While the Federation of Belgian Bus and Coach Entrepreneurs (FBAA) is enthusiastic about the agreement that coach companies have reached to be able to drive at full capacity in Belgium, in the Netherlands it remains a headache for the trade association KNV Bus transport Netherlands, much to the annoyance of many entrepreneurs. .
Obviously a lot of rules apply to comply with the safety of travelers, but companies, the unions and the government are confident that the protocol will be complied with. Despite European regulations, there are major differences in national policy. While strict rules are applied in the Netherlands, Belgian entrepreneurs can drive with full buses. Bus trips abroad are now also allowed again, but of course the regulations of the country in which you are traveling apply.
In the Netherlands, coach companies will campaign in The Hague on Wednesday 17 June for a support package of 240 million euros. The industry thinks it is unfair that aviation can fly full aircraft without protocol restrictions while other rules apply to the coach companies. The coach sector did come up with a protocol, but that was rejected by the government on the advice of the RIVM.
safety processes
Flying is possible according to research. Ministers Van Nieuwenhuizen (Infrastructure and Water Management) and De Jonge (Public Health, Welfare and Sport) have the House of Representatives on this Friday informed. In the Netherlands, hygiene rules apply and we keep a distance of 1,5 meters. These rules also apply at airports. However, the aviation sector is characterized by very intensive (internationally regulated) safety processes, which is why the standard of 1,5 meters cannot be guaranteed everywhere and at all times at the airport.
That is why additional rules apply. Passengers are only welcome at the airport if they have no complaints and have also completed a health certificate. In addition, passengers in the queues must wear a face mask when checking in and during security checks. Passengers must also wear a mouth mask during boarding and flight. In line with the RIVM advice, these are non-medical face masks. In the Netherlands, medical masks remain the preserve of healthcare.
The question now is where the difference is with the protocol within the coach sector. Passengers are only welcome on the bus if they have no complaints and have also completed a health certificate. In addition, passengers in the queues must wear a face mask at check-in. Passengers in the coach sector also wear a mask during boarding and during the journey. In line with the RIVM advice, this also concerns non-medical masks.
