The Flemish transport company, De Lijn, is trialling QR codes at 126 bus stops on route 91, which connects Hamme and Lebbeke in East Flanders, allowing passengers to access timetables digitally instead of using paper versions, reports Het Nieuwsblad.
De Lijn highlighted the challenge of maintaining accurate paper timetables at all 27,000 bus stops across Flanders due to frequent service changes. A spokesperson stated that during the trial, a phone number was also displayed at the stops, offering passengers the option to connect with a voice bot or a customer service representative.
De Lijn assured that no decision has been made to extend this QR code initiative to all of Flanders. The trial results are currently under evaluation.
Concerns have been raised by the passengers’ organisation TreinTramBus. In a letter, they urged De Lijn to reconsider the plan, emphasising that providing clear information is a core responsibility. Spokesperson Stefan Stynen warned that not all passengers are comfortable using smartphones, and technical issues such as dead batteries or lack of mobile data could hinder access to the information.
