Public transport operator De Lijn will eliminate 204 school bus routes and stop picking up students at their homes in some cases, marking a significant shift in how Belgium’s special-needs education system supports students who rely on door-to-door transport.
The cuts, announced without a phase-out timeline, affect students enrolled in special education programs—a group that often depends on dedicated school transport due to mobility challenges. According to local media reports, the changes will reduce the total number of school bus lines from 1,093 to 889, with some students now required to walk to designated pickup points or use alternative transit options.
Why Are These Cuts Happening?
The restructuring stems from budget pressures and operational inefficiencies, officials said. De Lijn, which serves Flanders and Brussels, has cited rising costs and declining ridership as reasons for the overhaul. The company operates under a mandate to provide inclusive transportation for all students, but financial constraints have forced a reevaluation of service levels.
Gianna Werbrouck, a lawmaker for the Vooruit party, criticized the move, calling it “unworkable.” “Long bus rides are already a burden for these children,” she said in a statement. “Now, forcing them to walk or wait at stops will only worsen their daily struggles.”
How Will This Affect Students?
Students with disabilities or those living in remote areas will face the most immediate disruptions. Under the new system:
- Some routes will be consolidated, increasing travel times.
- Door-to-door service will end for certain students, requiring them to meet buses at designated stops.
- Parents may need to arrange alternative transportation, adding logistical strain.
De Lijn has not disclosed which specific routes or regions will be impacted, but the changes will take effect in the coming months. The company has not ruled out further adjustments if ridership or funding conditions worsen.
What’s Next for School Transport in Belgium?
Regional authorities and advocacy groups are likely to push for policy changes to mitigate the impact. The Flemish government may need to allocate additional funding to sustain specialized transport services, particularly for students with mobility limitations. Meanwhile, De Lijn has signaled it will continue reviewing its network to balance cost and accessibility.
For now, families of special-needs students are urged to check updated route maps and plan accordingly. The operator has not confirmed whether compensation or alternative support will be provided for affected students.
