49 years ago, Brussels finally discovered the metro

On September 20, 1976, Brussels inaugurated its very first metro line, Line 1, connecting Stockel to Tomberg.

The objective was simple: to reduce congestion in downtown Brussels and offer residents a modern alternative to the overcrowded trams.

Since its opening, the line has continued to evolve. It has gradually been extended to Gare de l’Ouest and now has 21 stations over 12.5 km, establishing itself as one of the major axes of the Brussels network. Carefully designed, the stations on this line reflect the typical urban planning of the Belgian capital: spacious, accessible, and integrated into the city’s landscape.

Although Brussels Line 1 is relatively young, it has quickly proven its importance for the daily lives of residents. Improvement projects are ongoing, particularly to reduce wait times and modernize the infrastructure, confirming that the Brussels metro remains a key player in urban mobility.

For comparison, the first metro line in Paris, Line 1, was inaugurated… much earlier, on July 19, 1900, during the World’s Fair. It then connected Porte Maillot to Porte de Vincennes, with only eight stations. Since then, the Parisian network has significantly expanded and remains one of the most iconic in the world.

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But one must recognize one thing: taking your time has its benefits! Brussels, with its modern and functional Line 1, shows that sometimes it’s better to wait and do things right. So, dear Belgian friends, we tease you a bit, but hats off because as a regular user, we greatly appreciate the punctuality and cleanliness of your metro!

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