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Car-Free Sunday: Free public transport in Brussels on 18 September

09:52 15/09/2022

All buses, trams and metros on the Stib public transport network in Brussels will be free to use on 18 September for Car-Free Sunday.

The annual event sees the whole region closed to motor vehicles with the exception of public transport, taxis, coaches, emergency services, public utilities and diplomatic vehicles.

Motor traffic will be banned from 9.30 to 19.00, although residents can request a pass from their municipality to be allowed to drive in the capital on the day in exceptional circumstances, such as business deliveries or medical reasons.

The Stib will run more frequent services - the Saturday timetable instead of Sunday - and is also opening up the Erasmus metro depot to the public on Sunday between 10.00 and 16.00.

Inaugurated last year, the 30,000m² building can store up to 30 trains and was designed to have a minimal environmental impact, with solar panels and a rainwater recovery system.

"Car-Free Sunday offers an opportunity to rethink commuting and learn about public transport," said Stib chief executive Brieuc de Meeûs.

"Who knows, this one-day experience might encourage new habits in terms of environmentally aware mobility habit, which is all the more important in the current context."

Several car parks will remain accessible to motor vehicles during Car-Free Sunday including Ceria (Anderlecht), Kraainem, UCL, Westland Shopping and Parking C at Heysel.

Car-Free Sunday is part of European Mobility Week, which in Brussels this year has the theme of "a city for children", with awareness campaigns carried out around schools.

"A child should be able to move freely in our city: on foot, by bicycle and by public transport," said Brussels mobility minister Elke Van den Brandt.

"That is not always possible today: traffic jams and dangerous streets prevent this and often discourage children from going outdoors. Adults have a duty to make public space more accessible for children."

Written by The Bulletin