In 2023, violent incidents on the Walloon transport network TEC were 2.5 times higher than in 2015, according to data shared by the company, which is currently grappling with a strike triggered by such violence.
TEC's Director of Communications Stéphane Thiery detailed the alarming pattern. "In 2015, we recorded 56 assaults throughout the year. Between 2016 and 2019, there was a slight increase. But then the Covid-19 crisis came and things calmed down. However, in 2023, we had 150 assaults, which is 2.5 times more than in 2015."
This surge in violent incidents led to 15 full-time equivalent work stoppages for the year, equating to having 15 fewer drivers to maintain services and schedules.
TEC stressed that the reasons behind this increase vary, and it cautioned against stigmatising any group. The rise was somewhat anticipated given TEC's expanded services – an enlarged operation would statistically lead to a proportional increase in occurrences. Intriguingly, the incidents are no longer confined to urban centres where there is the highest concentration of buses and people.
Significantly, the data revealed that it is not solely young people responsible for the assaults on buses and drivers. "A relatively notable share of the assaults, though mostly verbal, come from individuals aged 45-60," Thiery noted.
