SNCB, the national rail operator in Belgium, has reported a ‘significant’ increase in turnover for the 2023 financial year, with a 260 per cent year-on-year rise in operating profit to €142.2 million.
The rail operator said the return of both domestic and international traffic contributed to the revenue upswing, even if the gradual return of travellers was “less significant than expected”.
SNCB previously reported a 7 per cent year-on-year increase in passenger journeys between 2022 and 2023.
Additional factors included energy saving and cost control measures as the operator said improved state compensation helped to ease the impact of inflated energy prices. In 2023, energy consumption across SNCB decreased by 2 per cent compared to 2022, according to the company.
SNCB said the ‘improved’ financial result will free up resources for further customer service improvements. The company has already invested close to €500 million in renewing and upgrading its fleet with new M7 double-decker trains and, earlier this year, launched its first fully accessible train car for travellers with limited mobility.
Ongoing investments will be made to improve station infrastructure as well as digital offerings. SNCB is looking to increase the number of fully accessible train stations across Belgium and last year launched its SNCB Assist app, which allows travellers with limited mobility to request assistance “more easily”.
In 2023, the company recruited 1,600 new employees, largely for operational functions.