The problems with the train began immediately when the train came into service last December, with regular breakdowns, delays and cancellations. On top of mechanical problems, passengers complained the service was less frequent than the old Benelux train, reduced flexibility by requiring a reservation and cost too much.

Rail authorities removed Fyra from service for testing in January and gave the manufacturer three months to sort out the problems. In the meantime, independent British and French inspectors went over the safety aspects of the trains. Using a point-based system, 10 points is usually sufficient to see a train removed from service for repairs. One Fyra train received more than 1,000 points and another more than 2,000.

Replacement

Fyra will be replaced, but not immediately. Starting in September, the number of Benelux trains between Brussels and The Hague will increase from eight to 10, going up to 12 in December. The number of Thalys trains between Brussels and Amsterdam, meanwhile, will also increase in December.

The NMBS will make good its bank guarantees for the €35 million in advances paid for the trains ordered, leaving the banks to claim deposits back from AnsaldoBreda. The three trains ordered cost €20 million each. The NMBS will also file claims for “several million euros” in damages, CEO Marc Descheemaecker said, describing the purchase as “an error in judgement”.

The rail users’ organisation TreinTramBus said the decision to resort to a combination of regular and Thalys services was “a major step forward”. Jean-Pascal Labille, federal minister for government enterprises, including the NMBS, said the decision to cut the ties was “logical and urgently needed”.