Arriva secures €1.6 billion Dutch contract

Arriva Group has been awarded a €1.6 billion contract extension to operate bus services in East Brabant, Netherlands. The 12.5-year deal includes 170 new zero-emission buses, increased service levels, and supports the group’s long-term decarbonisation and growth strategy.

The agreement, awarded by the Province of Brabant will commence in December 2026. The award follows a competitive tender process and covers the largest public transport concession in the region. Arriva will add 170 new zero-emission buses to replace the current diesel-powered fleet. According to the Bravo website, the name of the public transport in Brabant, Arriva’s fleet currently consists of 250 electric vehicles.

The deployment is in line with national and regional targets to transition to sustainable public transport and contributes to the wider decarbonisation agenda across the European mobility sector.

Arriva states that its East Brabant network will see multiple routes upgraded. Specifically, under the new contract, Arriva will increase service frequency by 15 per cent, improve existing routes, and introduce faster and more direct connections.

“This new contract extension is another boost for Arriva’s ambitious long-term growth strategy. It reinforces our strong market position in the Netherlands and demonstrates continued trust from local Passenger Transport Authorities in our ability to deliver value for passengers,” said Anne Hettinga, Managing Director for Arriva Netherlands and member of the Arriva Group Executive Committee. “We’re excited to build on our existing bus services by rolling out cleaner and more comfortable vehicles and introducing new routes that meet the needs of the communities we serve.”

This contract follows the award of a separate €900 million, 10-year agreement for Arriva to operate services in West Brabant. That contract came into effect earlier this month and runs until 2035.

arriva.co.uk, bravo.info