The number of complaints received last year (2015) by the SNCB, regarding trains which left too early, almost doubled compared to 2012, reaching 345 (the comparative figure was 189 in 2012).
The figure was 229 in 2013 and 243 in 2014.
This emerges from a response given by the Minister for Transport, François Bellot (of the Conservative/Liberal party) to a written question submitted by Veli Yüksel (from the Flemish Christian Democrats).
The Minister explained, “When a train pulls away before the appointed hour, it is often due to the lack of attention of train personnel, or, indeed, to issues relating to watch synchronisation or lack of it. It may also be because actions undertaken as part of the departure procedure do not take place at the right time.”
On the basis of information gleaned from the SNCB, Bellot went further saying, “When a train guard is to blame for the advance departure, specific civil proceedings are anticipated to be put in train.”
The Brussels Times
