The municipality of Rotterdam has adjusted the conditions for the transport of the elderly and vulnerable children.
These changes follow a summary proceeding that transport company Trevvel filed against the municipality in November. The adjustment of the requirements comes just ten days before the lawsuit, a signal that the municipality seems to be responding to the criticism of Trevvel and other stakeholders.
The controversy revolves around the new tender for transport, which, according to those involved, was mainly focused on the lowest price and did not sufficiently take into account quality. The maximum rate that companies could bid on was below the amount that Trevvel currently works for. At the same time, operational costs for carriers have increased in recent years. Trevvel, which will remain responsible for transport until the summer, also expressed concerns about the existing complaints about the service and stated that a lower price would be at the expense of quality.
Alderman Ronald Buijt informs the media that the municipality has decided to relax some conditions after studying the summons and obtaining advice. For example, the maximum rate is being abandoned. Although registrations above the old maximum have less chance, this change offers more room for companies to cover their costs. In addition, it has been decided that companies will not be fined multiple times for the same violation, another major objection from Trevvel.
uncertainty remains
Mirl de Bruin, director of Trevvel, responds to the AD reserved on the adjustments. "I have taken note of the message that the municipality has made several adjustments in response to our objections. In the coming days we will study in detail whether these adjustments are sufficient to guarantee the quality of transport for Rotterdam residents." It therefore remains unclear whether the summary proceedings have been cancelled.
PvdA councillor Dennis Tak calls the changes positive in themselves, but also expressed his doubts about the possible consequences. "Although I find it unlikely that Trevvel will stop the lawsuit now. My guess is that they mainly want to delay things." Due to this uncertainty, there is a chance that no new contract will be available when the current agreement with Trevvel expires.
The municipality of Rotterdam has now held talks with other transport companies about a possible temporary solution, should the situation escalate. This would mean that a new company would temporarily take over the transport of the elderly and vulnerable children until the tender is finally completed. However, it remains a challenge to guarantee a quick and qualitative transition.
With the adjustments, the municipality is trying to find a balance between price and quality. However, the entire process is overshadowed by the time pressure and the legal battle with Trevvel. For now, it remains uncertain whether the changes are sufficient to prevent future problems, and whether the quality of the transport will actually be guaranteed.
