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Utrecht Transit Disruptions to Continue for Weeks as Northern Provinces Map Limited, Funding‑Dependent Upgrades

Provincial officials in Utrecht move toward fines after a troubled timetable switch under new operators.

Overview

  • Utrecht riders still face daily delays and some cancellations weeks after the mid‑December handover, with better communication to passengers demanded by deputy André van Schie.
  • Transdev now operates bus and tram in Utrecht city and surroundings and Keolis holds the bus concessions in the province, both under the U‑OV brand.
  • A D66 proposal for two weeks of free travel was described as sympathetic, with the province considering a suitable gesture for affected passengers.
  • Groningen and Drenthe plan no service cuts and outline modest timetable additions from 28 June 2026, contingent on temporary national support despite a €28 million shortfall.
  • Northern officials caution that stopgap funding could be followed by retrenchment, as OV Pay replaces the OV‑chipkaart and the new Voordeel Noord discount changes who gains from fare reductions.