The Flemish public transport company De Lijn cancelled 244,000 journeys last year, according to figures released by Flemish Minister for Mobility Annick De Ridder in response to a question from MP Amina Vandenheuvel.
In 2022, De Lijn cancelled 2.86% of bus journeys, excluding strikes, up from 1.50% in 2020. Over half of the cancellations were due to staff shortages, with technical problems accounting for the rest.
Of the bus journeys that did occur, 72.4% were on time, 20.5% were late, and 7.1% arrived early. The average delay was 10 minutes and 11 seconds.
Trams were slightly more punctual, with 80.4% arriving on time, and an average delay of 8 minutes and 58 seconds.
"Staff shortages and technical issues mean several bus lines no longer operate. The situation is particularly acute in Antwerp, where one in fifteen buses was out of service, a 70% increase from the previous year. How can we encourage public transport use when buses are so frequently absent?," said Vandenheuvel, expressing concern.
The Belgian Workers' Party (PVDA-PTB) is calling for increased investment in staffing and infrastructure and seeks a reversal of the ticket price increase.
