Middelkerke – In Middelkerke, 6 out of 10 students have already applied for the free De Lijn youth pass. The program, initiated by Alderman Marc Descheemaecker (N-VA), opened applications on July 1, 2025, for 1,775 children, reports 24brussels.
According to VRT News, in the province of West Flanders, Belgium, a significant number of students have sought the free De Lijn youth pass since applications began. The pass, which normally costs €255 per year, is now available at no charge for all eligible children and young adults in the municipality.
What changes allow young residents in Middelkerke to travel for free?
This initiative is the result of a commitment made by the N-VA majority ahead of the municipal elections, aiming to provide free public transport for young residents. Local officials anticipate an increase in applications for the De Lijn youth pass as the school year progresses.
Mobility Alderman Marc Descheemaecker (N-VA), who championed the bill, expressed hopes of achieving a 70% to 80% participation rate. He noted that families will have ample time to apply, as passes can be requested later in the school year.
The free pass is available to all children and teenagers up to the age of 18 living in Middelkerke. For those aged 19 to 24, the municipality continues to provide a 25% discount on De Lijn subscriptions.
Descheemaecker indicated that the policy was enacted to alleviate financial burdens on households, recognizing that young families often face substantial expenses. The municipality aims to enhance public transport affordability and accessibility for students throughout the year.
The initiative, which began on July 1, 2025, was approved by the local council on May 21, 2025. Prior to this, only 25% of youth transport tickets were subsidized by the municipality, but the new policy covers the entire subscription cost. The free yearly pass will remain valid until June 30, 2026, or until the recipient turns 19. Applications for the free passes are being accepted through the official De Lijn website.
Other municipalities in Belgium have launched similar programs in recent years. In September 2021, the city of Ghent implemented a policy allowing all children and teenagers up to 18 years old to travel free on public transport within the city. This initiative expanded upon previous partial subsidy schemes. Local authorities, including Antwerp and Leuven, had previously offered reduced fares or partial reimbursements, covering anywhere from 20% to 50% of youth transport costs.
