Broadcasting Zeeland
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Broadcasting Zeeland
NOS Nieuws•vandaag, 18:02
No carrier has reported to take over bus transport in Zeeland from 2025, reports Broadcasting Zeeland. The concession of transport company Connexxion expires that year, but it has already indicated that it does not want to compete for a new contract. Other carriers also appear not to be interested for the time being.
Currently, some of the buses in the province are running almost empty, especially outside rush hour. That situation is untenable, Deputy Harry van der Maas (Infrastructure and Mobility) previously told the regional broadcaster.
The province has created a new transport plan for 2025 that should provide relief. For example, buses no longer stop in village centres, but at so-called hubs outside the villages. The idea is that flextaxis (taxis that drive to a special pick-up point), local buses, shared bicycles and shared cars should take people to the hubs.
The plan requires a change in the law. For example, flex taxis are not seen as public transport. It is not clear whether that change will come about.
Uncertain market situation
Deputy Van der Maas does not think that the new transport plan is the reason for the lack of interested parties. He emphasizes that fixed bus lines will continue to exist and future hubs and shared taxis are separate from the concession.
According to him, the lack of interest has to do with the uncertain situation in which carriers find themselves: “Personnel costs are rising, petrol prices are high. It will all have to do with that,” he responds.
According to the deputy, there is no need to worry in any case: “One thing is clear: there will always be bus transport, the only question is how we organize it.”
The Provincial Executive will eventually look into the reasons why carriers have not reported.
2023-10-04 16:02:42
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