Antwerp (Eurotoday) – De Lijn and Antwerp police carried out a joint operation in Merksem, inspecting 1,126 passengers and issuing 275 fines of €107 each to those who did not have a valid fare.
The Flemish public transportation company De Lijn is currently facing network challenges, causing both safety and operational difficulties. During a coordinated effort in Merksem, Antwerp, 275 passengers were fined for fare evasion. Additionally, De Lijn has filed a complaint against a tram surfer in Kiel, Antwerp, who poses significant safety risks. The company is also making adjustments to visitor services while addressing complaints and tackling driver shortages.
It remains unclear when exactly the tram surfing incident took place, but De Lijn has strongly condemned the act.
**”We are still trying to find out the details, but in any case, we are filing a complaint against unknown persons,”**
stated Frederik Wittock of De Lijn.
The transport company, in cooperation with the police, is investigating whether further information about the individual can be obtained.
**”Travelling on a tram in this way involves a lot of dangers,”**
Wittock added.
**”It is not only dangerous for the person in question, but also for the tram driver and passengers if the driver has to make a sudden manoeuvre. Passengers could panic, and the driver could also become distracted.”**
Moreover, De Lijn warned that such incidents pose dangers to cyclists and motorists as well.
**”Their attention is distracted from normal traffic. This is dangerous for everyone and absolutely reprehensible behavior. Unfortunately, this is not the first time, but we want to put a stop to this as much as possible.”**
De Lijn’s Services and Challenges
De Lijn manages Antwerp’s transportation system, operating an extensive network of bus, tram, and pre-metro lines connecting the city and its surrounding areas. Public transport users who commute regularly are encouraged to purchase a Lijnkaart multi-ride pass, which offers cost savings. Tickets can be bought at stations, supermarkets, or online for one-hour single journeys, allowing seamless transfers between transport modes.
However, the extensive De Lijn network has been the subject of substantial complaints regarding service quality. Between January and November 2024, De Lijn received 14,121 complaints, compared to 5,744 in 2023. Under basic accessibility regulations, the company is required to enhance approximately 10% of its network by making adjustments that prioritize commonly used routes with train station connections.
In Leuven, these modifications encompass nearly 40% of the bus network, involving new route developments, adjustments to existing routes, frequency changes, and the introduction of new line numbers.
Eurotoday is a daily online newspaper based in Belgium. It provides independent coverage of international and European affairs, analyzing policies and politics of the EU, significant developments in Member States, and major global events from a European perspective.
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