Leuven (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Following De Lijn’s January 2025 schedule changes, Simon, with support from HONK and volunteers like Els, regained independence getting to his job at the Spar in Linden, despite a dangerous new route and crowded Leuven station.
HONK, a non-profit group, helped Simon regain his independence. They provide a home for 13 young people with disabilities. After seeing Simon’s struggles with the new bus schedule, HONK started a campaign on social media. They asked for volunteers to assist him.
Many people came forward to help. Some volunteers went with Simon to the busy bus stop near Leuven station. They made sure he could safely get on the right bus. Simon could still use public transport to get to work by himself.
“Volunteers help Simon in the busy bus station so he can get to work independently again.”
VZW HONK
HONK found more help for Simon. They arranged for Els to drive him to work. Els had helped HONK before by giving rides to other members. Now, she also takes Simon to the Spar supermarket in Linden. She mentioned that this gives him a safe way to get there instead of dealing with the new bus route.
How is Simon coping with De Lin’s new bus route challenges?
Simon works at the Spar supermarket in Linden. He used to take a simple bus route. In January 2025, the bus company De Lijn changed its schedule. Now, Simon has to take several buses to reach work.
According to Simon, this makes his journey harder. He has to change buses at Leuven station, which is too crowded for him. He said this change took away his independence and made it tough for him to keep his job.
Simon faces more problems with the new bus route. He said it was difficult to cross a dangerous highway in Linden, which he thinks is too risky to do alone. He also has to walk an extra 15 minutes to get to the supermarket.
“The new route is too dangerous,”
Simon said in early January 2025.
“I would have to change at the station, a place that is too chaotic and too busy for me. In addition, I would have to cross a dangerous highway in Linden on my own and walk for another fifteen minutes. That is not possible.”
