2theloo & the Belgian Railways announce cooperation.
NMBS and 2theloo, an expert in operating public toilets, are joining forces to improve sanitary facilities in 14 major stations. In the coming period, the existing sanitary facilities there will be gradually renovated according to a new toilet concept. The cooperation is an important step to further improve the service to travellers.
SNCB wants to offer its customers a pleasant station experience and is constantly investing in this. To give concrete form to this vision, the 2theloo concept was chosen after a European call for tenders to operate the sanitary facilities for the next eight years.
The operation of the sanitary facilities in the stations Antwerp-Central, Mons, Bruges, Brussels-Central, Brussels-North, Brussels-South, Charleroi-Central, Ghent-Sint-Pieters, Kortrijk, Leuven, Liège-Guillemins, Mechelen, Namur and Ottignies will henceforth be entrusted to 2theloo, which has the experience and expertise in this field.
Chris MeijersCEO 2theloo“This partnership is an excellent opportunity to strengthen our presence in Belgium and continue our mission to provide clean, modern and pleasant toilets in high-traffic areas such as train stations and vibrant city neighbourhoods. We look forward to the start of this new partnership with Belgian Railways.”
In the coming months, sanitary facilities will be gradually remodelled, with partial or complete renovations. Night toilets will also be installed. All facilities will be accessible to persons with reduced mobility.
Patrice CouchardDirector General Stations SNCB“Thanks to this new partnership, SNCB can offer its passengers a quality service and guarantee hygienic and modern sanitary facilities.”
A practical and professional service for travellers
The new toilet concept includes extended opening hours, an intercom available 24/7, staff that can be flexibly deployed based on how busy the station is (such as during events), thorough cleaning and numerous amenities for a practical and comfortable service.
Entry will be free for children smaller than 1.20 metres. Other travellers will pay 1 euro and receive a discount voucher that they can use at various shops in the station.
100% CO2 neutral
The new concept uses up to 50% less energy and water, 35% less paper and 60% less soap than today. The service provider is also taking measures to offset CO2 emissions. As a result, sanitary facilities in these 14 stations will be completely CO2 neutral.
For instance, water dosing and recycling systems will be used. When available, rainwater will also be used. Dispensing systems will help reduce consumption, and soap and cleaning products will be environmentally friendly. Finally, maintenance-friendliness has also been considered in the design.
Special attention to families and people with reduced mobility
Disabled persons and families will be able to count on extra service and attention.
The various toilets will have a separate area with a children's toilet, a microwave oven, an ergonomic chair for breast or bottle feeding and a changing table for changing babies.
The sanitary facilities will also be adapted for people with reduced mobility, with adapted toilets, more space, a sliding door, washbasins at the right height and an alarm button to call for help. Contrasting colours will be used for the furnishings and guide lines will be installed for the visually impaired and blind.