A detailed account of public transport provision in Belgium during the 1980s. Concentrates on main line railways, light rail and tramway networks, and trolleybus systems, with brief mention of some motor bus operations.
The 1980s was a period of great transition in Belgium, with many public transport services in decline and suffering from a lack of investment. Reorganisation and rationalisation were commonplace and the decade saw the withdrawal of many historic types of vehicle. However, by the end of the decade, plans were being developed to revitalise public transport, including the constuction of new high speed railway lines.
As well as looking at main line connections, Les Transports Publics en Belgique 1980-1990 examines the networks operating in Brussels, Antwerp, Liège, Ghent, Charleroi and Verviers. It examines political influences on transport policy and also the daily reality of providing the service, with particular emphasis on staff.
It looks at equipment in the form of trains, metros, trams and buses – and infrastructure such as stations, railway and metro lines, bridges and tunnels. Also includes extensive tabulated information covering fares, routes, passenger volumes and other statistical information.
An appendix summarises the railway rolling stock fleet in 1980 and 1990, allowing easy comparison to be made between the two. 320 pages including over 500 photographs, drawings and plans. French text. Hardback.