Incidents on De Lijn buses in Flemish Brabant fall by nearly 20 per cent
The number of incidents on De Lijn buses in Flemish Brabant fell in 2025, according to the annual evaluation of a cooperation agreement between De Lijn, local police zones, the Public Prosecutor’s Office, the Flemish Brabant Police Academy and the province.
A total of 1,244 incidents were recorded last year, down from 1,545 in 2024.
According to the partners involved, the joint approach introduced in 2024 through a provincial declaration of commitment is producing results. The strategy focuses on integrated, data-driven cooperation, with particular attention to prevention, awareness-raising and conflict de-escalation.
Most reports concerned verbal aggression and nuisance, while cases of physical violence remained limited, the evaluation found. Drivers and ticket inspectors nevertheless continue to face the highest risks. Their protection therefore, remains a priority, including through a visible security presence and consistent follow-up of incidents.
“These results demonstrate that cooperation works. By sharing information and working together in a targeted manner, we are making public transport safer step by step,” said Flemish Brabant governor Jan Spooren.
Aggression remains an issue
At the same time, De Lijn stressed that aggression towards staff remains a persistent problem.
“Verbal and physical aggression towards our drivers and line inspectors remains a problem that occurs too frequently and that we must tackle together,” said Ilse Depaepe, coordinator of social safety at De Lijn.
The figures were released a day after a violent incident on the coastal tram in De Haan, where five De Lijn employees and two police officers were injured during a fare evasion check near the Vosseslag stop on Sunday evening. According to the public prosecutor’s office, a scuffle broke out after three suspects fled and then returned while a fourth person was being detained, with De Lijn inspectors and the tram driver reportedly being punched and kicked during the altercation.
#FlandersNewsService | © PHOTO BELPRESS
Related news
