The cost of vandalism to the infrastructure of Brussels public transport company STIB increased by over 34 per cent to €4.1 million last year.
This information comes from Brussels Minister of Mobility, Elke Van den Brandt (Groen), in response to a written question from Brussels MP, Bob De Brabandere (Vlaams Belang).
"Vandalism will cost STIB, and consequently the taxpayer, €4.1 million in 2024, which represents an increase of about €1 million compared to the previous year. Unfortunately, this is part of the general decline in safety and liveability in Brussels," he lamented on Monday.
In 2023, the voluntary damage caused by users was estimated at €3,063,179.
Notably, the costs associated with vandalism to underground infrastructure saw a significant rise in 2024: a 408% increase for metro trains (€593,046) and a 15 per cent increase for stations (€261,000).
Above-ground vehicles were not spared from the rise in vandalism either: buses saw a 30% increase (€132,361), and trams experienced a 15% increase (€80,452).
De Brabandere stated that perpetrators often go unpunished, and the damages are seldom recovered from them.
"We see the same issue with incidents such as the New Year’s Eve riots. Two months later, only six rioters have been judicially detained. This kind of negligence is detrimental," he added.
