TEC to End 12-Euro Annual Pass in Wallonia
Public transportation in Wallonia is set for a major fare change next year, with TEC ending several free and heavily discounted annual passes.
Starting February 1, 2027, some passengers who currently pay just 12 euro per year for an annual Express pass will have to pay significantly more.
The change follows a decree adopted by the Walloon Parliament on September 2, 2026. TEC says the new pricing system will help provide the network with more funding while supporting future improvements and modernization.
The 12-Euro TEC Pass Is Ending
Until February 1, people aged 18 to 24, passengers aged 65 and older, and people with BIM status can currently get an annual Express pass for just 12 euro.
The pass provides access to the entire TEC network, including Express lines. That 12-euro annual price will disappear under the new system.
From February 1, 2027, the annual Express prices will be:
- Ages 12 to 25: 384 euro.
- Ages 26 and older: 890 euro.
- Ages 65 and older: 120 euro.
- BIM beneficiaries: 60 euro.
The new prices were confirmed by TEC and reported by Belgian French-language media.
Young People Will Have One Age Category
TEC is also changing its youth categories. The current 12-17 and 18-24 age groups will be replaced by one category covering ages 12 through 25.
This means young adults will remain eligible for the youth rate for an additional year.
The new annual Express pass for this group will cost 384 euro, while a monthly payment option will also be available.
Classic Passes Will Be Cheaper
Passengers who do not need Express services will have another option. The annual Classic pass will cover the TEC network but exclude Express lines.
From February 2027, the annual Classic prices will be:
- Ages 12 to 25: 180 euro.
- Ages 26 and older: 525 euro.
Large families will continue to receive discounts. Their annual Classic rates will be 144 euro for ages 12 to 25 and 420 euro for passengers aged 26 and older.
For large families using the Express network, the annual rates will be 307.20 euro for ages 12 to 25 and 712 euro for those aged 26 and older.
Some Free Travel Will Remain
Not every passenger will face higher costs. Children under 6 will continue to travel free across the entire TEC network without needing a ticket. Children aged 6 to 11 will continue to receive free access to the Express network.
TEC also says that BIM beneficiaries will continue to receive a discounted annual pass, while large families will keep their reduced fares.
Bus Tickets Will Not Change
The fare changes mainly affect annual and certain discounted subscriptions. TEC confirmed that prices for individual tickets, multi-trip tickets and day tickets will remain unchanged. Monthly subscription options will also be available under the new system.
Why Is TEC Changing Its Prices?
TEC says it needs additional revenue to maintain and improve its public transportation network.
Under its revised public service contract with Wallonia, TEC is expected to increase the share of its expenses covered by passenger revenue from 10% to 14% starting in 2027.
The operator says higher fares are only one part of the plan. TEC also wants to control costs, fight fare evasion and increase the number of people using public transportation.
TEC also says a 2024 evaluation found no significant link between lower fares and increased use of the network. As a result, it decided to end some of the previous near-free travel programs while keeping targeted social discounts.
What Travelers in Wallonia Need to Know
The new TEC fare system will take effect on February 1, 2027.
For many passengers, the biggest change will be the end of the 12-euro annual Express pass.
Young passengers will move into a new 12-25 category, while seniors and BIM beneficiaries will continue to receive reduced rates.
At the same time, children under 6 will continue to travel free, children aged 6 to 11 will keep free Express access, and the prices of individual, multi-trip and daily tickets will remain unchanged.
