EBS to exit IJssel-Vecht bus concession in 2029, six years early, amid mounting financial losses

Public transport operator EBS will end its IJssel-Vecht bus concession in the Netherlands in July 2029, six years ahead of the original 2035 expiry date, following an agreement with the provinces of Gelderland, Flevoland and Overijssel over financial losses affecting the contract that started in 2022.

The three provincial governments have decided to amend the existing concession and launch a new tendering procedure, while EBS will continue operating bus services until July 2029. As reported by local trade media PV Personenvervoer, the provinces will provide additional financial contributions to maintain service continuity, although the largest share of the losses will remain with EBS.

The financial terms have not yet been finalized. The provincial authorities have stated that the additional contributions can be accommodated within their existing public transport budgets, without disclosing specific amounts.

EBS IJssel-Vecht concession: financial losses lead to early termination

The decision follows discussions between EBS and the three provinces after provincial representatives and EBS employees were informed in early July about substantial financial losses affecting the IJssel-Vecht operation.

According to PV Personenvervoer, EBS is facing operational deficits that have made the concession unprofitable, with no prospect of restoring profitability over the coming years.

The concession was awarded following a competitive tender in 2022, when EBS was selected from three bidders.

The provincial authorities have identified a combination of operational setbacks, higher costs and external factors, including electricity grid congestion, among the circumstances affecting the financial balance of the contract.

Under the revised arrangements, EBS will remain responsible for operating services until July 2029 rather than 2035. The provinces will contribute financially during the remaining operating period, while EBS will bear the largest share of the losses.

As reported by the Dutch trade publication, the agreement is not yet definitive, and the authorities have not published the amount of financial support involved. However, the provincial governments have confirmed that the contributions will remain within the existing public transport budget.

New bus concession tender planned for 2029

Gelderland, Flevoland and Overijssel will now prepare a new procurement procedure for bus services from 2029 onwards.

The future geographical and contractual structure of the concession has not yet been determined. The three provincial authorities intend to define the new arrangements over the coming months.

According to PV Personenvervoer, Gelderland intends to establish a separate concession covering the portion of the IJssel-Vecht network within its territory, following developments in the public transport market in recent years.

The provinces nevertheless intend to continue their cooperation under the RRReis public transport brand, maintaining a common identity for regional services.

The revised concession timetable does not involve an immediate change of operator. EBS will continue providing bus services until July 2029, when the new contractual arrangements are scheduled to take effect.