In the coming period, from 9 p.m., an extraordinary investigating officer (boa) will join a shuttle bus between Emmen and Ter Apel, where an asylum seekers center is located. After the lockdown that now applies, there will also be a test with a bus that runs all day. From then on, a boa will be used for the entire timetable. The trial should last a year.
The previous measures, including the use of boas at Emmen station, will also be continued. The cabinet will also make an additional contribution of 50,000 euros for the measures. Earlier, 250,000 euros had already been pledged.
The FNV union is not satisfied with the announced measures. According to Edwin Kuiper, director of FNV Streekvervoer, they are not enough. “Our members believe that the proposals do not meet the requirements they previously set. For example, there will be no permanent supervision at the stops at Emmen station and in Ter Apel.”
The drivers therefore do not agree with the proposal, according to FNV. They want more security on the buses and at the stops to prevent violence. The union is in consultation with the drivers to discuss next steps.