The Flemish Transport Company De Lijn, on behalf of the cooperating parties in the Maastricht - Hasselt Tram project, announced that the award phase of the tender for both the tram infrastructure and the tram equipment is being started. This is another important step in the realization of a cross-border and sustainable public transport connection between Flanders and the Netherlands. Consortia previously selected through a procedure will be invited to participate in this award phase.

It has been agreed that during this award phase the definitive route through the center of Hasselt - for which the studies are still ongoing - will be introduced.

The award phase has a duration of approximately 18 to 20 months. An initial offer is expected around the turn of the year. Negotiations will take place in 2021. Construction turnaround times are still subject to discussion with the consortia, but the construction phase is expected to last approximately three years.

With the start of the award phase, another important step has been taken to achieve a cross-border and sustainable public transport connection between Flanders and the Netherlands.