Trainbow Belgium welcomes the decision by Belgian railway operator NMBS / SNCB to remove the mandatory gender field when purchasing train tickets online or creating an account. Customers will no longer be required to select ‘M’ or ‘F’ to use digital sales channels.
Also, since several months, ticket controllers don’t have to assign a gender marker when drawing up a deferral of payment.
While this may seem like a small change, it makes a significant difference for many people, ensuring no one feels uncomfortable, excluded, or miscategorised when booking a train journey. NMBS / SNCB’s decision represents an important step towards more inclusive service for all travellers.
Trainbow Belgium is pleased that concerns raised by the organisation, Çavaria, and various other groups and stakeholders over the past years have been heard.
The result is a simpler, more respectful, and more accessible system for everyone.
Inclusion is not only about campaigns or symbols, but also about small, daily interactions. This change demonstrates that positive progress is possible when people continue to work together and engage in constructive dialogue.
NMBS / SNCB & Infrabel related news
- NMBS / SNCB presents new rainbow-clad Siemens Desiro for Pride and IDAHOT.
- Antwerp-Linkeroever Railway Station reopens as temporary hub during premetro tunnel works.
- PHOTOS | Presenting Antwerp-Linkeroever Railway Station anno 2026.
- NMBS / SNCB introduces boarding zones on platforms to further improve passenger experience.
- BELGIUM | Infrabel to upgrade Antwerp-Berchem and add second track between Mol and Neerpelt, amongst other economy-boosting projects.
- Antwerp-Linkeroever Railway Station (re)opens on Saturday 2 May.
- BELGIUM | Infrabel launches Brussels pilot to curb dangerous track trespassing.
- BELGIUM | Train operator NMBS / SNCB to end on-board ticket sales from 1 July 2026.
- BELGIUM | Access gates to be introduced in major railway stations, reversing earlier opposition.
- Rise of international trains puts pressure on the Belgian rail network: domestic services must not disappear.
- ANTWERP | Renovation of Linkeroever station to begin during spring half-term, rail services temporarily disrupted.
- Belgian Mobility Minister wants to revive direct train service to Switzerland.
- NMBS / SNCB & CAF for MR30 / AM30 electric multiple units signed.
- 2026 | Bpost marks 100 years of NMBS / SNCB with a stamp.
- Reorganising train travel in Belgium by 2050: going for the Swiss or the Dutch model?.
- BELGIUM | More than 9.5 million travellers took the train the summer of 2025.
- Hamont – Weert on foot, because the train connection still isn’t there.
- REVIEW | ‘Belgian Railways Under Occupation: Between Collaboration and Resistance’ at Train World in Brussels.
- NMBS / SNCB to apologize for involvement in WWII deportation transports.
- Antwerp-Berchem Railway Station up for major revamp.
- PHOTOS | AM66 ‘Klassiekje’ / ‘Classique’ Farewell Ride at Antwerp-Central Railway Station.
- Farewell to Mortsel-Deurnesteenweg.
