I've just returned from Germany and I decided to get the train all the way back to the UK. Now, I've travelled quite extensively on most of the Western European networks (the Netherlands, Denmark, France, Spain, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Norway, Sweden e.t.c) however somehow I've missed the domestic trains in Belgium. So, I decided to take a few journeys on a one day stopover.
What struck me the most was how different this network seemed in comparison to its surrounding countries. It felt much more traditional and simple in its approach. Firstly, the MU stock (the local trains mostly) seemed quite old (e.g. with four-leaf semi-manual doors!), with very basic interiors. There were quite a few liveries about! You couldn't use a ticket machine (no cash option) unless you had a local debit card, you had to buy from the office and the tickets were printed on ELGAR stock (like Eurostar tickets!). Although, the fares seemed a little cheaper than the Netherlands or Germany. Some of the stations were a little run down too. Staff were very friendly. Plenty of info given.
Anyone else have any thoughts on SNCB/NMBS, they just seemed so different to the other networks? I'm not knocking the network at all, I just found it quite interesting and peculiar.
What struck me the most was how different this network seemed in comparison to its surrounding countries. It felt much more traditional and simple in its approach. Firstly, the MU stock (the local trains mostly) seemed quite old (e.g. with four-leaf semi-manual doors!), with very basic interiors. There were quite a few liveries about! You couldn't use a ticket machine (no cash option) unless you had a local debit card, you had to buy from the office and the tickets were printed on ELGAR stock (like Eurostar tickets!). Although, the fares seemed a little cheaper than the Netherlands or Germany. Some of the stations were a little run down too. Staff were very friendly. Plenty of info given.
Anyone else have any thoughts on SNCB/NMBS, they just seemed so different to the other networks? I'm not knocking the network at all, I just found it quite interesting and peculiar.
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