Interruptions to the Brussels metro due to people walking on the tracks have risen dramatically – a trend that is linked to rising drug use in the capital.
It isn't only people getting stuck in station roller shutters that public transport operator STIB has to deal with. It is also struggling with a rise in people walking on the tracks illegally. In both cases, this can be linked to increased homelessness and drug use in the region.
"The shutting down of metro lines because we spotted 'rail runners' is almost a daily occurrence," STIB's spokesperson An Van hamme told Bruzz. STIB even had to stop metro trains more than once a day in 2023 because of this phenomenon, which is becoming increasingly common.
In 2018, metros had to be stopped "just" 144 times because such incidents took place. By 2023, this figure almost tripled to 884. There are two major dangers to walking on the tracks: people can get electrocuted by the 900-volt charges and they are at risk of being hit by trains.
STIB sees a clear connection with the rise in the number of homeless people and drug addicts in the metro network. Earlier this week, Van hamme confirmed to The Brussels Times that the phenomenon of people getting stuck in roller shutters is also related to the problem of homeless people and drug addicts. "They try to enter our stations and force open the shutters."
The number of people using drugs on the metro is also on the rise. Between January and October 2022, there were more than 1,200 reports of drug use on the network, a 70% increase compared to the previous year. STIB estimates the figure in 2023 was another 160% higher.
Seeking refuge on the tracks
Van hamme believes that drug users look for a place to hide from the checks being carried out in the station and move further into the network, including taking to the tracks. Marc Vervaenen, director of operations at the Brussels Railway Police stressed that not only drug users but also people who have committed offences escape over the tracks. Undocumented migrants are also sometimes found here.
The Railway Police is already working to prevent drug users from hitting the tracks, including by escorting drug users to the restricted users' area. However, Vervaenen stressed good cooperation with social services is also key. "The police cannot possibly solve the problems alone."
The Federal Police are also looking to work more closely on the matter with the Brussels government, which is working to set up a local task forces to deal with the general drug problem in the region.
