In recent years, Brussels’ public transport system has seen a troubling rise in the number of passengers falling on buses, trams, and metros, prompting operator STIB to launch a new awareness campaign. Last year alone, the number of reported falls increased by 5% from the previous year, totaling 618 incidents.
STIB spokesperson Guy Sablon addressed the concern, stating, “These figures are rather reassuring, given the one million passengers transported every day, and the more than 50 million kilometers travelled by STIB vehicles every year. Nevertheless, every accident is one too many, especially when it can be avoided.”
Data from STIB indicates that the majority of falls occur on buses, with more than half of the incidents—360—happening on these vehicles. The high incidence on buses is attributed to the frequent traffic disruptions they encounter.
Trams come in second with 180 reported falls, while the metro ranks third with 78. A significant contributing factor is passengers’ distraction due to smartphones, which often leads them to neglect holding on to safety handles.
The STIB’s new awareness campaign aims to mitigate these accidents by encouraging passengers to adhere to safety guidelines. “It is essential that all passengers hold on to the handles when standing upright and that those who most easily lose their balance and can injure themselves are able to travel while seated,” Sablon emphasized.
To drive home this message, STIB has launched a campaign featuring three ‘Instagram vs reality’ videos and posters displayed throughout the public transport network.
These materials, visible until August 19, remind passengers to “hold on tight” and to “give up their seat” to those in greater need, such as elderly individuals, pregnant women, and people using crutches.
In addition to this campaign, STIB is implementing other measures to improve safety. New vehicles are being designed with enhanced features to reduce the risk of falls, and staff will undergo regular training sessions focusing on smooth and environmentally-friendly driving techniques.
The campaign and safety measures underscore STIB’s commitment to reducing accidents and improving passenger safety across its network. As public awareness grows and preventive steps are put into place, STIB hopes to see a significant decrease in the number of falls and ensure a safer travel experience for all Brussels commuters.
