Price rise on Flanders' public transport 'incomprehensible and unacceptable'
The Flemish government's plan to increase fares for public transport company De Lijn by 18 to 19 per cent is facing criticism, with opposition parties calling it unfair and poorly timed.
The rise, which accounts for index increases from previous years, was confirmed by Flemish Mobility minister Annick De Ridder of N-VA during a parliamentary session on Wednesday.
MP Bogdan Vanden Berghe of green party Groen strongly opposed the decision, saying that De Lijn’s service has been deteriorating while ticket prices continue to rise.
“The number of stops is decreasing, the number of drivers is decreasing, the number of buses in good condition is decreasing," he said. "De Lijn's service is dramatic and continues to deteriorate, but this government still has the nerve to increase ticket prices by a fifth. That is incomprehensible and unacceptable.”
The Flemish government has long promised to grant De Lijn tariff autonomy, though it still determines the overall pricing framework. De Ridder said the upcoming fare increase is a result of price freezes in recent years.
“These contours are there, and a decision will be made on Friday if everything goes well,” she said, adding that there may be additional considerations for younger passengers and those receiving benefits.
The proposal received support from socialists Vooruit. “Vooruit is there to protect the index,” fraction leader Kris Verduyckt said. “The fact that it was not calculated in recent years means that people are paying the bill today.”
However, Vlaams Belang MP Sarah T’Joens called for a more gradual implementation. “Why such a drastic price increase in one go?” she asked. “That will not be affordable for many people.”
The final decision on the fare hike is expected on Friday, but there will be significant disruptions on Thursday as unions protest against the federal government’s policies.
De Lijn estimates that only 51 per cent of its buses and trams will operate. Antwerp and Ghent will particularly be affected. Brussels operator STIB warns of “significant disruption” and advises commuters to seek alternatives. Train services will run but are expected to be overcrowded.
#FlandersNewsService | © PHOTO PETER HILZ / ANP
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