After nearly two years of renovation works, Brussels’ iconic Tram 44 is set to return to full service on Saturday, June 21, reconnecting Montgomery with Tervuren Station. While commuters and tourists alike welcome the comeback, many question whether the return to service truly brings the line into the 21st century.
The multimillion-euro modernization project, undertaken by public transport operator MIVB/STIB, focused on a 7-kilometer stretch between the Brussels Tram Museum and Tervuren. The project included the replacement of 28 kilometers of rails, installation of 22,000 concrete sleepers, and a complete overhaul of overhead lines. Three tram stops — Drie Kleuren, Oudergem-Woud, and Ravenstein — remain under renovation and are expected to reopen by the end of August.
Despite the infrastructure upgrade, the rolling stock remains unchanged. Riders will continue traveling aboard PCC trams — vintage streetcars dating from the 1960s — which, while beloved by some for their nostalgic charm, are widely criticized for their lack of comfort and accessibility.
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MIVB/STIB acknowledges the aging fleet’s limitations and announced, in 2022, a phased transition to low-floor trams across its network. However, Tram 44 was not prioritized in the initial rollout, leaving no clear timeline for when newer vehicles will grace the historic route.
To celebrate the reopening, the company will host a special event Saturday from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., offering passengers the chance to ride restored heritage trams from the Brussels Tram Museum alongside standard service.
Often described as one of the region’s most picturesque tramways, Tram 44 winds through the verdant Sonian Forest and along stately Tervurenlaan, drawing both daily commuters and sightseers. The restoration is also seen as a boon for intermodal transport, now connecting with a new Hoppinpunkt at Tervuren Station featuring bike and car parking options.
While the line’s track and stop upgrades are seen as steps toward a greener and more integrated mobility future, the continued use of outdated vehicles remains a sticking point for many. Longer PCC trams are set to join the fleet this summer, but without a firm commitment to modern replacements, for now the ride remains as bumpy as ever — albeit with a view.
Author: Dafydd ab Iago. © Article and photo (tram works) licensed © 2024 for Tervuren+ under the Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International licence. Photo MIVBL restored tram station.
