De Lijn sees a general decline in the number of dial-a-bus users in West Flanders. In the Westhoek, people often rely on a dial-a-bus, but reserved dial-a-bus rides are increasingly being cancelled. This has emerged from a study by two Flemish MPs. 

Both Flemish MPs Martine Fournier and Loes Vandromme (CD&V) are more often involved in political activities together. According to the research, these cancellations are often related to diversions, often used to make repairs or maintenance on roads or bridges possible, equipment failure of the bus, but also often due to staff shortages because dial-a-bus drivers have to step in for drivers on a fixed line who are sick .

taxi

The Westhoek transport region received funds from the Flemish government to experiment with taxi rides in the dial-a-bus area of ​​Veurne. Originally, the funds were foreseen for one year, but last summer the project was provisionally extended until the end of December 2023. Taxis appear to be a worthy alternative in a dial-a-bus area.

“We hope that the minister will continue to finance this mode of transport, even after the project has ended, and that she will keep these results in mind when tailor-made transport takes shape for the entire province,” conclude MPs Vandromme and Fournier.

dial-a-bus

The Belbus is a bus service that operates in the Westhoek of Belgium. It is a public transport service that provides transportation to people living in rural areas where no regular bus service is available. The Belbus is mostly used to transport people to and from schools, medical appointments and other destinations within the region. The Belbus is operated by the Flemish public transport company De Lijn and serves communities in the provinces of West Flanders and East Flanders.