Flemish bus lines will become more accessible for travelers with disabilities

The Flemish Minister of Mobility announced an investment of 3 million euros intended for passengers with disabilities.

Although almost 90% of the bus lines operated by the Flemish public transport authority De Lijn are accessible to people with disabilities, only a quarter of the stops are – a situation Flemish mobility minister Ben Weyts has admitted is “absurd”. Accessible vehicles or stops can be used by a person with disabilities without any need for assistance.

“Following a successful trial project, 70 lines will be transformed into ‘more mobile lines’ with accessible stops and vehicles,” Weyts told the Dutch-language newspaper Het Laatste Nieuws.

A “more mobile” bus line is one that uses only fully accessible, low-floor vehicles, with half of the stops on that line accessible. Passengers with disabilities also aren’t required to reserve a ride 24 hours in advance – as is the case for all the other lines – since they don’t require assistance to get on or off the buses.

According to a poll carried out as part of the mobility ministry’s trial project, 80% of people with disabilities would use public transport services more frequently if they were made more accessible.


The author: Margareta STROOT

Margareta Stroot, a multi-talented individual, calls Brussels her home. With a unique blend of careers, she balances her time as a part-time journalist and a part-time real estate agent. Margareta's deep-rooted knowledge of the city of Brussels, where she resides, has proven invaluable in both of her roles. Her journalism captures the essence of the city, while her real estate expertise helps others find their perfect homes in the vibrant Belgian capital.

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