More Buses Will Be Deployed in Groningen Following the Transport Crisis
More Buses Will Be Deployed in Groningen Following the Transport Crisis
As public transport accessibility declines nationwide, Groningen and Drenthe boost bus services to meet rising demand, but broader challenges remain for commuters.
A new report from the Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency (PBL) shows that public transport is becoming harder to access across the country. Many people, especially those in rural areas and on the outskirts of cities, are finding it more difficult to reach important places like schools, hospitals, and workplaces. The report highlights that 30% of elderly people can’t get to a hospital within 30 minutes, and 17% of schoolchildren can’t reach their schools in that time either.
Since 2012, public transport services have been cut, especially in the northern provinces of Drenthe, Groningen, and Friesland. Bus stops in these areas have decreased by up to 17%, making it harder for people without cars to get around. The report also found that people who rely on public transport face longer travel times, particularly in the evenings and weekends, while car owners still enjoy easy access to services.
One positive development is that Qbuzz, the bus company operating in Groningen and Drenthe, is adding extra buses from September 30. This decision comes after a 10% increase in passengers on weekdays compared to last year. The extra buses will run between key routes like Station Noord and Zernike Campus, with additional trips added to other lines in the region. These extra services will help meet the growing demand in the area.
Although these added buses will help commuters in Groningen and Drenthe, the overall problems with public transport in the Netherlands are still a major concern. The PBL report calls for more investment in public transport to close the gap between people with cars and those without. Without action, the situation is likely to worsen, making it even harder for people who rely on public transport to get to where they need to go.