No more SNCF classes 67400 and 36000 in Belgium

[gysev]

Since 11 december, all trains operating in Belgium are required to have the TBL1+ security system. As Fret-SNCF did not want to install this in older classes, there are now no more services for classes BB36000 en BB67400 in Belgium. All trains are now hauled by class 186 TRAXX leased from Akiem.

SNCF 36028 with a freight at Bruinbeke, on the Mechelen - Gent line, on 13 april 2013.



SNCF 67494 and an unknown classmate with one of the last trains for this class in Belgium, seen at Ripain on the freight only Tubize - Quenast branch on 29 november 2016.

 

[AlexNL]

Technically speaking, trains that aren't equipped with TBL1+ aren't banned from using the Belgian network as EU regulations do not allow this (in order to promote ETCS). However, Infrabel have started decommissioning the trackside equipment for the MEMOR (Crocodile) system on lines that have been equipped with ETCS and TBL1+. As trains aren't allowed to run in Belgium without any safety system, this means that rolling stock that is only equipped with MEMOR can't be used on these lines anymore (e.g. the Antwerp area).

Nevertheless, it's a shame to no longer see the Astrides in Belgium. I really like their design.

 

[gysev]

Technically speaking, trains that aren't equipped with TBL1+ aren't banned from using the Belgian network as EU regulations do not allow this (in order to promote ETCS).

Yes they are. This was introduced by law on 01.07.2014 to take effect from 01.01.2016. However, since most freight operators were not able to comply by this date, an extension was voted on 23.12.2015 that allowed the use of non-equipped trains until 11.12.2016.

see http://www.ejustice.just.fgov.be/cgi_loi/change_lg.pl?language=fr&la=F&cn=2015121802&table_name=loi