Former STIB Leaders Defend Metro 3 Amid Scrutiny Over Land Sales and Governance Challenges

December 4, 2025
Former STIB Leaders Defend Metro 3 Amid Scrutiny Over Land Sales and Governance Challenges
  • 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


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