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Getting Around Public Transport The integrated bus, overground and underground (prÉmÉtro) tram and mÉtro network is operated by SociÉtÉ des Transports Intercommunaux Bruxellois, known as STIB (tel: (02) 515 2000). The system operates 0600-0000. Although efficient and extremely clean, the network is not without its problems - plans to replace the underground trams with an extended mÉtro system have yet to materialise. STIB information points are located at Porte de Namur, Rogier and Midi mÉtro stations. Above ground, the mÉtro is identified by a sign bearing a white 'M' on a blue background. Many stations display the works of local artists; and mÉtro seats are soft and comfortable, the service is pleasant even during rush hour (0730-0930 and 1600-1830). MÉtro lines 1A and1B form a giant 'H' shape. MÉtro line 1A runs northwest to southeast from Roi Baudouin to Herrmann-Debroux. Line1B runs southwest to northeast from Bizet to Stockel. Lines 1A and 1B join in the middle, running along the same lines from Beekhant to Merode, to serve the central part of the city. The incomplete circle of line 2, from Simonis to Clemenceau, follows the inner ring road underground. Tram and bus stops are indicated by red and white signs respectively; the route number and destination are displayed on the front of the vehicle. All stops are request stops. Brussels' bright yellow and blue trams serve the city centre and suburbs. The trams reach their highest speeds underground - the prÉmÉtro runs north-south underneath the heart of the city from Gare du Nord, stopping at Place de Brouckère and Bourse, and Bruxelles-Midi (Eurostar terminal); some services run on to St-Gilles and Albert. Tickets for the transport network can be bought at mÉtro stations and many newsagents. The tourist reception desk at Rue du MarchÉ-aux-Herbes 63, and at the TIB at the Town Hall in Grand-Place sell day transport tickets (see below) and give out free maps of the network (also available at most mÉtro stations). Tickets should be stamped at the mÉtro ticket barrier either prior to or on boarding the bus or tram. Bus and overground tram tickets may be prior-purchased or bought on board the vehicle with the exact change. Once purchased, the ticket is valid for any form of public transport and includes changes. One-hour tickets (la carte d'une voyage) cost BFr55; ten (hour-long) journey tickets (la carte de dix voyages) cost BFr360 and a one-day pass (la carte d'un jour) costs BFr140 and is valid for two persons during weekends. In addition to the STIB network, Belgian National Railways local trains depart from Bruxelles-Chapelle, Bruxelles-Quartier LÉopold, Bruxelles-Schuman and Bruxelles-Congrès, linking the inner city to the suburbs. Taxis Autolux (tel: (02) 411 1221) are the official taxis, marked with a blue and yellow plaque, that travel from Brussels Airport to the required destination in Brussels. In central Brussels, taxis are available at centrally located ranks at the major railway stations and also at the Bourse, Place de Brouckère and Porte de Namur. Alternatively, taxi firms may be called, these include: Taxi Verts (tel: (02) 349 4949), Taxi Orange (tel: (02) 349 4343). The minimum fares are BFr95 in the daytime and BFr170 at night. Trips cost BFR40 per kilometre, there is an additional BFr800 per hour's waiting. However, no charge is made for luggage. Limousines Ganax (tel: (02) 720 4167; fax: (02) 720 4695), Brugstraat 24, 1930 Zaventem, close to the airport, offers a limousine service. One day's hire (eight hours) costs BFr12,250. Driving in the City Although commuter traffic is heavy during rush hour (0730-0930 and 1600-1830) on the outskirts of Brussels, the centre is relatively easy to negotiate once the one-way system has been mastered. In addition to car parks located in the city centre, there is pay-and-display parking in certain streets; the rules for their use vary according to the time and the district but it is always wise to have BFr5 and BFr20 coins to hand. There is a large public car park under the Novotel on Rue de la Montagne. Car Hire Car hire is available on presentation of a passport or identity card and valid driving licence to drivers of 23 years or over who have held a licence for at least one year. All the major providers are present at Brussels Airport. Avis (tel: (02) 720 0944) is located at the Brussels Hilton, Budget Rent-a-Car (tel: (02) 753 2170), Avenue Louise 327 and Bruxelles-Midi; Europcar (tel: (02) 721 0592), Rue du Page 29 and Bruxelles-Midi, Hertz (tel: (02) 720 6044), Bruxelles-Midi, and Boulevard Lemonnier 8 (tel: (02) 513 2886) - the latter stipulates drivers must be at least 25 years. Prices start at BFr3700 for a small car rising to BFr36,000 for the largest vehicles. Bicycle Hire Pro VÉlo, Rue de Londres 15 (tel: (02) 502 7355; fax: (02) 502 8641), offers bicycles for hire from Friday evening to Monday morning at a cost of BFr700 per day from April to October and BFr400 per day the rest of the year, as well as guided themed tours. |
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