Few passengers for bus around Brussels pedestrian zone

The new bus service line 86, which tours the traffic loop around the pedestrian zone in the centre of Brussels, has not met with great success so far, according to a report presented this week by the board of directors of the Brussels public transport network (STIB), writes brusselnieuws.be.

STIB chairman Thomas Ryckalts confirmed the report, but told brusselnieuws.be, "It's only a first impression."

Bus 86 has been running since 29 June between Boulevard Edmond Machtens and Central Station. From there it returns to Molenbeek via De Brouckère, which means it does not in fact make a loop.

"The pedestrian zone has only existed for a few months, and part of that was the summer holiday," explained Ryckalts. "We need to give it some time. Exact passenger numbers will only be available in February, and until then we can only make a rough estimate."