73 BYD buses to join EBS fleet, with most of the company’s Dutch buses already zero-emission

Public transport operator EBS has placed an order with BYD for 73 electric buses, which will enter service in Zeeland from December 2026 under the brand Reizen Door Zeeland, the name under which the company will operate public transport in the province. The news is shared by EBS itself with a press note. The order comprises 64 twelve-metre buses and 9 fifteen-metre buses, with the first vehicles expected to be delivered in summer 2026.

EBS points out that currently the majority of its fleet is already emission-free, with more than 500 electric buses operating across the Haaglanden, IJssel-Vecht, Zaanstreek-Waterland, and Voorne-Putten & Rozenburg concessions — and from 2026, also in Zeeland. In September 2025, EBS introduced 43 BYD electric buses in the Haaglanden-Streek concession.

BYD electric buses for EBS in the Netherlands

Passenger preferences played a central role in the design of the new buses. In June, over 200 passengers, drivers, and stakeholder organisations provided input on interior layout and features. Their feedback resulted in a design that balances comfort, accessibility, and contemporary style.

The buses, reportedly, will feature comfortable seats with purple upholstery, the Reizen Door Zeeland colour, and green priority seats for easy visibility. The floor will have a light wood effect for a calm, natural feel. Passengers will have access to free Wi-Fi and USB-C charging points at every seat. EBS worked with stakeholder organisations to enhance accessibility, with clear colour contrasts on handrails and stop buttons, and a dedicated wheelchair space opposite the rear door.

Jan Kees Korteweg, COO of EBS, said: “With this order, we take an important step towards sustainable and clean public transport. The BYD buses perfectly match our ambition to offer passengers more comfort, calm, and convenience. Together, we ensure that Zeeland’s buses are not only emission-free but also meet the needs of today’s passenger.”

As mentioned above, from December 2026, EBS will operate Zeeland’s public transport under the Reizen Door Zeeland brand. The fixed bus network will be complemented by Flex, an on-demand transport service that can be booked seven days a week between 06:00 and 23:00. Flex, which is already operating in Schouwen-Duiveland, Noord-Beveland, and parts of Zeeuws-Vlaanderen, will offer passengers a more flexible, reliable transport option. Local operators will support EBS in running the Flex service.