In large parts of the province, it will be possible to travel for free during off-peak hours for people with a minimum income in South Holland starting October 1, 2025. This has been agreed upon by the province with Qbuzz, Connexxion, and NS for the train between Alphen a/d Rijn and Gouda.

This is a trial for 4 years. On Monday, July 15, the provincial government allocated €2.5 million per year to reimburse the subscriptions. The trial is intended for people with a minimum income living in the areas where the province of South Holland organizes public transport. It is up to the municipalities in these areas to decide whether to participate and to approach the target group.

The off-peak subscriptions apply:

• After 9 a.m. on weekdays, and all day on weekends and holidays
• On all buses from Connexxion/Transdev and Qbuzz that operate on behalf of the province of South Holland, even when these buses operate in adjacent transport areas
• On the train between Dordrecht and Geldermalsen (MerwedeLingelijn)
• On the train between Alphen aan den Rijn and Gouda

Distributed Among Municipalities

The number of public transport subscriptions that the province can reimburse is distributed among municipalities based on the number of residents with a minimum income. With the available budget, this subscription can be reimbursed for about a third of the target group.

Municipalities decide for themselves whether to participate in the trial. They also determine the exact income threshold and can reimburse additional subscriptions if desired. Municipalities can register residents with a minimum income with the service organization that will be appointed for this purpose. This organization sends the public transport cards with the off-peak subscription to residents and is available for questions.

More Opportunities

“We are very happy that we can start this trial in October,” says provincial executive Frederik Zevenbergen (transportation). “This gives people with a minimum income in a large part of South Holland more freedom to travel. For them, this is practical support.”

These Municipalities Can Participate

The Metropolitan Region of Rotterdam The Hague organizes public transport in its own area and does not participate in the trial. Municipalities in the rest of South Holland can register. These are:

• Alblasserdam
• Alphen aan den Rijn
• Bodegraven-Reeuwijk
• Dordrecht
• Goeree-Overflakkee
• Gorinchem
• Gouda
• Hardinxveld-Giessendam
• Hendrik-Ido-Ambacht
• Hillegom
• Hoeksche Waard
• Kaag en Braassem
• Katwijk
• Krimpenerwaard
• Leiden
• Leiderdorp
• Lisse
• Molenlanden
• Nieuwkoop
• Noordwijk
• Oegstgeest
• Papendrecht
• Sliedrecht
• Teylingen
• Voorschoten
• Waddinxveen
• Zoeterwoude
• Zuidplas
• Zwijndrecht

Residents of the municipalities mentioned above who qualify for the trial will be contacted at a later time.