Vilvoorde (Brussels Morning Newspaper): A train conductor in Vilvoorde greeted passengers in Dutch and French, upsetting one passenger who complained. NMBS’s Dimitri Temmerman stated they support flexible language use and won’t act on the complaint.
A train conductor in Vilvoorde greeted passengers by saying “Good day/bonjour” in Dutch and French. One passenger was upset by this and filed a complaint with the railway company. Dimitri Temmerman from NMBS explained that the conductor used both languages while checking tickets, but the passenger found it unacceptable since the train was still at the station in Flanders.
How do language rules impact train conductors in Belgium’s NMBS?
According to the language rules, French cannot be spoken in Flanders, including Vilvoorde, and Dutch is not allowed on trains in Wallonia. In Brussels, both languages can be used. On airport trains, Dutch, French, English, and German are allowed for tourists. NMBS thinks these rules are too strict. Temmerman said they want to follow the rules but also appreciate conductors who welcome all passengers and support those who represent NMBS well.
NMBS got a complaint but won’t act on it. They said they would look at complaints to learn, but in this case, conductors can greet passengers in other languages. They want the language rules to be more flexible. At Brussels stations, announcements are made in a set order, Brussels-North starts with Dutch, Brussels-South starts with French, and Brussels-Central switches each year, using Dutch in even years and French in odd years.
