For the time being, no buses will stop at the AZC in Budel due to nuisance from asylum seekers. Bus operator Hermes has temporarily canceled the stops near the asylum seekers’ centre. “We have taken this decision because of the safety of our drivers and passengers,” said spokesman Fred Tilburgs.
The strict measure has been in effect since the end of last week. According to Hermes, there are daily incidents with residents of the azc. The spokesman does not want to say how many incidents there have been exactly.
‘Drivers threatened and spat on’
“It is mainly about not wanting to pay for a ticket. If the bus driver says something about this, things quickly escalate. Sometimes with the result that the bus driver is even threatened or spat on.”
For Hermes, the measure is full. “We made this decision for the safety of our drivers and passengers.” Earlier, the decision was taken to have security guards ride along on some buses. “Equipping all buses with security guards is not an option, that is impossible.”
COA not happy with decision
At the Central Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers (COA) they are not happy with the decision. “It has quite an impact for us,” says spokesperson Timo Waarsenburg.
“We also have people who have to go to their appointment with a lawyer and children who go to secondary school in Weert. They now have to walk to Maarheeze station first. That takes thirty minutes. And then they have to continue there by train or the bus.”
Inhabitants on
The line, bus 11, runs between Weert station and Eindhoven Central Station and also stops along the way at Maarheeze station and therefore the AZC. It is not yet known how long the measure will last. “We hope there will be a solution soon,” said the Hermes spokesperson.
This week, all residents of the municipality of Cranendonck, which includes Budel, will receive a survey about the future of the AZC. The city council decided some time ago that the azc in its current form should close in the summer of next year.
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