According to a written answer given by the Federal Transport Minister Jean-Luc Crucke (Francophone centrist), more than 70% of railway stations in Flanders are not fully accessible to people living with a disability. Mr Crucke was replying to a question posed by the Flemish socialist federal MP Niels Tas.
Less than 1 in 3 Flemish railway stations fully accessible for people living with a disability
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For a station to be considered fully accessible it must offer step-free access to all platforms via ramps or lifts, have platforms at a standard height of 76 cm, include guidance lines for the visually impaired and provide at least one accessible ticket machine equipped with a help button that allows immediate remote assistance from NMBS staff.
Mr Tas describs the current state of affairs regarding accessibility in Flemish railway stations as “dramatic.” The MP highlights ongoing issues such as broken lifts, an absence of support services, and platforms that remain difficult or even impossible to reach for many passengers that have mobility issues
Niels Tas told journalist that “Mr Crucke has previously stated that accessible public transport is a priority. However there are still far too many stations that are failing to meet even basic accessibility standards”. Tas said. “We need a clear and ambitious timeline for implementing the Accessibility Master Plan, not just for major stations, but for smaller stops as well.”
In a response the rail company NMBS said that accessibility both at stations and on trains is a top priority. It points to an agreement it has with the Federal Government that states that 176 stations will be fully accessible to people living with a disability by 2032. “These are the stations where three-quarters of passengers board”.