Public transport operators Transdev and Keolis are scaling back their timetables to reduce the impact of unscheduled bus cancellations on passengers. The two carriers have been jointly managing public transport in the province of Utrecht since mid-December, but the service has been plagued by delays and frequent cancellations since the start of the contract.
In a memo to the Provincial Council, André van Schie, the Provincial Executive for Mobility, noted that Transdev aims to reduce its bus services by 11 per cent starting in May. Similarly, Keolis will trim its schedule to operate 9 per cent fewer trips. Both companies operate under the U-OV brand, with Transdev covering Utrecht city and its suburbs, while Keolis manages transport across the rest of the province.
The transition has been hampered by several logistical hurdles. As the companies phase in more electric buses, they have faced significant challenges, including power grid congestion, severe staff shortages, and delays in the delivery of new equipment. To mitigate the impact of the cuts, the carriers have pledged to prioritise essential routes, ensuring that hospitals and schools remain easily accessible.
While the province would prefer the companies to deliver the full service originally promised, Van Schie admitted there is little choice but to accept these temporary measures while imposing fines for missed journeys. He argued that a reliable, reduced timetable is better for commuters than an ambitious schedule that suffers from unpredictable, high-volume cancellations.
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