Number of buses

This indicator aims to offer an understanding of the total number of buses in Flanders. A circular economy aims for an increase in the use of shared transport – such as buses – and more active means of transport, all at the expense of personal cars.

8,969 buses

  • In 2017 the total number of buses was around 9,000.
  • This number has remained almost constant throughout the reporting period.

What do we see? 

The total number of buses in Flanders is about 10,000 units, a quarter of which are public transport (PT) vehicles. This number has remained all but constant over the years, with only a slightly decreasing trend in the total number of buses and a limited peak in the number of PT vehicles in 2014.



What’s the aim?

In a circular economy we aim to minimise the material and carbon footprint of our mobility system. This means minimising the number of vehicles needed, more specifically by increasing the use of shared transport and other, more active means of transport. A decreasing number of PT and other buses is therefore undesirable. However, the occupation rate of the buses must also be considered to fully understand the trends in the use of public transport in Flanders.

What does this indicator measure?

This indicator measures the total number of buses – PT and others – in use in Flanders. The results are based on data from different sources, the Federal Public Service Mobility & Transport being the main source with data up to 2017. For PT buses, we obtained data from the annual reports of De Lijn. Analysis should further research the use of buses in relation to their occupancy.

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