The public transport in Brabant operates with 3 concession areas, of which East Brabant is by far the largest. The area extends from Hilvarenbeek and Waalwijk to Oss and Boxmeer. The new concession promises a significant qualitative improvement for public transport in the central and northeastern parts of Brabant.

Extra supply

The concession means, among other things, a 15 percent increase in supply (service hours), more and faster direct travel options, and various new connections. For example, both Kaatsheuvel/Efteling and Waalwijk will get the fastest connection to Tilburg and ’s-Hertogenbosch, and the current line 99 Uden-Nijmegen will become a high-quality Bravodirect line. In addition, more than 170 new comfortable and accessible zero-emission buses will be put into service. On the main city lines in Tilburg and ’s-Hertogenbosch, buses with a metro-like appearance will operate.

Extra budget

The province of North Brabant is allocating an additional 3.5 million euros annually on top of the current public transport budget to allow public transport in East Brabant to grow in line with urbanization in the coming years. This will ensure that cities like Tilburg, ’s-Hertogenbosch, and Oss remain well accessible by bus in the future. In anticipation of the new concession, the province will also introduce the hub and stop taxi Bravoflex in the concession area as a supplement to public transport starting in January 2026.

Brabant in motion

“After a difficult period around corona, our public transport is really starting to grow again,” says mobility deputy Stijn Smeulders. “That is good to see, because we need the bus desperately to keep Brabant moving. With the additional supply of fast and direct buses, we are taking a first step towards Bus Rapid Transit in the new concession.”

Jan Pieter Been, regional director of Arriva South: “We are really incredibly happy that the concession in East Brabant has been awarded to us again and that we can continue to be there for all East Brabant travelers. With this award, we can further develop public transport in this area with heart and soul and optimally organize our services for the travelers. We are proud of this result and would like to thank all travelers, the Province of North Brabant for their trust, and of course all Arriva colleagues who are there every day for all our travelers!”

After the expiration of the legal objection period, more details about the future public transport offer will be announced next autumn. The new concession will start on December 13, 2026, and has a duration of 12.5 years.