The operation and maintenance contract for the train service that connects the central Dutch provinces of Ede-Wageningen (Gelderland) and Amersfoort (Utrecht) has been given to Keolis Nederland by the province of Gelderland.
The 13-year deal, which will begin in December 2023, is anticipated to bring in €150 million in total. The trains will undergo two years of modernization and redesigning in order to operate under the name “RRReis,” which serves as the brand for all regional public transport in the provinces of Flevoland, Gelderland, and Overijssel.
Eight stations are served by the 34km Valleilijn intercity rail line. Keolis will take over the network’s seven electric trains and 35 staff as of December 10th, 2023.
During the first two years of the contract, the trains will be renovated to improve both passenger comfort (wider, more comfortable seats) and journey quality (more powerful Wi-Fi, USB connection points and power outlets).
Passenger flows will be optimised by rearranging the train layout and increasing the number of seats.