More Buses to And in Groningen From January 19
Addressing increased demand with new routes, timetable adjustments, and innovative solutions to meet increasing travel needs.
Public transportation in Groningen and Drenthe has experienced a significant increase in bus usage, with a 13% rise in passengers compared to 2023, particularly during weekends and evenings. While weekday rush hours still see slightly fewer passengers than pre-pandemic levels, weekend usage has surged by 19% on Saturdays and 28% on Sundays. To accommodate this growth, Qbuzz, in collaboration with the OV-bureau Groningen Drenthe, is implementing several changes, including additional bus services and timetable adjustments.
New Services and Enhancements
Starting January 19, Qbuzz will introduce minor timetable changes and additional bus trips on various routes. Key updates include:
Line 2: Added service between Groningen Europapark Station and Zuidhorn.
Line 50: New trip departing from Assen to De Punt at 15:46.
Line 109: An additional trip from Assen to Groningen Zernike at 9:54, aligning with university schedules.
Line 209: New express service between Eelde Airport and Groningen to reduce congestion on Line 9.
Line 93 and Line 95: Extra morning rush hour trips in Emmen to address overcrowding.
Other changes include altered departure times, reinforcement buses on busy routes, and optimized schedules for better punctuality.
Challenges and Solutions
While driver availability is sufficient, the region faces a shortage of buses. To address this, older buses have been brought back into service temporarily, such as the iconic orange buses on Line 15 to Zernike. However, long-term solutions are being explored, including the purchase of new Qliners and regional buses.
Weekend Growth and Recreational Travel
Weekend and evening travel has seen the highest growth, largely driven by increased recreational trips. Despite the rise, current bus capacity is sufficient during these times, and no additional weekend services are planned. This contrasts with weekday rush hours, where targeted expansions aim to meet demand.