Last year, Belgium’s four public transport companies recorded 5,908 cases of physical and verbal aggression against their staff. That is an average of more than 16 cases per day, or an increase of approximately 5.5% compared to 2023.

According to NMBS/SNCB, Flemish De Lijn, Brussels MIVB/STIB, and Walloon LETEC, the number of aggression cases has reached an “unacceptably high level.” They emphasize that, with 5,598 cases, 2023 was already a record year for attacks.

25% of cases involve physical violence

Just over a quarter of cases involve physical violence. The other cases include insults or threats. Regardless of the type of attack, the employees affected never emerge unscathed. In 2024, 780 employees were absent following an incident of aggression, totaling 23,686 days of incapacity for work.

Joint campaign

To emphasize the importance of mutual respect between their staff and passengers, NMBS/SNCB, De Lijn, MIVB/STIB, and LETEC have therefore launched a joint campaign for the second time.

The campaign primarily calls for mutual respect on public transport. Respect between staff and passengers, as well as for the basic rules that make public transport travel more pleasant for everyone. Discussions with passengers who do not comply with these rules are often the cause of incidents of aggression, according to the transport companies.

In the event of aggression toward staff, fines of up to €500 can be imposed. Criminal prosecution is possible in cases of more serious assault. Furthermore, aggression against public service personnel is considered an aggravating circumstance.