“SNCB is asking the State for confirmation, soonest, of its public service mission through a direct attribution for a period of 10 years on the entire Belgian network,” the utility stated in its memorandum. “That would mean that the company would be the only one to receive subsidies during this period for the domestic transport of passengers.”
It also wants its missions to be updated and the funding it would receive over the ten-year period to be laid out, along with a multiannual investment plan for the same period.
In exchange, the SNCB promises to evolve “into a modern digital, operationally and financially performing company at the service of all its customers,” according to the memo, addressed to all “stakeholders” of the railway utility.
These include the authorities, political parties and travellers’ organisations.
Maria Novak
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