Former STIB Leaders Defend Metro 3 Amid Scrutiny Over Land Sales and Governance Challenges
December 4, 2025
Beliris scrutiny is raised by Lauwers over the Region selling land to developers, casting doubt on the assets’ viability or intent in relation to Metro 3.
Lauwers explains the missing central link under Palais du Midi came from dropping options due to sewer networks near Lemonnier, and notes that a historic routing under the Senne would have required expropriating many people, which was opposed to tram extensions.
Funding discussions are highlighted, including a projected urban toll, public-private partnerships, and real estate contributions in the north, modeled on schemes used in Stockholm.
Lauwers calls for clearer urban planning expectations, criticizes the Court of Audit report as biased, and reiterates the project’s necessity to introduce a city toll and shift to greater public transport use.
Verboekhoven station in Schaerbeek is defended as intermodal and intended to link with rapid tram line 7, with potential for a future RER connection that Cour des Comptes recommendations would have undermined.
Kris Lauwers describes the governance split among Brussels Mobility, STIB, and Beliris, noting Brussels Mobility typically handles new tunnels for the Nord-Est segment while the North-Bordet section requires distinguishing construction from operational techniques.
The overarching message emphasizes governance and technical coordination, framing Metro 3 as a congestion-relief and policy-driven project amid complex roles and tunneling challenges.
Former STIB leaders support the division of roles between Beliris and STIB, highlighting effective early coordination for Metro 3.
Flausch argues building a new metro is essential for congestion management and aligns Metro 3 with broader mobility plans, presenting urban tolls as a prerequisite linked to the project.
A Brussels Parliament commission has been established to scrutinize Metro 3, reflecting its political sensitivity and cross-agency coordination challenges.
Two former STIB leaders defend Metro 3 decisions at a Brussels Parliament special commission, arguing the project is needed to ease congestion, enable urban tolls, and relieve pressure on current lines.
They call for a clear division of roles between Beliris and STIB, with Beliris handling tunnel construction expertise and STIB focusing on traditional construction and equipment, while ensuring ongoing collaboration.
Summary based on 2 sources