Brussels No-public-transport Day

Following on from the (limited) success of Brussels No-car Day on 20 September, today, thanks largely to the trade unions representing well-protected public sector employees, we are enjoying No Public Transport Day.

Yes, today is either:

• Brussels 'walk-to-work' day,
• Brussels 'drive-to-work' day (thereby negating the good you might have done on no-car day),
• Brussels 'cycle-through-the angry-cars' day, or,
• Brussels 'have-an-involuntary-long-weekend' day

At least it isn't raining!

Since there are neither trams, metros or buses, I chose to walk to work. I hadn't ever done it before (and to be honest, hadn't intended to try it today, but someone took the key of the bike-lock to work with her ... ). It took me a little less than 30 minutes, and wasn't unpleasant. Given that it can take 20 minutes door to door using the metro, that isn't bad.

I saw several cyclists who looked like they were not used to the traffic, and on a few occasions looked as if they were a danger to themselves. I suppose no-one will publish a comparison of the figures for cyclist or pedestrian casuaties today compared with a 'normal' day. If such a comparison showed a doubling of the death/injury rate due to the lack of public transport, what effect would that have on the strike-happy 'workers'?

Of course, as a good tolerant liberal, I support every workers right to strike. But still, it is a bit pointless of the rail, metro and bus workers to (as usual) punish their customers! Surely, if they want to make some point to their employers they could continue to work, but refuse to gather fares.