Unrest about ‘basic accessibility and mobility’ is growing

But for the time being, little is being done about that, says mayor Patrick Lanssens of Koekelare. Especially rural municipalities with sometimes difficult mobility expect a lot from the plans. “We approved a new public transport plan in June 2020, with the entire region. It was assumed that we would get new bus connections here. Also better regular bus connections with Ostend, Diksmuide and Torhout from January 1, 2021. We are now two years further and Nothing has changed on the ground.”

Minister Peeters: “No reason to complain”

Mobility minister Lydia Peeters is not happy with the criticism from West Flanders. She admits there is a delay. The transport regional councils were nowhere ready for the major change in public transport. Not even in the test zones in West Flanders. The postponement is intended to refine the system and, according to the minister, there was even a unanimous agreement on this better preparation.