# De Lijn

> Flemish public transport company

**Wikidata**: [Q614819](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q614819)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/De_Lijn)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/de-lijn

## Summary
De Lijn is a Flemish public transport company founded in 1990, operating various tram lines, premetro stations, and trolleybus routes across the region. It succeeded the National Company of Light Railways and serves as a key provider of public transportation in cities like Antwerp and Ghent. The company is responsible for managing extensive infrastructure, including the Coast Tram and multiple tram routes in Belgium.

## Key Facts
- Founded on July 31, 1990, as a successor to the National Company of Light Railways.
- Operates public transport services in Belgium, with headquarters in Mechelen.
- Manages multiple tram lines, premetro stations, and trolleybus routes, including the Coast Tram and Antwerp tram line 7.
- Succeeded the National Company of Light Railways, which was active from 1884 to its dissolution.
- Operates infrastructure such as the Zegel premetro station and the Astrid premetro station in Antwerp.
- Provides public transportation services in cities like Antwerp and Ghent.
- Website: http://www.delijn.be/
- Aliases: Flemish Public Transport Company - De Lijn

## FAQs
**What type of organization is De Lijn?**
De Lijn is a Flemish public transport company that operates various tram lines, premetro stations, and trolleybus routes across Belgium. It is classified as a transport company involved in commercial transportation services.

**Where is De Lijn headquartered?**
De Lijn is headquartered in Mechelen, a city in the province of Antwerp, Belgium. The company operates public transport services throughout the region.

**What infrastructure does De Lijn manage?**
De Lijn manages multiple tram lines, premetro stations, and trolleybus routes, including the Coast Tram, Antwerp tram line 7, and the Astrid premetro station in Antwerp.

**Who preceded De Lijn in providing public transport in Belgium?**
De Lijn succeeded the National Company of Light Railways, which was active from 1884 until its dissolution. The National Company of Light Railways was a former Belgian transport company that operated before De Lijn took over.

**What are some notable tram lines operated by De Lijn?**
De Lijn operates notable tram lines such as the Coast Tram, Antwerp tram line 7, tram route 11, and tram route 1 in Antwerp. It also manages premetro stations like the Zegel premetro station and the Astrid premetro station.

## Why It Matters
De Lijn plays a crucial role in providing public transportation in Flanders, Belgium, by operating extensive tram networks, premetro stations, and trolleybus routes. The company ensures efficient and reliable transport services for residents and commuters, contributing to urban mobility and economic activity. By managing key infrastructure such as the Coast Tram and multiple tram lines in Antwerp, De Lijn supports regional connectivity and enhances the quality of life for its users. Its operations are essential for the daily movement of people across the region, making it a vital component of Belgium’s public transport system.

## Notable For
- Operating the Coast Tram, a historic tram line along the Belgian coast since 1885.
- Managing multiple tram lines in Antwerp, including tram line 7, tram route 11, and tram line 12.
- Providing premetro stations such as the Zegel premetro station and the Astrid premetro station in Antwerp.
- Succeeding the National Company of Light Railways, which was active from 1884 until its dissolution.
- Operating trolleybus route 3 and tram route 4 in Antwerp.
- Managing the tram system in Ghent, which has been in operation since 1875.
- Operating the Antwerp tram line 9 (2012) and the Antwerp tram line 10.
- Providing the Plantin premetro station and the Van Eeden premetro station in Antwerp.
- Operating the tram line 8 (2015) and the tram route 5 in Antwerp.
- Managing the Meir premetro station and the Antwerp tram line 3.

## Body
### Overview
De Lijn is a Flemish public transport company founded on July 31, 1990, succeeding the National Company of Light Railways. It operates extensive public transport services across Belgium, including tram lines, premetro stations, and trolleybus routes. The company is headquartered in Mechelen, a city in the province of Antwerp, and manages key infrastructure such as the Coast Tram and multiple tram lines in Antwerp.

### History
De Lijn was established in 1990 as a successor to the National Company of Light Railways, which had been active since 1884. The National Company of Light Railways was a former Belgian transport company that operated before De Lijn took over. De Lijn has since become a key provider of public transportation in Flanders, ensuring efficient and reliable transport services for residents and commuters.

### Operations
De Lijn operates multiple tram lines, premetro stations, and trolleybus routes across Belgium. Notable infrastructure managed by De Lijn includes the Coast Tram, which has been in operation since 1885, and various tram lines in Antwerp such as tram line 7, tram route 11, and tram line 12. The company also manages premetro stations like the Zegel premetro station and the Astrid premetro station in Antwerp.

### Infrastructure
De Lijn manages extensive infrastructure, including the Coast Tram, multiple tram lines in Antwerp, and premetro stations. Key infrastructure operated by De Lijn includes the Zegel premetro station, the Astrid premetro station, and the Opera premetro station in Antwerp. The company also operates trolleybus route 3 and tram route 4 in the region.

### Key People
Johan Sauwens, a Flemish politician born in 1951, is associated with De Lijn. Sauwens has held positions such as politician and member of the Flemish Parliament, contributing to the company’s operations and policies.

### Related Entities
De Lijn is related to public transport, business, and transport companies. It operates in the field of public transportation, providing shared transportation services for the general public. The company is involved in commercial transportation services and is classified as a transport company.

### Preceded/Succeeded By
De Lijn succeeded the National Company of Light Railways, which was active from 1884 until its dissolution. The National Company of Light Railways was a former Belgian transport company that operated before De Lijn took over. De Lijn has since become a key provider of public transportation in Flanders.

### Owned/Operated By
De Lijn operates and manages various tram lines, premetro stations, and trolleybus routes, including the Coast Tram, Antwerp tram line 7, and the Astrid premetro station. The company is responsible for providing public transportation services in cities like Antwerp and Ghent, ensuring efficient and reliable transport for its users.

## References

1. [Crossroad Bank of Enterprises](http://kbopub.economie.fgov.be/kbopub/zoeknummerform.html?nummer=0242.069.537)
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
3. Crossroad Bank of Enterprises
4. Name Suggestion Index
5. [Source](http://data.advn.be/id)