Arriva Group has won a €1.6 billion contract to continue operating bus services in East Brabant, the Netherlands, for another 12.5 years, marking one of the region’s largest public transport concessions and bolstering the company’s push toward zero-emission mobility.
The new contract, awarded by the Province of Brabant following a competitive tender process, will begin in December 2026. Under the agreement, Arriva will deploy 170 new zero-emission buses, replacing its current diesel-powered fleet and expanding on its existing base of 250 electric vehicles currently operating in the region, according to the Bravo transport network.
The expanded service aligns with Dutch national and regional goals to decarbonise public transport. Arriva plans to increase service frequency by 15%, introduce faster connections, and upgrade existing routes to better serve local communities.
“This new contract extension is another boost for Arriva’s ambitious long-term growth strategy,” said Anne Hettinga, Managing Director for Arriva Netherlands and Executive Committee member. “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. 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.”
The East Brabant contract comes shortly after Arriva secured a separate €900 million, 10-year agreement to operate services in West Brabant. That deal came into effect earlier this month and runs through 2035.