The number of employees in the Belgian interurban passenger rail transport sector has shown a consistent decline from 2014 to 2023. In 2023, this sector had 28.44 thousand employees, reflecting a 2.16% year-on-year decrease and a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -2.11% over the last five years. The decline has been particularly pronounced between 2016 and 2017 with a 4.72% reduction. From 2019 to 2023, the annual decline rate has hovered around -2%, while the five-year CAGR to 2023 stood at -2.11%.
Looking forward, forecasted data from 2024 to 2028 predicts a continued but slightly reduced rate of decline, with an estimated average annual decline (CAGR) of -1.66% and an overall decline of 8.01% by 2028.
Future trends to watch for include how technological advancements and potential investments in automation and AI could further influence staffing levels, and whether shifts in transportation policy or increases in rail usage demand might stabilize or counteract current downward trends.
