In the first months of 2020, they learned at De Lijn that central management, as a result of the major reorganization that De Lijn carried out in 2018-2019, was essential in order to efficiently tackle the Corona crisis at De Lijn. De Lijn was able to switch quickly at the start of the crisis and continued to operate throughout the entire period. Also during the gradual restart from the beginning of May, action could be taken quickly to provide oral masks to all employees in a timely manner and to provide shielding films in more than 4000 vehicles. The De Lijn drivers supported this approach and the travelers sent many expressions of appreciation for taking up the social role in this special time. De Lijn expressly wishes to thank all employees for their unremitting efforts during this difficult period.
Accelerated hiring, a significant decrease in the number of journeys not made, better travel information and real-time traveler information. This is the good report that De Lijn has been able to present since the beginning of 2020, despite the Corona crisis. An improvement in all areas after the difficult 2019 in which De Lijn processed a major internal reorganization from decentralized to centralized management. This new structure and the strengthened management team enabled rapid and uniform switching in Corona times, resulting in smooth and safe traffic for employees and travelers.
Marc Descheemaecker, chairman of the board of directors:
“Of course, all problems have not yet been resolved and there is still work to be done. The Corona virus has not yet disappeared and will continue to demand our attention. We must also continue to focus on recruiting (technical) personnel, an acceleration is needed in replacing our obsolete vehicle fleet and the railway infrastructure urgently needs a refresh. 2019 was a particularly difficult year for De Lijn, but I am pleased to see that the turnaround has started and the hard work of everyone in our organization is paying off. ”
tripling recruitments
During the second half of 2019, massive efforts were made to recruit new drivers, resulting in a record 624 new drivers who started at De Lijn in 2019. This in turn immediately had a positive impact on the number of non-driven journeys that started to decline at the end of 2019.
In view of the aging of our workforce, a considerable effort is also required in 2020 in terms of recruiting drivers and technicians. The year got off to a good start and we continued to recruit during the lockdown thanks to a digital application procedure. In the coming months, recruiting new employees, both drivers and technicians, will remain an absolute priority.
non-driven journeys decreased by 30%
The number of rides not driven, a major pain point in 2019, has been steadily declining since the end of last year. The first months of 2020 also saw a further decline. In March, we recorded a new peak, due to the high number of sick colleagues at the start of the lockdown. After that, the situation stabilized again and all lights are now green to return to a normal level of unridden journeys by the end of 2020.
travel information in real time and reliable
We have also shifted up a gear in recent months in terms of real-time information. Both the availability of real-time information about all journeys and the reliability of this information have increased significantly in recent months. In addition, all station signs have now been connected to the system and many new signs have been added to the site to show this information. Reliable real-time information plays an important role in the travel experience of customers. De Lijn will therefore continue to take steps to achieve the objective of available real-time information for 95% of all journeys and 90% reliability by the end of the year.
For the second half of the year, De Lijn will continue to focus on recruiting drivers and technicians, bringing new vehicles into operation, preparing the electrification of the vehicle fleet, the full roll-out of contactless payments, further improving real-time information. and addressing the consequences of the Corona crisis.
Roger Kesteloot, director general De Lijn:
“The day after tomorrow, De Lijn must be able to continue to fulfill its social role. A position that - certainly in times of crisis - proved its necessity. In the last months of my mandate, I am fully committed to preparing this organization for the future, together with all staff members and a reinforced management team. ”
Photo (above): De Lijn
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