The enthusiasm and involvement of the participants was great. They not only indicated their preferences, but also asked many questions and actively contributed ideas. Topics participants consider important: convenience, accessibility, safety and comfort. And in addition: that the bus is future-proof and attractive. 

What participants chose - and what we do with it

Based on the participants’ preferences, the Province of Zeeland together with EBS has now made choices for the interior of the new buses. Below you can read the key outcomes.

Seats: sturdy and the color purple

Most participants chose seats with thick cushions, a firm neutral  (less contoured) backrest, type 2 was mentioned most often. This seat type is rated by passengers in buses in parts of Gelderland, Flevoland and Overijssel with an 8.1 for seating comfort. We follow participants’ preference and therefore choose this type of seat for the new buses. As for the color, it turned out that people up to 30 years old more often preferred blue. While the 31-50 age category more often chose purple. We have chosen purple, matching the exterior of the bus. Purple symbolizes quality and individuality, fitting well with the new transport system we are striving for.

Priority seats in green

For the priority seats, intended for people who need extra support, various colors were mentioned. The red color was mentioned most often by a small margin. However, we deliberately choose green here: a color that looks friendly and inviting for anyone who needs just a bit more support. In our view, green and purple go nicely together. Moreover, the contrast between purple and green is large, making the priority seats clearly visible to passengers with a visual impairment. There will be two priority seats at the front of the bus, close to the door, facing the direction of travel.

Floor with a light look

The bus floor will have a light wood look. A large majority of the participants chose the wood look. Notably, especially people up to 41 years old preferred the wood look; above that, the terrazzo look was the favorite. We align with the majority and choose the wood look. In our view, this choice fits well with the calm and natural look we have in mind for the buses. 

Wi-Fi on the go

All new buses will have a good free Wi-Fi connection. The questionnaire showed that a small majority (54%) regularly or occasionally uses Wi-Fi on the bus. People can of course also continue to use their own network, as 29% of respondents already do.

Convenient charging on the go

Charging devices was considered important by 77%. There will be a USB-C charging point at every seat. 

No preference for tables

Tables are not a must for many passengers; only 18% indicate they would like to use a table on the bus. Because drivers and passengers also indicate that tables are quickly broken, we are not opting for them. So there will be no tables on the buses. There will, however, be multimedia consoles at every seat, where a mobile phone can be clamped in place.  

Drivers and interest groups

The drivers and various interest groups contributed ideas on the same topics as the passengers. In addition, they also discussed in detail other topics such as the on-board computer, which at their request will be placed a bit further forward (an adjustable option is still being considered), the driver’s seat, which should preferably be manually operated and easy to use, the placement of equipment, cameras and displays, the placement of trash bins at each door, and the accessibility of the buses. To improve accessibility, EBS is aligning the use of color for stop buttons and handholds with an interest group for people with a visual impairment. Finally, there will be a spacious wheelchair space near the exit door in the middle of the bus  .

Neighborhood buses

EBS will also supply the new neighborhood buses that will operate in Zeeland from December 2026. Neighborhood bus associations also spoke with EBS about their preferences. The seat layout in the neighborhood buses will be 2x4, the check-in equipment will be placed to the right of the entrance door so that the driver can help the passenger more easily, and there will be a wheelchair lift in the neighborhood buses. 

Who took part?

In total, we held discussions with about 200 people. 85 passengers completed the questionnaire. Most passengers who completed the questionnaire visited the new bus in Goes or Middelburg, in addition to Terneuzen and Zierikzee. Participants came from all age groups, with the largest representation of people between 31–40 years and 68+. Most participants take the bus regularly: 1 to 3 times or even 4+ days per week (57%). Work (27%), recreation (25%) and school (22%) were the main reasons for traveling. In addition, 44% travel with a subscription. People with a car available sometimes appeared to consciously choose the bus, mainly because of comfort, car parking costs or sustainability.

The discussions we held

There were also many questions from passengers, for which we took plenty of time during the sessions. For example, visitors made suggestions for an emergency phone number, good air conditioning and digital travel information at the stops. All suggestions will be looked at more closely in the coming period. Passengers expressed their appreciation for the drivers and wondered whether they would all keep their jobs. That is indeed the case: in principle, all drivers will transfer from Connexxion to EBS. 

Finally, there were many questions about the new system in which the bus is combined with the Flex. For instance, people wanted to know whether their stops would continue to exist. In the vast majority of cases, they will. People also asked who will operate the Flex and what it looks like. The Flex will be operated by taxi companies that currently provide WMO transport for the municipalities. The Flex is a taxi or (mini)bus with a driver. The Flex runs seven days a week between 6:00 and 23:00. You board at a hub, or, outside built-up areas, you are picked up at home. At the moment the Flex operates on Schouwen-Duiveland and Noord-Beveland; later it will be available throughout Zeeland.

The input from passengers showed what is on the minds of everyday public transport users. A selection of the reactions:

• “Nice that we’re allowed to think along about the colours. Of course it should still stay a bit cheerful on the bus”
• “Really nice that we can even try out sitting on different seats. I’ve never experienced that before.”
• “I think safety is important; on the train you can message a number if you feel unsafe—could that also be possible on the bus?”
• “Great that there will soon be a low step entry on the bus, so that people who are less mobile can also get on the bus easily.”

Open and accessible contact

The audience on 17 June consisted of a mix of daily travellers, occasional users and interested people. Participants could try out sitting on different seats, assess upholstery, think about the colour scheme of the interior and make suggestions about tables and USB points on the bus. The accessibility worked well: there was room for spontaneous conversations, experiences and questions. EBS staff and representatives of the Province of Zeeland were on hand to answer questions. At the location in Middelburg, the activity was briefly disrupted by five demonstrators. 

Conversation with drivers and interest groups

On Wednesday 18 June, the conversation continued with several other important groups: the drivers, the provincial passenger consultative body (OPOV) and a number of neighbourhood bus associations. Among other things, they discussed the possibilities of the onboard computer for drivers, the placement of equipment and the accessibility of the buses. There was ample opportunity to ask questions and provide advice. Finally, a number of the drivers present also took a test drive in the new bus.

Easy planning, booking and paying

Anyone who books a trip at least an hour in advance is guaranteed that a Flex will come. Booking can be done by phone (088 23 58 070) or via the Reizen door Zeeland app. The fares are the same as those for public transport. Payment can be made in the app or to the driver. A student travel card, 65+ card and OV-minima card are valid in the Flex. Within built-up areas, passengers board at a hub – recognizable by a green sign – that is always within 500 meters of their home; outside built-up areas they are picked up or dropped off wherever they want. The Flex makes all of Noord-Beveland accessible.

Alderman van Belzen of the municipality of Noord-Beveland (public transport): “With the introduction of the Flex, we are improving the accessibility of Noord-Beveland in a smart, demand-driven way. For our residents, that means customized service, better connections to existing routes and above all: mobility at times when it’s truly needed. This is an important step in strengthening the quality of life and accessibility of our municipality."

Results Schouwen-Duiveland

Since 17 February, the Flex has been operating on Schouwen-Duiveland. Schouwen-Duiveland is the first municipality where the Flex started operating. Satisfaction among passengers is high. From more than 1,000 ratings, the Flex scores a 4.9 on a five-point scale. Each week, around 50 new users join. 3,000 people have already used the Flex. Passengers are positive, among other things, about the friendly and helpful drivers, the punctuality of the arrival time and that the Flex runs when there are no buses running, such as in the evening and at weekends.

Provincial executive Harry van der Maas (Mobility): “I am pleased with the positive rating from passengers on Schouwen-Duiveland. This gives me a lot of confidence for the rollout of Flex in the other municipalities. After a successful start, it’s great that from today the Flex is also making Noord-Beveland more accessible. In the autumn of 2025, we will roll out the Flex in Walcheren and Zeeuws-Vlaanderen. In 2026, the Bevelanden and Tholen will follow.”

Reizen door Zeeland

Under the name Reizen door Zeeland, the Zeeland municipalities and the Province of Zeeland, supported by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, are working on a Zeeland that is easier to reach. No later than the end of next year, the Flex will operate throughout Zeeland. That is also the moment that EBS takes over bus transport in Zeeland from Connexxion.

On Tuesday 17 June, new buses will be at four locations in Zeeland. You can come and take a look and try out different seats. We are curious about your preference. In addition, you can share your thoughts on the seat upholstery, colors, little tables by the seats and USB ports on the bus. If you have other questions about the bus, you can of course ask those too. People from both EBS and the Province of Zeeland will be present.

Whether you travel daily or take the bus now and then: your ideas help make public transport in Zeeland comfortable, accessible and future-proof.

Will you stop by on Tuesday 17 June?

• Between 11.00 and 14.00: Terneuzen Town Hall and Goes Station, the small square at the back of the station.
• Between 16.00 and 19.00: Sas bus station, Zierikzee and Middelburg Station, on the other side of the Stationsbrug on the Loskade.  

Drivers and passenger consultation groups are also thinking along

Drivers and representatives of the provincial passenger consultation group OPOV will hold a discussion on Wednesday 18 June with EBS about the buses. They will then focus mainly on the positioning of equipment, the dashboard and the accessibility of the buses. The buses will start operating in Zeeland in December 2026. 

Under the name TRAVEL THROUGH ZEELAND, the bus service will be linked with Flex, the flexible transport that ensures every place in Zeeland is accessible from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Measures such as improved schedules will enable buses to run on time more often and be cancelled less frequently. In recent weeks, EBS and the Province have started implementing the new concession, so that everything will be ready by the end of 2026 for a successful launch. Next month, talks will be held with Connexxion bus drivers who will transfer to EBS at the end of 2026. EBS will also provide improved travel information. For example, by installing additional dynamic travel information displays at stops. There will also be special attention for communication aimed at schools and pupils. This autumn, EBS and the Province will, together with municipalities and residents, hold discussions about the bus service from the end of 2026.

Read EBS's press release on this page.

Customer-friendly and knowledgeable

The customer-friendliness and expertise of the staff is an important plus in Zeeland. Passengers rate the customer-friendliness of the ferry crew at an 8.8, which is higher than last year (8.6). The sailing style scores a 9.2. Connexxion bus drivers receive an 8.5 for customer-friendliness and an 8.1 for driving style. These figures are higher than the national average.

Punctuality and the sense of safety on board and at the stop also score high (a 9.1 and 9.0). There are also many positive points for the buses in Zeeland. For example, passengers are satisfied with the ease of boarding (8.9) and the sense of safety during the ride (8.6). In addition, the ease of use of the payment method is rated at an 8.6, which aligns with the national trend of a smooth transition to OVpay.

Provincial Executive member Harry van der Maas is pleased with the positive assessment from Zeeland passengers: “It makes me happy that Zeeland passengers give a positive assessment of public transport in Zeeland. I would like to sincerely thank all staff for providing a pleasant journey for Zeeland passengers every day anew. I am tremendously proud of this positive assessment!”

Areas for improvement

Although no insufficient scores were given, a few areas for improvement are mentioned. Passengers would like to see more trips per day, both for the ferry and the buses. In Zeeland, we are working hard on this with the introduction of Flex. The provision of information in case of delays is mentioned as a point of attention. Finally, passengers are somewhat critical of the price.

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. 

We talked about:

• How does travelling with the Flex work?
• What are the experiences of the Flex testers?
• What is needed to successfully introduce the Flex to our supporters?

Together we will make the Flex a success! We would like to sincerely thank all attendees for their presence and enthusiasm. With your support, we will make the region more accessible for everyone!

The Flex is always close by and takes you where you need to be on Schouwen-Duiveland. Plan your trip in the Reizen door Zeeland app or call the Transport Control Centre.