Keolis’ Dutch subsidiary, Keolis Nederland, commenced operation of regional trains in the Eastern Netherlands at the same time as the bus network in the city of Almere, near Amsterdam, which includes BRT and electric buses.
This is the second rail network to be operated by Keolis in the country. The Bus Rapid Transit system is a first for Keolis in Europe outside of France. These are the first networks to be operated under the new brand Keolis Nederland.
The regional commuter trains and buses will offer passengers an excellent level of service and comfort.
This new milestone reinforces Keolis’ presence in the Netherlands and builds on its experience in regional train management already gained in Germany, the United Kingdom and the United States.
Keolis, through its Dutch subsidiary Keolis Nederland, has started operation of the regional trains in the Province of Overijssel (Eastern Netherlands), and the bus network of Almere, close to Amsterdam. Both events were celebrated on December 9, 2017 in the presence of senior representatives from the Province of Overijssel PTAs and the Municipality of Almere, Keolis Group and Keolis Nederland employees. Speaking on the occasion, Bernard Tabary, Keolis CEO International, said “We have a great deal to celebrate today. Not only are these our first projects in the Netherlands being operated under the name Keolis Nederland, but they also comprise Keolis’ first BRT system in Europe outside France. They also expand our rail business and we have 16 brand new electric trains to start the service. All this makes today very special. We have the experience to ensure that, as cities and towns develop and expand, our bus and rail services will help to meet the demands of the PTAs and our passengers, ensuring future proofing, sustainable, mobility.”
Second regional commuter rail service for Keolis in the Netherlands
Keolis now operates its second rail contract in the province of Overijssel, in the Eastern Netherlands. The contract was awarded by the Province of Overijssel in June 2015 to manage the network from 2017 until 2032. This will generate revenues of €300 million ($352.58 million) for the duration of the contract. There will be 16 electric Stadler FLIRT trains running on the 81-km long network which includes 14 stations between Zwolle and Enschede and between Zwolle and Kampen. Trains on the rail network will cover 2.6 million km a year.
Each trainset is composed of three or four cars and can carry between 228 to 260 passengers. An excellent level of comfort is provided by the bright interior spaces with large window areas, air suspension, comfortable seating, air-conditioning, wide entrance doors on each side, power sockets, Wi-Fi, wheelchair space and a closed toilet system. The train can travel at a maximum speed of 160 km/h.
From small to high capacity or to electric buses, Keolis will operate buses 24 hours a day
On the same day, Keolis also started operating a bus network in the city of Almere, a fast growing municipality near Amsterdam that is expected to be the fifth largest city in the country by 2030. The 10-year contract was awarded in September 2016 by the Municipality of Almere for a contract worth €400 million ($470.10 million). The bus network, called AllGo, is 46 km long and is composed of 14 lines which include six BRT lines and 24/7 service during the weekend. Keolis will operate a total of 101 new buses including 31 BRT buses, which will run every five minutes, covering 85 percent of the city bus network. The bus fleet is also made-up of 68 city buses manufactured by MAN and seven electric ones built by BYD. The buses are expected to carry 100 000 passengers per day. All bus journeys on the new network will be cash free.
Keolis well located in the Netherlands to address its mobility needs from urban to suburban and regional journeys
Keolis has been in the Netherlands since 1999 through its subsidiary Syntus which was branded Keolis Nederland in October 2017. Keolis Nederland has over 1 900 employees and offers multimodal mobility services through buses, trains, bikes and on-demand transport.
