Qbuzz
IndustryPublic transport
FoundedApril 2008
FounderRob van Holten
Leon Struijk
Headquarters
Amersfoort
,
Netherlands
Revenue€213 million (2016)
€9 million (2016)
OwnerFerrovie dello Stato Italiane
Number of employees
2,100 (2017)
Websitewww.qbuzz.nl

Qbuzz is a public transport company in the Netherlands that operates services in South Holland, Utrecht, Drenthe and Groningen. Founded in 2008, it was a subsidiary of Nederlandse Spoorwegen from 2013 until 2017. It is currently owned by Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane.

History

Mercedes-Benz Citaro in Groningen in April 2014
Sneltram at Utrecht Centraal station in June 2014

Qbuzz was founded in 2008 by former Connexxion directors Rob van Holten and Leon Struijk.[1] Having initially had a 49% shareholding, Nederlandse Spoorwegen purchased the remaining 51% in April 2013.[2][3]

In March 2015, Qbuzz was awarded a 15-year concession to operate services in the Limburg region from December 2016. However, after the discovery of irregularities during the tender process, the contract was awarded to Arriva.[4][5][6]

In July 2016, Nederlandse Spoorwegen announced its intention to sell the business.[7] In July 2017 Busitalia Sita Nord (subsidiary of Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane) purchased the company.[8]

Operations

In December 2008, Qbuzz started operating bus services in Friesland and Rotterdam.[9] Upon being re-tendered, the Friesland services passed to Arriva in December 2016.[10]

In December 2009, Qbuzz won the concession to operate bus services in Groningen and Drenthe until December 2019.[10][11] In December 2011, Qbuzz began operating the bus and sneltram services in Utrecht trading as U-OV until December 2023.[12][13][14]

In January 2018 Qbuzz was selected by the province of South Holland as preferred bidder for a contract which combines the operation of MerwedeLingelijn train service on the Geldermalsen – Dordrecht route with the provision of local bus services. On 9 December 2018, Qbuzz officially took over services from Arriva on the MerwedeLingeLijn.[15]

In June 2023 Qbuzz announced its plans for an international service to Paris and Berlin.[16]

Fleet

As at March 2016, Qbuzz operated 686 buses and 27 trams.[17]

References

  1. ↑ Connexxion, Arriva and Qbuzz NRC Handelsblad 2 September 2011 (Dutch)
  2. ↑ NS obtains remaining share in Qbuzz Nederlandse Spoorwegen February 2014
  3. ↑ Qbuzz Abellio
  4. ↑ NS uncovers tendering irregularities Railway Gazette International 29 April 2015
  5. ↑ Arriva wins re-awarded Limburg operating contract Railway Gazette International 3 June 2015
  6. ↑ Arriva delighted as it profits from scandal at rival Abellio The Daily Telegraph 9 June 2015
  7. ↑ NS puts Qbuzz up for sale Railway Gazette International 11 July 2016
  8. ↑ Busitalia buys Qbuzz, Dutch public transport services company Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane 13 July 2017
  9. ↑ Qbuzz had to get out of the way De Telegraaf 13 December 2008 (Dutch)
  10. 1 2 Qbuzz loses ground in the north RTV Drenthe 11 August 2016 (Dutch)
  11. ↑ Free travel with Qbuzz Groningen Provence (Dutch)
  12. ↑ Qbuzz wins Utrecht sneltram concession Railway Gazette International 26 October 2010
  13. ↑ BRU selects Qbuzz to operate bus and light rail in Utrecht Global Mass Transit 26 October 2010
  14. ↑ Qbuzz wins Utrecht concession Today's Railways Europe issue 180 December 2010 page 17
  15. ↑ "Qbuzz ook nieuwe vervoerder reizigers op R-net MerwedeLingeLijn". 8 December 2018.
  16. ↑ "Ook Qbuzz wil internationale treinen naar Parijs en Berlijn". 12 June 2023.
  17. ↑ Abellio facts & figures Abellio 29 March 2016

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