NETHERLANDS: Utrecht regional transport authority BRU has selected Qbuzz for a concession to operate bus services and the sneltram light rail line from the city of Utrecht to the satellite towns of Nieuwegein and IJsselstein.
The contract runs for eight years from December 11 2011, and is the first Dutch tram operating contract to be awarded through a public tender; the existing agreement with Connexxion was awarded without tendering.
Qbuzz was established by two former managers at Connexxion and national railway NS, and currently operates buses in Rotterdam, and the provinces of Fryslân, Groningen and Drenthe. It is to introduce a season ticket for a mixed car, bicycle and public transport use around Utrecht.
