Dutch-Belgian-German train launches on Sunday

From Sunday, the three-country train will allow passengers to travel between Maastricht, the German city of Aachen, and Liège in Belgium without having to change trains. This will make it easier for residents of the so-called Euregio to take the train to work, school, or other destinations.

The route is known as the Drielandentrein in the Netherlands because it stops in three countries. It is also known as LIMAX in reference to the three main cities where it stops, with the X a short form of "express."

The train was initially scheduled to run on Sunday, June 9, but storms caused damage to the infrastructure on the line between Visé and Eijsden. In addition, the route had to be better protected against possible flooding.

Transport company Arriva is responsible for the route but is working with NS and its Belgian sister company NMBS. "This is not only an important moment for public transport but also a symbol of international cooperation," said Arriva Regional Director Michiel Cussell.

As the international train project is still in the early stages, the three-country train will run once an hour for the time being, reports NOS. The three countries have not yet agreed on ticket sales for the train. This means that several tickets will be required depending on the journey. For example, travelers between Aachen and Maastricht can use a chip card for public transport, but this does not apply to the route between Maastricht and Liège.

In the meantime, Arriva has found a temporary solution to this problem and offers day tickets at a hefty price. However, the transport company has announced that it is working intensively on a solution, according to NOS.