Ghent (Eurotoday): De Lijn has canceled the Christmas trams this year because of safety issues after a fire in May 2024 that caused injuries. Many people are disappointed, but safety is the priority. Kris Zontrop from Erfgoed Tram-Bus is helping to check and update the old trams before they can run again.
De Lijn, the public transport company in Flanders, has said that the nostalgic Christmas trams will not run this year because of safety issues. These vintage trams are usually used for special occasions, but a fire during a parade in May 2024 raised concerns about their safety. The fire caused an injury and has made people worry about the reliability of these old trams.
Why did De Lijn suspend historic tram tours in Ghent following safety concerns?
De Lijn has decided to stop all tours with the historic trams until further notice after the fire incident. Many people are disappointed because they look forward to these festive rides during the holidays, but the company said that the safety of passengers and staff is their top priority. The historic trams will remain out of service until they can ensure safety, avoiding risks with these cherished but old vehicles.
De Lijn found a problem with the old trams after a report last summer. Kris Zontrop from Erfgoed Tram-Bus said the tram that caught fire in Ghent hadn’t been used for years and wasn’t updated for new lines. Now De Lijn is checking everything again, so they won’t be ready by the end of the year as planned. They want to ensure the historic trams are safe and in good shape. They will decide which trams can run and how often, treating newer and older trams differently, and they are also changing how tram drivers are trained.
Comments
Last News
PS Party MEPs Call on R. Fico to Cancel Moscow Visit
In an open letter, six Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) from the opposition group Progressive Slovakia (PS) have called on Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD) to withdraw from attending the celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Moscow. They referenced a statement from the E
IRF Roundtable Applauds Congressman Mark Walker’s Appointment as Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom
The IRF Roundtable, a diverse and non-partisan coalition of advocates committed to defending
Expert Calls for Overhaul of UK Defence Strategy
The United Kingdom’s global defence role must be fundamentally rethought, according to a leading UK-based defence expert.
“The UK no longer possesses the financial resources or the political and diplomatic influence it once wielded,”
said Professor Paul Cornish in response to the country’s recently announced Strategic Defence Review (SDR).
Prof. Cornish is a defence and strategy specialist at
Coupes dans l’aide au développement, droits de douane… les alliés des États-Unis au Moyen-Orient confrontés au “pire scénario”
Title: Aid Cuts and Tariff Threats Leave U.S. Allies in the Middle East Facing a Worst-Case Scenario
As the United States and Europe weigh reductions in foreign aid and increased trade barriers, their all
Trump Confident of Reaching an Agreement with the EU
However, Meloni, who leads the ultraconservative coalition in
Decisions on Monetary Policy
17 April 2025
The European Central Bank (ECB) Governing Council has announced a reduction of 25 basis points across its three key interest rates, aiming to support price stability and economic resilience. This decision follows a comprehensive assessment of inflation trends, underlying price pressures, and the efficiency of mone
Defence Takes Center Stage for EU and MEPs
Members of the European Parliament are set to vote next week on the report for the European Defence Industry Programme (EDIP).
The EDIP aims to strengthen the integration of the European defence industry and serve as a foundational pillar for building a common European defence capability.
With the war in Ukraine still raging and concerns over the future scale of U.S. support for Europe’s securit
France Urges Ukraine Ceasefire to Reflect Reality Following U.S. Talks
Although he did not name the regions explicitly, the areas in question are likely Crimea — which Russia illegally annexed in 2014 — along with Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zapori
“EU Integration: A Major Responsibility – Insights from EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos”
EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos addressed reporters from various member agencies of the European Newsroom (ENR) about significant milestones and challenges facing countries seeking to join the European Union, particularly in the context of escalating geopolitical tensions.
The Commissio
Increase in Attacks on Civilians in South Sudan
A new report by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) reveals a disturbing surge in violence against civilians last year, including a sharp rise in conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV). The findings are based on firsthand accounts from victims and witnesses, as well as insights gathered during field missions and fr
Leave a Reply