Arriva’s plan to launch a new train service between Groningen and Zwolle on January 2 has been delayed. ProRail had initially granted permission for only four daily weekday trips, which Arriva found insufficient.
The company appealed to the Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM), which partially sided with Arriva. The ACM criticized ProRail for a lack of transparency in its decision due to infrastructure capacity and technical limitations.
ProRail must now reassess its decision by December 31. Until then, Arriva has halted preparations, citing that four trips are not economically viable.
Arriva aims to compete with NS, which currently holds exclusive rights to the main rail network. Under new European regulations, other operators can use the main railway lines provided it doesn’t adversely affect NS.
Source: NOS