The Dutch provinces of Overijssel and Drenthe have extended their contract with Arriva for the operation and maintenance of the Vechtdal regional rail services. The new 15-year contract is worth EUR 650 million and will start in December 2028 and end in 2043.
The contract covers two key routes in the eastern Netherlands – from Zwolle to Emmen, and from Almelo to Hardenberg – and includes plans to enhance service frequency, modernise rolling stock, and improve the passenger experience.
From 2028, the timetable will be expanded with additional service kilometres.
- On the Almelo–Hardenberg route, trains will run roughly every half hour throughout the day.
- On Zwolle–Emmen, there will be extra services both early morning and during peak hours.
- Trains will call twice an hour at Dalen and Gramsbergen. Together, these improvements benefit all passengers
Under the contract, Arriva will invest in new electric trains and more frequent, comfortable services. The operator will add five new four-car Flirt EMUs, to the existing fleet of 15 EMUs, increasing seating capacity and ensuring the highest levels of comfort. In this way, Arriva will deliver greater capacity and comfort, including upgraded seating, enhanced workspaces and quiet zones for travellers.
All 15 existing EMUs and the new units will be repainted in the ‘purple‑blue‑green’ RRReis brand style, replacing the familiar blue and white trains that have been a staple in Overijssel and Drenthe. The interior will also be refreshed with newly upholstered seats and additional facilities for both work-friendly and quiet travel.
The Almelo–Mariënberg route will be electrified, allowing Arriva to deploy cleaner, more comfortable trains. “From December 2028, passengers in the Vechtdal region will benefit for a period of 15 years from an extended timetable, including more frequent services throughout the day on both routes, said Anne Hettinga, Managing Director Arriva Nederland and member of the Arriva Executive Committee.
Arriva will operate the Almelo–Mariënberg railway which is being electrified to enable the use of electric trains, transitioning away from diesel operation. This electrification is part of a broader effort to reduce emissions in the Netherlands’ rail network. The project is being carried out by ProRail on behalf of the Province of Overijssel and is expected to be completed by the end of 2028 when the new EMUs will enter operation.
“The Almelo–Mariënberg line will also be electrified, enabling a full transition to electric trains on the route – an important step in Arriva’s wider commitment to reducing emissions across its European network,” Anne Hettinga stated.
Arriva is operating the Vechtdal regional rail lines since the first concession in 2012 with The Netherlands being one of Europe’s most liberalised and competitive public transport markets. The Netherlands is one of Arriva Group’s largest markets, operating bus and rail services across several regions. This latest contract win strengthens Arriva’s position in Europe, where the Group is actively seeking opportunities in liberalising markets, backed by a deep local knowledge and the experience and scale of a pan-European operator.
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