Coast Tram

What is now the coast line started out as part of the extensive Belgian Vicinal tramway, a network of interurban trams that once covered the entire nation. The first section of the coast line between Ostend and Nieuwpoort was opened in 1885. This original route was further inland than the modern one and only short parts of the original section in Ostend and Nieuwpoort centres are still in operation. On its creation, the line was managed by the NMVB (Nationale Maatschappij van Buurtspoorwegen), that operated an interurban tram system throughout Belgium. In 1991, the NMVB/SNCV was broken into two regional companies, one Walloon and the other Flemish, with the Flemish successor company, Vlaamse Vervoermaatschappij De Lijn taking responsibility for operation of the coastal tram. ==Route==

The service makes 67 stops Notable features are the sea-view between Ostend and Middelkerke, the tracks through the dunes at De Haan, the fast speed, the two alternative routes that exist around both ends of the Leopoldkanaal locks, and the similar single track diversion around the inland end of the Boudewijnkanaal lock. The maximum speed is officially . This speed is common between the villages. ==Rolling stock==

In 2021–22, 48 new CAF Urbos Zeelijner low-floor trams entered service to replace all the older BN series 6000, the last of which was withdrawn on 23 September 2023. The series 6000 were similar to the Métro Léger de Charleroi LRV fleet and, to a lesser extent, the LRTA 1000 class of the Manila Light Rail Transit System yellow line. They were originally six-axle vehicles with two sections, but later extended with an extra low-floor centre section. During the summers from 2006 to 2022 HermeLijn trams were loaned from Ghent and Antwerp tram networks (also operated by De Lijn) for use on the coast tram line. All trams, except the loaned HermeLijn from Ghent are unidirectional and have to be turned on a loop in order to reverse direction. == Gallery ==

NMVB tram Blankenberge.jpg|Classic tram in 1980s (Blankenberge) Tram station Oostende NMVB 6.jpg|Oostende station in 1982 Tramstation Oostende.JPG|Ostend (old tram station, demolished in 2019) De Haan tramstation.JPG|De Haan station (opened in 1902) Trams in De Haan.JPG|Trams in De Haan station Middelkerke, Belgium - panoramio (3).jpg|BN tram at Middelkerke Kusttram 05-21 cropped.jpg|CAF Urbos tram De Haan - tram rail tracks.jpg|Tracks between De Haan and Wenduine Adinkerke Kusttram stelplaats.JPG|Depot at Adinkerke ==See also==