Zuid-Holland issues fine worth €3.5 million to Qbuzz for poor control of bus network

The province of Zuid-Holland have issued 3.5 million euros worth of fines to transport company Qbuzz, because the company did not meet the requirements as was agreed. Qbuzz controls the bus transport in the northern part of Zuid-Holland since the end of last year, this includes cities like Alphen aan de Rijn, Gouda, and Leiden. The first months went chaotically under Qbuzz stewardship, with many busses being canceled or not on time.

“Qbuzz left passengers in the cold in a figurative and literal sense. Travelers could not count on reliable and accessible public transport,” said the province of Zuid-Holland, who pay Qbuzz to control the bus transport.

Deputy Frederik Zevenbergen announced in January that Qbuzz was going to be fined for the “false start.” The board has now determined the fine amount. “These fines are significant, but I think they are more than justified,” said Zevenbergen, who is in charge of public transport. “Travelers have been abandoned. That is what we hold Qbuzz accountable for.”

Qbuzz has to pay 2.3 million euros because the busses did not meet the requirements. The company used touring buses and dozens of diesel busses because almost 110 of the 140 electric busses order from Iveco were not delivered on time.

The replacement busses did not have systems that could show traffic information and were also inaccessible for people with a wheelchair or stroller at times. In addition, Qbuzz also failed to come through on their promise for emissions free transport.

Around eight percent of the trips were canceled in the first few weeks of Qbuzz taking control of the public transport. Of the busses that did drive, almost half left too early or more than three minutes later. Both percentages are far below the pre determined requirements. Qbuzz are forced to pay 1.15 million euros for these failures.

The province will use the money to make improvements to public transport in the region, one example is the renovation of bus stops. “We will continue to work with Qbuzz on improving the service to the level that was promised to us and the passengers,” said Zevenbergen.

Qbuzz director Annemarie Zuidberg apologized for the problematic start at the end of January. Zuid-Holland is not only fining Qbuzz but is also considering "partially suspending" the monthly operating contribution. Qbuzz will likely receive almost 47 million euros this year.