Since March 2020, travelers on tram and bus must board at the back and the first seats behind the driver’s cabin may not be taken. According to Stefan Stynen, chairman of TreinTramBus, this has important disadvantages. “Travellers who want to ask the driver for information have to address him or her from the bus through a plastic screen. Asking before boarding whether it is the right bus or tram for their destination is not possible,” it sounds. In addition, travelers can no longer pay with a bank or credit card because those payment terminals are located at the front of the bus, says Stynen.
“The number of fare dodgers has also increased due to the disappearance of social control. De Lijn, STIB and TEC lose income as a result, which does not benefit the quality and the offer. Trams and buses also lose a lot more time at the stop if everyone has to get on and off through the same door. We therefore urge the city and regional transport companies – De Lijn, STIB and TEC – to allow travelers again to board through the front door and to use all seats,” it sounds.
TrainTramBus hopes that the mouth masks can also disappear on public transport in the short term. That would certainly remain mandatory until March 25.