Commuter-protection organisation TreinTramBus has expressed deep disappointment with modifications to the bus services offered by De Lijn.
On Monday, De Lijn implemented changes to its bus services, renumbering many routes and altering schedules significantly. Additionally, TreinTramBus reports that the company has cancelled one in 40 journeys due to a shortage of roadworthy buses, maintenance technicians and drivers.
TreinTramBus claims the changes are arbitrary and that passengers were not adequately informed. “Old signs remain at most stops, and the new schedules effective today are missing,” said Peter Meukens of TreinTramBus.
The organisation also criticised the malfunctioning of De Lijn’s app, which is supposed to provide real-time information on schedules, particularly as the company’s new campaign highlights the app with the slogan ‘Check the app before you hop on.’
TreinTramBus also finds that the campaign lacks inclusivity. “Many bus users do not have a smartphone or mobile Internet,” Meukens explained. “This includes young students, seniors, people with disabilities or those who cannot afford such technology.”
“These are all legitimate passengers entitled to clear and accurate information,” Meukens stressed.
The organisation had yet another criticism, this time regarding the way in which routes were cancelled. For instance, a service in Oostende was cut, disrupting connections with train schedules, and in Stevoort, De Lijn scrapped a bus service at 3.30 pm, which is when most schools finish for the day.
“This is unacceptable,” Meukens said.
