Hasselt (The Brussels Morning Newspaper): Hasselt introduced a party bus service for students, operating on 2nd October Thursdays from 10 p.m. to 4:30 a.m., connecting Hasselt and Diepenbeek. Key supporters include Glen Martens and Maggy Timmermans from UCLL.

The city of Hasselt, along with three local schools (PXL University of Applied Sciences, Hasselt University, and UCLL University College) and local businesses, started a pilot project to help students travel safely between nightlife spots and their homes. This project was created because students need a safe and easy way to get around, especially after being out late at night.

What are the benefits of Hasselt’s new party bus service for students?

It has been said that the solution is a party bus, which is a special shuttle that takes students to nightlife spots and popular places to live. This service helps students get home safely late at night, so they don’t have to walk alone or use unsafe rides. The local government, schools, and businesses all worked together to support this project because they think it’s important for student safety and to make the nightlife better. The party bus is a trial project, and they will check later to see how well it’s working based on what students think and how it affects the community.

A new bus service is starting as a trial to help students travel safely between Hasselt and Diepenbeek every Thursday night from 10 p.m. to 4:30 a.m. The bus will stop at seven places, coming every 40 minutes. It’s supported by local businesses, including some cafes and clubs. Students like this idea because it makes it safer to get home after a party, especially if they’ve been drinking. The bus will go through popular student areas and pass by the train station, making it easier for everyone to use.

There’s a lot of excitement about the new bus service that was helped to start, and it’s making Glen Martens happy. He thinks it will make it easier for students to get between Hasselt and Diepenbeek, where there are lots of events and student spots. The bus will start during the Student Kick-Off and then run every Thursday night for at least three months. Someone will check how many students use it to see if it’s working. Maggy Timmermans from UCLL likes the idea but is worried one bus might not be enough and that starting at 10 p.m. could be too early since students might have to wait if they miss it. They will see how it goes after three months and make any changes if needed.