Qbuzz, a public transport company in the Netherlands, which is part of FS Group, has selected CAF to supply 10 three-car Civity commuter trains as well as a corresponding spare parts package, which are scheduled for delivery from 2028.
The trains Qbuzz has chosen are part of the Civity platform and will be equipped with CAF’s ETCS signalling system.
Each will have a capacity for approximately 350 passengers along its almost 60 metre length and will also include areas for 12 bicycles at the ends of the train and for people with reduced mobility which will have space for two passengers in a wheelchair in the middle of the train and they can enter and exit the train independently via a wide extension step that reaches the edge of the platform.
The new trains will be energy efficient units designed to run at a speed of 160 km/h.
This investment is part of the initiative being implemented by the province of South Holland to be capable of operating on ERTMS-lines, improve public transport and make it more sustainable. These new units will be used on the line running between the cities of Dordrecht and Geldermalsen (the MerwedeLingelijn), which was awarded to operator Qbuzz by the South Holland Provincial Authority in 2018. Qbuzz’ intention in acquiring the new Civity commuter trains is to replace the units currently operating on the line that are not equipped with the advanced ERTMS signalling system, which is scheduled to be implemented on parts of the line by 2027.
Qbuzz, together with the province of South Holland, invests in new trains and may provide public transport in the Drechtsteden, Molenlanden and Gorinchem (DMG) region until December 2033.
The reason for extending the concession is the European rollout of the digital railway safety system, ERTMS. Within a few years, all trains running around Dordrecht station will have to be adapted or replaced. Converting the existing trains was investigated but turned out to be far too expensive compared to the remaining lifespan of the trains, Qbuzz explains. In addition, there were two important areas for improvement such as more doors and toilets on board. That is why the province has decided, together with the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, to release extra funding for the purchase of new trains. In this way, the investment in safety also increases the comfort for travellers.
“We are pleased with the confidence of the province of South Holland to green and improve public transport in this concession over the next 10 years. First with new trains and then with new, emission-free buses. This means a great development in comfort and public transport options for our travellers,” Gerrit Spijksma, the CEO Qbuzz said.
Now that the new trains have been ordered, the new agreements between the province and the carrier have come into effect. According to these agreements, Qbuzz will provide public transport in the DMG region for 7 additional years. During this period, the timetables of a number of R-net and SnelBuzz lines will be expanded. In addition, all buses will be replaced by electric buses or other emission-free buses by the beginning of 2030 at the latest. As a result, the buses will not only run emission-free, but will also be quieter and more comfortable.
“This is a great step for public transport in the region. Travellers will enjoy the zero-emission buses and the more accessible new trains with more capacity for both passengers and bicycles,” said Frederik Zevenbergen, the Deputy of the Province of Zuid-Holland.
Qbuzz is serving concessions in the region Groningen-Drenthe, city of Utrecht and in the region between cities Utrecht and Rotterdam. Founded in 2008, it operates bus, tram and train lines, transporting approximately 350,000 passengers every day.
The province is committed to investing EUR 26 million for the new Civity commuter trains. The Provincial Council has released EUR 13.8 million for the new trains for the period up to and including 2033. The province will contribute a maximum of EUR 10 million of this to the interest costs, because the interest on loans has risen sharply. The remaining EUR 3.8 million will be spent to maintain the timetable. Without this contribution, further cuts in the timetable would have been necessary, due to a declining number of travellers, partly as a result of more frequent working from home. By investing in better public transport, South Holland will remain pleasantly liveable and accessible for everyone in the future.
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