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Automatic doors to be installed across metro system
Passengers on Brussels’ metro system will soon see the installation of automatic sliding doors across the city. Brussels’ transport authority STIB has announced plans to install 13 exit barriers along the north-south lines by the end of June. The doors will require travelers to present their metro ticket or pass in order to exit the station, similar to systems currently in place in cities like London and Paris.
A pilot study of the system found that more passengers are more inclined to present their ticket or pass upon exit than they are when entering the station. The new system would ensure that all metro travelers validate their tickets at either end of the journey.
Users without a valid ticket will have to pay €6 to exit, payable via text message to 4030. According to the study, 180 passengers have used the text message exit system at the Albert metro station, where the doors are already in place.
Comments
I really hate these automatic sliding doors - what would happen in a real emergency - fire for instance - I wonder? One thing for sure, there'd be panic - young mothers with toddlers would risk being pushed underfoot in the melée - the old & infirm wouldn't be able to climb over the barriers, the automatic opening mechanism could fail or short-circuit which of course shouldn't happen - but we all know the expression 'normalement' in Belgium (don't get me wrong I love this country but how often have I heard people say in surprise when something fails to work "c'est pas normal ça!!"