Metro, Trams and Trains
The metro system consists of two underground train lines - lines #1 and #2. Line #1 runs west-east through the centre, and splits into two branches (#1A and #1B) at either end to serve the city's suburbs. Line #2 circles the centre. Brussels has a substantial tram system serving the city centre and the suburbs. These trams are at their speediest when they go underground to form what is sometimes called the premetro , part of the system which runs underneath the heart of the city from Bruxelles-Nord, through De Brouckere and Bourse, to Bruxelles-Midi, Porte de Hal and on underneath St Gilles. At the beginning of each journey , you're trusted to stamp your ticket yourself, either in the machines provided on each and every metro station concourse or in the machines located inside every tram and bus. After that, the ticket is valid for an hour, during which you can get on and off as many trams, metros and buses as you like. The system can seem open to abuse, as ticket controls at the metro stations are almost non-existent and you can get on at the back of any tram without ever showing a ticket. But bear in mind that there are roving inspectors who impose heavy on-the-spot fines for anyone caught without a valid ticket. Finally, remember that doors on metros, trams and buses have to be opened manually. STIB route maps are available free from the BI-TC tourist office and from major metro stations. The STIB has information kiosks at Porte de Namur, Rogier and Midi metro stations. Amongst the multitude of routes, times of operation and frequency vary considerably, but key parts of the system operate from 6am until midnight. Lone travellers should avoid the metro late at night. In addition to the STIB network there are local trains , run by Belgian Railways, which connect different parts of the inner city and the outskirts, though unless you're living and working here, you're unlikely to need to use them. These trains use the city's three main stations, as well as four smaller ones - Bruxelles-Chapelle, Bruxelles-Quartier Leopold, Bruxelles-Schuman and Bruxelles-Congres.
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