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”.