The Province of Zeeland has drawn up an extensive package of requirements ahead of the tender to guarantee that, in Zeeland too, quality bus transport will be offered from the end of 2026 onwards. Bidders first had to be able to meet all these requirements. They could earn points both by offering higher quality and by offering a low price. From the  assessment it follows that EBS won the tender by offering a better price-quality ratio than the other bidder, transport company Arriva.

,,I am extremely happy that we have found a new carrier in EBS. EBS will organize bus transport for passengers in Zeeland for twelve years. I am looking forward to good cooperation,” says deputy Harry van der Maas. ,,The new buses that EBS will supply are comfortable, sustainable, accessible and quiet, which makes it attractive for many Zeeland residents to choose public transport. More importantly, EBS is making an even greater effort to prevent cancelled trips and delays than we had already required. Finally, good transport stands or falls with the staff who carry it out. EBS has indicated how it wants to bring staff satisfaction to a high level. With EBS, current staff get a good employer; I am very pleased with that.”

The transport companies could score points for the rolling stock, cooperation with Zeeland companies, a good transition to sustainability and improvements to the prescribed timetable. EBS involves the Zeeland SME sector in bus transport, offers a high guarantee of punctuality, a low number of cancelled trips and good connections between bus lines. Passengers and drivers may contribute ideas about the layout of the buses. As early as the start of the bus concession, the majority of the trips will be operated electrically. EBS guarantees enough charging locations. EBS also scored well in the tender on the bid price. In the assessment, quality counted for 60% and price for 40%.   

EBS will work closely in the execution with the carriers that provide Flex and the Transport Centre that coordinates it. By the end of 2026, Flex will have been rolled out across all of Zeeland – flexible transport on demand, as a supplement to public transport. The public transport system will then make all locations in Zeeland accessible from early in the morning until late in the evening.