Stib vandalism causes €4 million in damage per year

Vandalism caused more than €4 million in damage to Brussels public transport infrastructure in 2025.

The Stib public transport network in Brussels has seen a sharp rise in incidents of vandalism, particularly in the metro system, where most of the damage occurs.

Underground infrastructure accounted for almost €2.3 million in costs last year, an increase of 18% compared to 2024 and three times higher than in 2022.

Stib said it was stepping up efforts to tackle the problem, including investing in additional security staff and surveillance cameras, as well as working more closely with police.

The figures have prompted political reaction in Brussels. “Unfortunately, this fits within the general decline in safety and liveability in Brussels,” said Brussels MP Bob De Brabandere (Vlaams Belang).

“Perpetrators too often remain unpunished, and too little is recovered from them for the damage.”

He also linked the issue to broader concerns about enforcement. “We see this, for example, during the violence on New Year’s Eve. Rioters are arrested, but harsh sanctions are lacking. That kind of laxity is disastrous,” he said.

Stib has not specified how many incidents were recorded, but it said that vandalism ranges from graffiti and broken equipment to more serious damage affecting infrastructure and service reliability, including damage to escalators, ticket barriers and fire extinguishers.

Authorities say tackling vandalism remains a priority as Brussels continues to invest in public transport and modernise its network.