Federal Mobility Minister Georges Gilkinet will put 0% VAT on SNCB tickets on the budget control table scheduled for next March, he confirmed on Tuesday in the House Mobility Committee. The entry into force of the new tariff structure provided for by the public service contract will take place in 2025, i.e. 26 months after its signature.
The increase in train fares by an average of 8.73% since February 1 has aroused many reactions, including on the parliamentary benches.
On Tuesday, the Chamber’s Mobility Committee continued the debate on the new management contracts for SNCB and Infrabel. On this occasion, Minister Gilkinet once again challenged any intention to proceed with significant rate increases. The 0% VAT will also be put on the budget control table, confirmed the minister.
The environmental minister also defended the future tariff structure, which must in particular be more advantageous for young people, seniors or even commuters. However, “the contract determines that this new tariff structure will come into effect 26 months after the entry into force of the (public service) contract”, he indicated. According to him, work is underway to update the software used by SNCB. “It may seem long, but it’s a real tariff revolution that will take place. I will never let the tariffs be multiplied by three”, he assured.
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