From 1 December, Belgian cross-border commuters will benefit from free parking at Belgian train stations and get cheaper train fares to Luxembourg. Maison Moderne

From 1 December, Belgian cross-border commuters will benefit from free parking at Belgian train stations and get cheaper train fares to Luxembourg. Maison Moderne

François Bausch, the grand duchy’s minister for sustainable development, and the Belgian federal minister for mobility, François Bellot, agreed on these improvements to get more Belgian cross-border workers using the train rather than their cars.

The Luxembourg side will cover the costs for the cheaper fares, at a yearly cost of €300,000. This means fares will be reduced by €13.50 on monthly passes and €135 on yearly passes.

To make train service between Arlon and Luxembourg more attractive, the Belgian side will make car parks free at the following stations: Arlon, Aubange, Bertrix, Florenville, Forrière, Gouvy, Grupont, Habay, Halanzy, Jemelle, Libramont, Marbehan, Messancy, Neufchâteau, Poix-Saint-Hubert, Stockem, Trois-Ponts, Vielsalm, Virton, Viville and the Zone Marche (Marloie, Marche-en-Famenne, Aye).

These changes will be effective from 1 December.

Bausch, of Déi Gréng (the Green party), called it a “balanced deal”.