BEia0492
08/12 marks another milestone in the extension of the Antwerp tram network. As of this day the city boulevard ("de leien") can be traveled again from South to North, using tram line 1 (which in fact follows the same route as the old tram line 1, abandoned in the early `60s). Also premetro station Opera is opened to public again, now as a x-over station between level -2 lines from Central Station to Groenplaats (3, 5, 9, 15) and level -3 (today only line 10). Line 1 crosses on street level.
Also tram 24 changed destination, no longer running into City Centre terminus Melkmarkt, but from Rooseveltplaats joining right the boulevard line (with line 1), towards Havenhuis (Harbour House, Port Authority). This change is considered a loss of service particularly for travelers from Borgerhout/Deurne towards the City Centre. It is far from sure whether the Havenhuis terminus will deficit attract as much passengers.
Also line 8 was canceled at late notice and will no longer use the boulevard line South but end at Astrid station, creating there huge traffic jams for passengers which need to change from line 8 to line 10 in order to continue to the City Centre South. This was particularly driven by the lack of available tram drivers and by a lot of trams being locked in the maintenance depot, all caused by missing operations and maintenance budget.
A nice inauguration therefore is somehow negatively influenced by the lack of vision and priority both at Antwerp City Council and at the Flemish Government (overlooking De Lijn). Both City Council and Government responsabilities for public transport are owned by NVA, the poor politics of this party cause now a long-term and expensive investment not to pay off. After years of construction, the result of this is poor service into the city centre; and limited impact on reduction of congestion.
BEia0492
08/12 marks another milestone in the extension of the Antwerp tram network. As of this day the city boulevard ("de leien") can be traveled again from South to North, using tram line 1 (which in fact follows the same route as the old tram line 1, abandoned in the early `60s). Also premetro station Opera is opened to public again, now as a x-over station between level -2 lines from Central Station to Groenplaats (3, 5, 9, 15) and level -3 (today only line 10). Line 1 crosses on street level.
Also tram 24 changed destination, no longer running into City Centre terminus Melkmarkt, but from Rooseveltplaats joining right the boulevard line (with line 1), towards Havenhuis (Harbour House, Port Authority). This change is considered a loss of service particularly for travelers from Borgerhout/Deurne towards the City Centre. It is far from sure whether the Havenhuis terminus will deficit attract as much passengers.
Also line 8 was canceled at late notice and will no longer use the boulevard line South but end at Astrid station, creating there huge traffic jams for passengers which need to change from line 8 to line 10 in order to continue to the City Centre South. This was particularly driven by the lack of available tram drivers and by a lot of trams being locked in the maintenance depot, all caused by missing operations and maintenance budget.
A nice inauguration therefore is somehow negatively influenced by the lack of vision and priority both at Antwerp City Council and at the Flemish Government (overlooking De Lijn). Both City Council and Government responsabilities for public transport are owned by NVA, the poor politics of this party cause now a long-term and expensive investment not to pay off. After years of construction, the result of this is poor service into the city centre; and limited impact on reduction of congestion.