The first BRT in Mons to be put into service in 2026 - The 1st TracToZero project

The objective of the project carried out by Tractebel between 2014 and 2016 was not only to improve mobility, but also to bring a new quality of life, a change of mentality, and a positive perception of this axis which constitutes one of the entrances of the life basin. To achieve this, public transport and active modes of transport have been favoured, without banishing the car.

The proposal includes the implementation of a rapid bus inspired by the BRT (Bus Rapid Transit), encouraging a modal shift and a detour of transit traffic to more suitable roads. The upgrading also involves redefining real hubs around the public transport stops, denser according to needs, and equipped with comfortable and efficient pedestrian paths. A functional bicycle network has also been developed.

The BRT study focuses on the development of the operating scheme, the frequency and the infrastructure to be put in place for the good circulation of buses in the city center as well as in rural areas. A study of potential passengers was carried out to establish the frequency and the number of lines to be created. Particular attention was paid to the bus route to the Mons train station.

During a first approach, Tractebel also studied the energy transition of the buses by proposing in the mobility and exploitation strategy electric buses but also running on hydrogen. This is the first project in which the TracToZero approach has been used.

The TracToZero approach consists in defining a mobility strategy based on the mobility demand in order to propose a modal shift towards public transport and active modes as well as to propose sustainable and ecological solutions in terms of rolling stock. This way, the strategy of the N51 axis is evolving from an "urban freeway" to a "roadway with priority for public transport and active modes". Tractebel has also proposed the first steps towards an electric bus and other fuel without CO2 emissions.

The BRT will be put in service in 2026 with two lines on a section of more than 10km on the N51 axis between St Ghislain and Mons and between Bossu and Mons. Specific rolling stock, ecological buses with zero emissions, will run on these two lines.

An excellent collaboration with the TEC, the SRWT, the SPW, IDEA and all the municipalities involved has been the key to the success of this project.

Curious about the whole project or the TracToZero approach? Get in touch with Gauthier Blieck (gauthier.blieck@tractebel.engie.com).