Cabinet Unveils Plan to Overhaul Regional Transport
State Secretary Annet Bertram has submitted proposals to parliament to tackle deteriorating regional connections by merging regular public transit with local mobility services.
State Secretary Annet Bertram has submitted proposals to parliament to tackle deteriorating regional connections by merging regular public transit with local mobility services.
Why it matters: Transit networks outside large cities face declining service levels and driver shortages, leaving rural residents, students, and the elderly with fewer transport options.
The details:
- Officials want to integrate standard transit with student shuttles and Wmo care transport, coordinating trips through a shared booking centre.
- The government plans three trials with autonomous buses to address staff shortages and serve rural or suburban areas.
- Authorities are evaluating a cheaper transit fare product and reviewing how diverse public funding streams support the sector.
- The cabinet set aside a structural €300 million annually to enhance regional accessibility and infrastructure.
Context: Recent figures reported by news agency ANP show 1,100 bus stops disappeared over the past six years, predominantly in Drenthe and Groningen.
What is next: Bertram will send a follow-up letter to parliament later this month outlining the exact distribution of the €300 million investment.
