Isabelle Pauthier, Brussels MP for Ecolo, clarified that Ecolo is not advocating for the abandonment of the Métro Nord project, as it is part of the majority agreement. However, she emphasized that the financing should be finalized before any irreversible decisions are taken, especially before awarding contracts and permits that should not be granted before 2024. She suggested considering alternatives to the new metro line, such as the development and reorganization of the tram network, which a platform of around twenty associations and local residents’ committees proposed. Isabelle Pauthier requested that they be heard in the mobility committee of the parliament to obtain answers. Nonetheless, Ecolo is isolated in this matter, as their two majority partners plead to conclude the North Metro. Ridouane Chahid, leader of the PS group in the Brussels parliament, stated his trust in the experts from Brussels-Mobility and Stib, who decided to propose the metro option instead of the tram. Emmanuel De Bock, head of the Challenge group, concurred and stated that the tram is saturated and the metro is the transport of the future. Nevertheless, he blamed the experts and consultancies for the present technical and financial difficulties, not the politicians.
“Écolo is not asking for the Métro Nord project to be abandoned. It is part of the majority agreement“, poses Isabelle Pauthier, Brussels MP Ecolo, a party historically opposed to the northern metro, but entered in 2018 in a majority favorable to the project.What we are saying, on the other hand, is that the financing must be finalized before any irreversible decision, before awarding the works in particular.“Isabelle Pauthier is referring here to permits and contracts that should not be awarded before 2024, which leaves some time for reflection.
What, for example, of the development and reorganization of the tram network as an alternative to this new metro line? This is suggested by a platform of around twenty associations and local residents’ committees. “I asked that these people be heard in the mobility committee of the parliament and that we have answers in relation to the alternative that is on the table“, slips the green MP.
But Écolo is isolated in this case. Without denying the financial problem, his two majority partners plead to finalize the North Metro. “I trust the experts from Brussels-Mobility and Stib, who at some point put the metro option on the table, and not that of the tram“, slice Ridouane Chahid, leader of the PS group in the Brussels parliament.
“The tram is saturated. The metro is the mobility of the future“, continues Emmanuel De Bock, head of the Challenge group, who points as responsible for the current technical and financial difficulties”experts and consultancies, not politicians.“
In conclusion, the future of the Métro Nord project remains uncertain as Écolo, a historically skeptical party, calls for the completion of financing before any irreversible decisions are made. Meanwhile, a platform of associations and local residents’ committees suggests looking into the development and reorganization of the tram network as an alternative option. Despite the financial difficulties, majority partners remain committed to the Métro Nord project as experts from Brussels-Mobility and Stib advocate for the mobility of the future. Only time will tell which solution will be chosen for Brussels’ transportation system.