The measures that train operator Arriva has taken to limit the nuisance of especially safelanders on the Emmen-Zwolle line will be permanent. The central government and the provinces of Drenthe and Overijssel want to spend more than a million euros on this annually.
The route between Emmen and Zwolle is the route that refugees take to and from the application center of the Central Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers in Ter Apel. The nuisance on the lines is mainly caused by safelanders, i.e. asylum seekers with little or no chance of a residence permit. The incidents range from smoking on the train to physical violence and from fare evasion to vandalism.
Since this year, a steward with a bodycam has been present on the trains who keeps an eye on things. In addition, extra staff is present at the stations in Emmen and Zwolle to perform platform checks, so that the first fare dodgers are already picked out. These were measures that were paid for from ‘temporary’ funds from the national and provincial government.
State Secretary Eric van der Burg of Asiel visited Arriva in Emmen in June and talked to stewards and drivers. He indicated that he would deal with their concerns. The Ministry of Justice of Security, responsible for asylum policy, has now pledged to pay 520,000 euros per year to make the temporary measures permanent.
A letter from the province of Overijssel shows that Overijssel and Drenthe together also want to deposit more than half a million euros, of which almost two hundred thousand are for the account of Drenthe. The province cannot confirm this yet. When asked, Overijssel reports that the decision has not yet been approved by the Provincial Council.
Arriva already said earlier this year that it would like to see the measures become permanent. That call is now being answered. However, the carrier already made a comment in April because it would concern ‘symptom control’. As long as the group of safelanders continues to have access to the train, the problems will continue, Arriva said at the time.
Now Arriva says it is ‘very happy’ with the structural money from the governments. “We feel seen and heard,” says spokesperson Liesbeth Oelen. “This is the long-desired recognition that we have now received for the problems we are facing on the Vecht valley lines.”
By granting the financial contribution, Arriva can start setting up a special and professional security team, consisting of employees with a so-called violence authority. This is a structural team if both provinces are also making a final decision. Oelen: “This group of people will start their training as soon as possible and will soon function alongside the existing group of stewards.”