Limburg travelers can soon count on an improved travel experience with flexible transport.
From 1 October 2024, De Lijn will implement significant adjustments to make the service even more efficient and customer-friendly. With more buses during off-peak hours, greater availability until the late hours and an expansion of the fleet during peak hours from January, the aim is to tailor flexible transport even better to the needs of travellers.
Flexvervoer, a popular concept for many people in rural areas and smaller cities, offers travellers the opportunity to travel flexibly and on demand without fixed routes. The system has played a crucial role in Limburg for some time, where it enhances mobility in less busy areas. However, according to many users, there was room for improvement, especially in terms of availability and capacity during peak and off-peak hours.
service hours
One of the biggest changes that will come into effect on October 1st is the extension of the service hours of the flex buses. Passengers will be able to use the flex transport until 22.30:20.00 on weekdays, which is a significant improvement on the current end time of 22.30:XNUMX. This means that people who have a late appointment or want to enjoy a dinner outside after work, for example, can use the bus more easily. The service will also be extended on Saturdays, with a new end time of XNUMX:XNUMX, which will provide extra flexibility during the weekend.
Sundays are also getting an upgrade, with buses starting at 8am instead of the current 10am start time. This gives travellers the chance to start their Sunday earlier, whether they’re heading out for a family day out or just want to go for an early walk. Buses will also run until 21pm, two hours longer than before, making for a more relaxing end to the weekend.
For the Limburg traveller, the future of flexible transport seems to look bright. With the extra buses, greater availability and a greater focus on customer satisfaction, the new transport network will offer even more possibilities to travel flexibly from A to B from October.
The outgoing Flemish Minister of Mobility and Public Works emphasizes that the public transport network is a “living entity”. “The start of the new network was not an end point, but a starting point,” Lydia Peeters explained. “In the case of major adjustments, it is necessary to give the system the necessary time to evolve. De Lijn has the task of continuously monitoring the use of flexible transport and adapting it based on real demand. The improvements that are now being implemented are a direct result of these evaluations.”
strengthening
Although the focus is now mainly on the improvements outside rush hour, there are also plans to deploy extra buses during peak hours from 2 January 2025. During both school days and holidays, two extra flex vehicles will be available, bringing the total number of buses during rush hour to 37. This expansion is intended to better accommodate the crowds during peak times and ensure that passengers can also count on a reliable service during these busy periods.
The expansion of the fleet is a direct response to the increasing demand for flexible transport in Limburg. Especially during rush hour, when many people travel to work or school, the capacity of the buses sometimes proved insufficient to meet the demand. With the addition of the extra buses, De Lijn hopes to reduce waiting times and increase passenger satisfaction.
The decision to improve flex transport is based on thorough research and close communication with passengers. De Lijn has listened intensively to the experiences and suggestions of its users in recent months, and this feedback formed the basis for the adjustments. “It is important that we not only look at the data, but also at the stories of the people who use our services every day,” says a spokesperson for De Lijn.
This customer-focused approach fits into De Lijn's broader strategy to continuously evaluate and improve its services. By closely monitoring both bus usage and passenger feedback, the company aims to ensure that its offering continues to meet changing mobility needs.
