From the end of 2026, a new carrier will be given the opportunity to provide bus transport in Zeeland.
This tender, an important moment for the future of public transport in the region, is now starting to take shape. At the end of October it will become clear which transport companies have shown their interest, and the Province of Zeeland will announce its choice in January 2025. The current concession with Transdev/Connexxion expires at the end of 2026, but Connexxion can register again, just like other interested parties.
The Province of Zeeland arranges public transport through a concession: an exclusive contract for a certain period. The concession specifies the frequency and routes of the buses, as well as the compensation that the carrier receives. Although there is income from travelers, public transport remains expensive and the government must provide financial support. For this new concession period, the ceiling amount has been set at 28,9 million euros per year.
no party
The current concession actually ran until the end of this year. When it turned out last October that no party had registered, the current concession with Connexxion was extended for two years. To prevent a recurrence of this scenario, the Province has made the offer more attractive. The concession period has been extended from 8 to 12 years, which gives companies more time to recoup their investments. In addition, an additional 2 million euros is available annually for bus transport.
An important part of the new concession is making the fleet more sustainable. The original requirement that no buses emit harmful greenhouse gases from 2027 has been relaxed to 2030. An even later date applies to local buses and some school buses. This change is partly because Zeeland's electricity grid is full, but it also gives carriers more time to strategically plan their investments.
The Province supports sustainability by preparing charging points in cities such as Goes, Middelburg, Zierikzee, Terneuzen and Sint Maartensdijk. This provides companies with the infrastructure they need to make the switch to electric buses. In addition, the timetable has been improved, which benefits drivers' schedules.
With the new concession, the Province of Zeeland hopes to offer a reliable and sustainable transport solution that improves the accessibility of the region and sets an example for the rest of the country.
The new concession also means that some existing bus lines will disappear. However, this does not mean that travelers will be worse off. The Province strives to guarantee the accessibility of every village from early morning to late evening. The bus lines, together with the railway and the Westerschelde Ferry, form the backbone of Zeeland's public transport, with fast connections between stations and boarding points that are mainly located outside the villages.
In addition to the fixed routes, a flexible system of transport on demand, called FLEX, is being introduced. This system includes flex taxis, shared bicycles and shared cars, allowing travelers to go almost anywhere, seven days a week, from early morning to late at night. This flexible transport system ensures better accessibility to villages and centres, which are often under pressure.
under attention
The ambitious plans in Zeeland are attracting the attention of other regions. The Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management sees Zeeland as a potential example for the rest of the Netherlands when it comes to public transport, i.e. all transport that the government (co-)finances and does not just run according to a timetable. That is why the ministry has invested 6 million euros of government money in the project.
The involvement of the people of Zeeland in the plans is great. Following feedback on the original bus plan, which was to start at the end of this year, fewer bus routes have been deleted in the new design. Municipal authorities, road managers, village councils and traveler organizations have provided extensive input, which has led to further improvements. The people of Zeeland are also closely involved in the introduction of flexible transport, which contributes to careful preparation.
Tenders for the new concession are assessed on price and quality, with quality weighing more heavily. Points are awarded for aspects such as comfort in the bus and the involvement of Zeeland's small and medium-sized businesses. However, companies that exceed the ceiling amount of 28,9 million euros do not stand a chance against cheaper providers.