U-OV reduces bus services in Utrecht to improve punctuality amid ongoing delays
Starting April 5, U-OV will cut bus services by up to 11% in Utrecht to tackle persistent delays and cancellations. Commuters in Amersfoort, Wijk bij Duurstede, and Utrecht city will face fewer buses, but operators promise better reliability and expanded compensation for disruptions.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Operators | Transdev, Keolis (under U-OV) |
| Affected Areas | Utrecht Binnen (11% reduction), Utrecht Buiten (9% reduction) |
| Start Dates | April 5 (Utrecht Buiten), May 3 (Utrecht Binnen) |
| Compensation Scheme | Expanded for delays/cancellations (March 1 – May 31, 2026) |
| Tram Services | Unchanged |
| Province’s Stance | Disapproves but allows the measure |
| Contact for Press | 06 42 47 30 33 |
The province of Utrecht oversees public transport operations, including U-OV, ensuring reliable and accessible services for residents. While it holds regulatory authority, operational decisions—such as timetable adjustments—are often delegated to contracted transport providers like Transdev and Keolis.
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U-OV operators: Scaling back timetable for greater reliability
Transdev and Keolis, the operators jointly providing public transport in the province of Utrecht under the name U-OV, are opting for a temporary scaling back of the timetable on several bus routes. By running slightly fewer services on certain lines, they expect the timetable to become more reliable and punctual. The province of Utrecht is not pleased with the scaling back but has allowed it under protest.
In the Utrecht Buiten area, which includes Amersfoort and the western and eastern parts of the province, Keolis will reduce services by 9% starting April 5, particularly in Amersfoort and Wijk bij Duurstede. For more information on which routes and services are affected, visit the U-OV website.
In the Utrecht Binnen area, which includes Utrecht city and its directly adjacent municipalities, Transdev will reduce services by 11% starting May 3. Details on which routes are affected will be available soon on the U-OV website. The tram line timetables will remain unchanged.
Compensation scheme
In addition, operators Keolis and U-OV have announced a temporary expansion of the ‘compensation for delays or cancellations’ scheme. The temporary arrangement applies to travel from March 1 to May 31, 2026. For more information on the compensation scheme, visit the U-OV page Temporary expansion of compensation for delays or cancellations.
Explaining public transport problems
Bus services in the province of Utrecht have been facing cancellations and delays since mid-December. Initial signs of improvement are now visible. Want to know more about what is causing the problems? Visit the U-OV website or our page Explanation of public transport problems | Province of Utrecht.
For press inquiries: 06 42 47 30 33