Morning usually begins with movement. Shoes meet pavement, engines hum awake, and familiar routes carry people toward routine. But on this Thursday, across large parts of Wallonia, that rhythm faltered. The bus stops remained where they always are, yet the buses themselves arrived only in fragments, leaving silence where schedules once lived.
The TEC network once again faced major disruptions due to a strike affecting public transport operations. The action led to the cancellation of numerous routes, with service varying significantly depending on region and depot. For many commuters, uncertainty replaced planning before the day had fully begun.
According to transport authorities, the disturbances stem from labor actions linked to ongoing social tensions within the sector. While some limited services continued, large portions of the network were either partially or entirely unavailable, particularly during peak hours.
In several regions, passengers were advised to consult real-time updates, though even digital tools struggled to keep pace with the fluid situation. What remained consistent was the feeling of interruption — workdays delayed, appointments reconsidered, and connections missed.
Public transport strikes often reveal how deeply mobility is woven into daily life. When buses stop, the impact spreads quietly outward: students arriving late, caregivers rerouting journeys, workers calculating costs they had not planned for.
TEC officials reiterated that the disruptions were not uniform. Some local lines operated sporadically, while others did not run at all. The uneven nature of the service left many travelers relying on alternatives, from carpooling to long walks.
Union representatives, for their part, have pointed to unresolved concerns regarding working conditions and organizational pressures. The strike, they argue, reflects a broader call for dialogue rather than disruption for its own sake.
As the day unfolds, authorities have encouraged passengers to remain attentive to updates and to anticipate continued instability. No immediate resolution has been announced, and normal service is expected to resume only once social discussions progress.
For now, the buses remain symbols of a pause — reminders that movement, when taken for granted, becomes most visible when it stops.
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Sources : RTBF Le Soir Sudinfo La Libre Belgique DH Les Sports+