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3 January 2005
BRUSSELS – Some 500 Belgian firms have agreed to take part in a new scheme offering free train travel to and from work for their employees.
Belgian Labour Minister Johan Vande Lanotte said on Monday that the companies had signed contracts with state rail operator SNCB in which they agreed to contribute towards their workers travel costs.
The state has said it will make up the difference on season tickets bought using the new scheme, which means free travel for workers covered by the programme.
Many public sector employees already benefit from free train travel in Belgium, but this is the first time the scheme has been taken up in such large numbers by private sector firms.
[Copyright Expatica 2005]
Subject: Belgian news