The strikes coincide with the school holidays in French-speaking education. While the government has not responded to the planned strikes, the leader of the Flemish Christian-democratic political party (CD&V), Sammy Mahdi, struck out at the railway strikes, calling them 'completely irresponsible.' He called them 'a slap in the face of commuters, workers in less privileged sectors and future generations who rely on us to secure pensions,' according to the Belga news agency. 'Organising total chaos on the railways because you're the only sector that can't retire at 55? Irresponsible.' Are rail passengers entitled to compensation during a strike? The normal conditions for refunding or exchanging your ticket remain the same, even if there is a strike, as according to EU law, train companies have to get ticket holders to their final destination or issue them with a refund. If you choose to travel even if your train is delayed, you may still be eligible for a partial or full refund. This usually depends on how late your train arrives at its destination. If your train is delayed by more than 60 minutes, you can choose not to travel and will receive a full refund for your ticket. Alternatively, you can have your ticket reissued for travel at a later date.
Euronews
20-02-2025
- Politics
- Euronews
Travel chaos in Belgium kicks off with 9-day national train strike: Will any lines be running?
Widespread travel disruption is set to hit Belgium as mass protests and a 9-day train strike begin. A nationwide railway strike begins tomorrow (Friday 21 February) at 10pm, running until 10pm on 2 March. To add to travellers' woes, a mass protest is planned in Brussels today, 20 February. As airport workers continue striking on the 13th of every month until further notice, travel across Belgium is expected to face further chaos this month that could last well into springtime. Read on for Euronews Travel's advice on how to navigate the travel disruption in Belgium. Mass protests in Brussels Some Belgians are opposed to the new government coalition, and they are taking to the streets to make their feelings heard. At least 50,000 people are expected to protest on the streets of Brussels today, according to union officials. The mass protest is to address 'imbalances' around public services and purchasing power in the coalition government's agenda. These include concerns over cutting public services, stricter measures on unemployment benefits, pension reform and workplace flexibility. Demonstrations of this nature are common in Belgium and are primarily peaceful, especially in the Brussels' EU quarter (Schuman area) and around transport hubs and government buildings. However the protest will likely cause significant problems for public transport, postal services, and air travel, and disruption to businesses. A general strike has also been called on 31 March. All these strikes are in opposition to the federal government's proposed policies. Belgium: Nationwide rail strike starting 21 February Travellers can expect significant travel disruption in Brussels, Antwerp, Bruges, and other major cities from 10pm on 21 February until 10pm on 2 March, not just to trains but also to other public transport, including buses, trams, and metro services. In a statement, Belgian National Railway Company SNCB say: 'We understand and regret that this strike may interfere with your travels', adding that 'in order to deal with the limited number of trains running, we will put in place an alternative service in accordance with staff availability.' Most SNCB personnel and those working on rail infrastructure for companies Infrabel and HR-Rail will be on strike, meaning Belgium's rail network could be brought to a near standstill. SNCB advises travellers to regularly check for updates via its journey planner on its website or the SNCB app. International train services, including Eurostar, TGV INOUI, EuroCity, Eurocity Direct, ICE and OUIGO, are expected to remain unaffected, but you can receive live updates on the SNCB International website. The SNCB suggests you 'consider alternative routes when travelling on cross-border local trains to/from Lille, Maubeuge, Luxembourg, Roosendaal, Maastricht or Aachen - and if you need to take a local connection in Belgium before or after your international journey'. Why are there so many strikes happening in Belgium? Most of the strikes are targeting new government policies. While negotiations with unions are underway, tensions remain high. The main reasons for the railway industrial actions are pension reforms, changes to labour law, and budget cuts to rail operator SNCB. The strikes coincide with the school holidays in French-speaking education. While the government has not responded to the planned strikes, the leader of the Flemish Christian-democratic political party (CD&V), Sammy Mahdi, struck out at the railway strikes, calling them 'completely irresponsible.' He called them 'a slap in the face of commuters, workers in less privileged sectors and future generations who rely on us to secure pensions,' according to the Belga news agency. 'Organising total chaos on the railways because you're the only sector that can't retire at 55? Irresponsible.' Are rail passengers entitled to compensation during a strike? The normal conditions for refunding or exchanging your ticket remain the same, even if there is a strike, as according to EU law, train companies have to get ticket holders to their final destination or issue them with a refund. If you choose to travel even if your train is delayed, you may still be eligible for a partial or full refund. This usually depends on how late your train arrives at its destination.
