De Lijn is battling disrupted services due to industrial action, communication via app and website is vital for travelers.
The strike of the common trade union front in West Flanders, consisting of ACV, ACOD and ACLVB, has been causing disruptions in public transport for several days. The strike was initially planned for Thursday, but the unions have extended the action until Tuesday, November 14. The late decision by the unions has posed challenges for De Lijn to inform its travelers in a timely manner about the changed timetables. On Friday the impact on bus and tram traffic was significant, with a reduction in services to the level of the previous day.
The weekend brings a mixed picture: while some regions such as the Westhoek and Bruges experience a clearly reduced service, the Coastal Tram and other bus lines on the coast and in Kortrijk appear to be less affected. It is expected that the normal schedule will gradually resume on Monday and Tuesday, with minimal disruptions towards the end of the strike period.
De Lijn proactively communicates about the changes by immediately removing non-running journeys from the route planner and advises travelers to consult the current travel information before departure. Nevertheless, there is understandable frustration among travelers about the ongoing strikes and the resulting inconvenience.
The strike, which extends over the weekend, brings with it a changed transport picture, with some areas, such as the Westhoek and Bruges, experiencing more disruptions than others.
The company responded by immediately removing journeys affected by the strike from the route planner, leaving travelers dependent on real-time updates via De Lijn's app and website. This approach demonstrates a commitment to accurate information provision and flexibility in response to the dynamic situation.
The impact of the strike is not only felt by daily commuters but also draws attention to broader issues, such as the debate around employment conditions and investment in public transport. The situation underlines the importance of dialogue between transport companies and employee organizations and the need for continuous adjustment in service planning to meet changing conditions within the sector.
