Belgium Underground, Pre-Metro and Metro 1957-2017

After the Second World War the tramway subway became a favoured mode amongst advocates of tramway development, and the early example at Midi station in Brussels paved the way for many later installations. Later came the concept of the pre-metro, underground railways initially operated by conventional trams but capable of eventual conversion to heavy Metro. This process was pioneered in Belgium, and in theory in West Germany, although only in Brussels has the full evolution been followed through. Drawing on their own experience, and on contemporary documents and accounts, the authors explore in detail, with many new illustrations and maps, the emergence of the pre-metro in three Belgian cities and of a Metro in Brussels. This is set against the background of widespread political and structural change in Belgium. 60 years after the first tram subways opened further conversions are now planned in Brussels, but in Antwerpen the original tram-operated concept still prevails, and is at present being expanded.