Brussels Metro

Trains run under the ground in a big city.

There are four main lines. These lines help many people travel fast.

Some trains are called trams. These trams use wires above them for power.

Other trains use a metal rail on the ground. This rail gives them power too.

Most stations are deep under the earth. Some stations are even above the ground. There are 69 stations in all.

People use a special card to ride. This card lets them switch from a bus to a train. It makes traveling easy.

New lines are being built right now. The city wants to help even more people move around.

It is a busy way to see the city.

The Brussels Metro helps people travel around a large part of Belgium. It has four main metro lines. These lines are called M1, M2, M5, and M6. There are also three premetro lines. A premetro is a set of steps where tram lines use underground tracks. These tracks were meant to become full metro lines later.

Most metro stations are deep under the ground. Some stations on lines 5 and 6 are at ground level. The metro uses power in different ways. The premetro lines use overhead wires for power. The main metro lines use a third rail. This is a metal rail on the ground that gives power to the trains.

People use a smart card called MoBIB to ride. This card uses contactless technology. This means you just tap the card to pay. You can use it to switch from a bus to a train. In 2012, people took over 138 million journeys on the system.

New work is happening now. A new metro line 3 is being built. It will use some of the old premetro tracks. This will help even more people move through the city.

The Brussels Metro is a huge transit system in Belgium. It helps many people travel through the Brussels-Capital Region. The system has four main metro lines. These are called M1, M2, M5, and M6. There are also three premetro lines. A premetro is a special way it works. In these sections, tram lines travel through underground tunnels. These tunnels were built to become full metro lines later.

The metro is a very important way to move. It connects with six different railway stations. It also links to many bus and tram stops. This helps people switch between different ways of traveling. In 2012, people made over 138 million journeys on the system.

There are different ways the trains get their power. The premetro lines use overhead lines for electricity. This is similar to how ground-level trams work. The main metro lines use a third rail instead. A third rail is a metal rail that sits on the ground. It carries 900 V DC to power the trains.

The stations also look a bit different. Metro platforms are high. This means they are level with the train floor. This makes it easy for people to step inside. Premetro platforms have a lower section. This allows trams to fit easily.

Planning for this system began in the early 1960s. The goal was to build a network entirely underground. The first underground tramway opened in 1969. It ran from Schuman to De Brouckère. Later, in 1976, the first real metro line opened. It had two branches that started at De Brouckère. Many new stations were added over the years. In 1988, metro line 2 opened from Simonis to Gare du Midi. In 2009, a new connection at Gare de l'Ouest was finished. This completed a loop for line 2.

People use a smart card called MoBIB to pay. This card was introduced in 2007. It uses contactless technology to work. You can simply tap the card to pay for your trip. This is like using a card in some other big cities. You can use one ticket to switch from a bus to a metro. The cost depends on how long you travel. You can buy many types of tickets. Some are for one day or even three days. You can even pay with a contactless bank card now.

Work is still happening to make the system better. A new metro line 3 is being created. It will run from Brussels-North toward Bordet. This line will use some existing premetro tracks. In the future, this line may connect to Uccle. New trains called the M7 series arrived in 2021. These trains will help the system run with full automation. Automation means the trains can move with less human help. The system continues to grow and change for the people of Brussels.

The Brussels Metro is a massive rapid transit system. It serves the Brussels-Capital Region of Belgium. The network provides essential movement for millions of people. It connects many different modes of transport. This includes six railway stations from the National Railway Company of Belgium (NMBS/SNCB). It also links to various bus and tram stops. Some stations even offer links to the Brussels Regional Express Network (RER/GEN).

The system is divided into two main types of service. There are four conventional metro lines. These are known as M1, M2, M5, and M6. These lines include 59 metro-only stations. The other part is the premetro network. This consists of three tram lines: T4, T7, and T10. These trams travel through underground sections. These tunnels were intended to become full metro lines in the future.

Each type of service uses different technology to move. The premetro lines use overhead lines for power. They use 600 V DC to run the trams. Conventional metro lines use a different method. They use an elevated third rail for electricity. This third rail carries 900 V DC. The stations also look different to accommodate these vehicles. Metro platforms are "high platforms." They are flush with the train floor. Premetro platforms have a lowered section. This allows trams to board passengers from street level.

History shows how the system grew from simple tunnels. Planning began in the early 1960s. The goal was a fully underground network. The first underground tramway opened in 1969. It ran from Schuman to De Brouckère. In 1976, the first official metro line opened. It had two branches starting at De Brouckère. Line 2 reached Gare du Midi in 1988. A major change happened on 4 April 2009. A new connection at Gare de l'Ouest was completed. This created a "loop" for line 2.

The system is managed by the Brussels Intercommunal Transport Company (STIB/MIVB). It handles a very high volume of passengers. In 2011, there were 125.8 million journeys. By 2012, this number grew to 138.3 million journeys. This shows how vital the metro is to the city. The system also faces challenges. On 22 March 2016, a bomb attack occurred at Maelbeek station. The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) claimed responsibility. This event caused a temporary closure of the system. It led to a major review of security.

Paying for rides is done through a smart system. Passengers use a card called MoBIB. This was introduced in 2007 to replace paper tickets. It uses contactless technology. This is similar to the Oyster card used in London. You can use one ticket to switch between different transport types. The cost is calculated per hour. If you switch from a bus to a metro within one hour, you do not pay extra. You can also pay using a contactless bank card.

The metro continues to evolve with new technology. The fleet includes many different train series. These include the M1 through M5 series. The M6 series, also called "Boa," arrived between 2007 and 2012. In 2021, the M7 series was commissioned. These new trains will support full automation. Automation allows trains to operate with very little human help. Future plans include a new metro line 3. This line will run from Brussels-North toward Bordet. It will eventually connect to Uccle.