The volume of rail passenger transport in Belgium declined from 10.6 billion passenger kilometers in 2013 to 7.94 billion passenger kilometers in 2023. Significant fluctuations include a sharp drop during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, and a decline by 18% in 2023 compared to 2022. The 5-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from 2018 to 2023 was -5.45%, indicating a consistent decline. Forecast data suggests further reductions, with the volume expected to reach 6.11 billion passenger kilometers by 2028, marking a forecasted 5-year CAGR of -4.19% and an overall decline of 19.25% from 2023.
Future trends to watch for:
• Potential recovery post-COVID-19 disruptions.
• Impact of sustainable transport initiatives.
• Changes in commuter behavior and remote working trends.
• Investment in rail infrastructure and services.
• Competitive pressures from other modes of transportation.