Qbuzz is a public transport company in the Netherlands that operates services in Friesland, 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.
 | |
| Industry | Public transport |
|---|---|
| Founded | April 2008 |
| Founder | Rob van Holten Leon Struijk |
| Headquarters | , Netherlands |
| Revenue | €213 million (2016) |
| €9 million (2016) | |
| Owner | Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane |
Number of employees | 2,100 (2017) |
| Website | www.qbuzz.nl |
History
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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
editIn 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
editAs at March 2016, Qbuzz operated 686 buses and 27 trams.[17]
References
edit- ^ Connexxion, Arriva and Qbuzz NRC Handelsblad 2 September 2011 (Dutch)
- ^ NS obtains remaining share in Qbuzz Nederlandse Spoorwegen February 2014
- ^ Qbuzz Abellio
- ^ NS uncovers tendering irregularities Railway Gazette International 29 April 2015
- ^ Arriva wins re-awarded Limburg operating contract Railway Gazette International 3 June 2015
- ^ Arriva delighted as it profits from scandal at rival Abellio The Daily Telegraph 9 June 2015
- ^ NS puts Qbuzz up for sale Railway Gazette International 11 July 2016
- ^ Busitalia buys Qbuzz, Dutch public transport services company[permanent dead link] Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane 13 July 2017
- ^ Qbuzz had to get out of the way De Telegraaf 13 December 2008 (Dutch)
- ^ a b Qbuzz loses ground in the north RTV Drenthe 11 August 2016 (Dutch)
- ^ Free travel with Qbuzz Groningen Provence (Dutch)
- ^ Qbuzz wins Utrecht sneltram concession Railway Gazette International 26 October 2010
- ^ BRU selects Qbuzz to operate bus and light rail in Utrecht Global Mass Transit 26 October 2010
- ^ Qbuzz wins Utrecht concession Today's Railways Europe issue 180 December 2010 page 17
- ^ "Qbuzz ook nieuwe vervoerder reizigers op R-net MerwedeLingeLijn". 8 December 2018.
- ^ "Ook Qbuzz wil internationale treinen naar Parijs en Berlijn". 12 June 2023.
- ^ Abellio facts & figures Abellio 29 March 2016
External links
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Media related to Qbuzz at Wikimedia Commons