A joint control operation by Walloon transport company TEC and the police on Tuesday morning near Mons resulted in 59 fines being issued, TEC said in a statement.
The operation, aimed at checking travel tickets and improving the safety of TEC staff and passengers, was conducted on bus lines 7 (Mons-Quiévrain) and 9 (Mons-Dour).
TEC inspectors, dog handlers, and police officers - uniformed and in plainclothes - took part in the two-hour operation at Jemappes Pont Canal stop near Mons. A total of 15 buses were inspected, covering 955 passengers.
TEC inspectors issued 59 fines during the operation.
The police also intercepted motorists using the side lane and committing other traffic violations, including using mobile phones while driving.
TEC emphasised that daily inspections are carried out on its buses, alongside “intensive” checks with a substantial deployment of inspectors for a few hours at a time at specific locations or lines.
Tuesday's operation is in line with the call for respect launched by the four public transport operators during a recent awareness campaign.
Staff of Flemish transport operator De Lijn, Belgian railway utility SNCB, Brussels transport company STIB, and TEC face over 15 physical and verbal assaults per day.
