Train passengers who feel unsafe in Belgium can text railway operator from 2023

In Belgium, train passengers who feel unsafe will be able to call in the assistance of railway operator SNCB's permanence centre via a text message from 2023, write De Morgen and Het Laatste Nieuws on Thursday.

To better protect train passengers, SNCB is working on a "silent notification system" for passengers who feel unsafe. They will soon be able to send a text message to the train company's permanent safety centre. A more convenient system than the current one, which requires passengers to call a phone number from the train carriage.

Belgian Federal Minister for Mobility Georges Gilkinet (Ecolo) is also promising additional recruitments at the railways' security service Securail. He wants to recruit 70 additional officers by 2023 to reach a total of 605.

^{© BELGA PHOTO ERIC LALMAND}