Roosendaal Bus Electrification Delayed Due to Power Grid Constraints
West Brabant is gearing up for a greener future with a new bus concession that prioritizes clean and sustainable transportation. Arriva, the company awarded the concession, is committed to incorporating electric buses into its fleet, significantly reducing emissions and noise pollution. However, a temporary setback has emerged in Roosendaal.
Charging Infrastructure Challenged by Network Capacity
The lack of sufficient capacity in the local power grid presents a significant hurdle to immediate electrification in Roosendaal. Despite the province of North Brabant’s ambition for fully electric bus operation, the demand for electricity from Arriva’s new depot exceeds the grid’s current capacity.
Iniitally, expectations were high that electric buses would be running in Roosendaal when the new concession starts next summer.
“That is a great shame, but such a setback is sometimes part of a major transition,” acknowledges provincial administrator Stijn Smeulders. “Despite all our efforts, those of Arriva and those of the grid operator, there is insufficient capacity available on the grid. As soon as it is available again, we will also switch to electric in Roosendaal.”
Grid operator Enexis, responsible for managing the electricity infrastructure, has been actively working to expand its network capacity. The company prioritizes requests whenever possible, but Arriva, as a private company, is not currently eligible for expedited service. This means the bus operator must join the regular queue for a power connection.
Diesel Buses as a Temporary Solution
Recognizing the urgent need for reliable transportation service, the province worked collaboratively with Arriva to develop a temporary solution. Approximately 50 buses operating from the depot on Schotsbossenstraat will initially run on diesel fuel. This arrangement will continue for the first few years of the concession, ensuring uninterrupted service for commuters.
A Commitment to Full Electrification by 2030
Despite the delay in Roosendaal, the overall commitment to electric bus operation in West Brabant remains firmly in place. The new concession will boast a fleet of approximately 200 buses, with around 130 being electric from the outset.
The long-term objective is to achieve full electrification across the entire West Brabant region by 2030. This ambitious target encompasses all bus routes, including local services, demonstrating a steadfast dedication to sustainable transportation solutions.
The timetable for the new bus services will remain unchanged, commencing on July 6, 2025. Arriva is currently finalizing the details of these schedules, ensuring a seamless transition for passengers.
What solutions are being considered to address the power grid capacity issues in Roosendaal?
Roosendaal Bus Electrification Delayed Due to Power Grid Constraints
West Brabant is gearing up for a greener future with a new bus concession that prioritizes clean and sustainable transportation. Arriva, the company awarded the concession, is committed to incorporating electric buses into its fleet, significantly reducing emissions and noise pollution. However, a temporary setback has emerged in Roosendaal.
Charging Infrastructure Challenged by Network Capacity
The lack of sufficient capacity in the local power grid presents a significant hurdle to immediate electrification in Roosendaal. Despite the province of North Brabant’s ambition for fully electric bus operation, the demand for electricity from Arriva’s new depot exceeds the grid’s current capacity.
We are joined today by Stijn Smeulders, Provincial administrator for North Brabant, to discuss this delay. Stijn, can you elaborate on the situation in Roosendaal?
**Stijn Smeulders:** “Yes, it’s true that the transition to fully electric buses in Roosendaal is facing a slight delay. While we had hoped to see electric buses running from the get-go when the new concession starts next summer, the power grid capacity in Roosendaal is simply not sufficient to meet the demands of charging the bus fleet at this time. [[1](https://www.transport-online.nl/68267/vol-stroomnet-zorgt-voor-latere-invoer-elektrische-bussen-in-roosendaal/)]
That is a great shame, but such a setback is sometimes part of a major transition. Despite all our efforts, sometimes these technical hurdles arise. It is important to emphasize that this is a temporary setback and we are working closely with grid operators and Arriva to find solutions to expand the capacity in Roosendaal.
This delay raises concerns about the timeline for achieving the province’s goals for sustainable transport. What are the next steps in addressing this issue?
**Stijn Smeulders:** “We are actively exploring several options.
Primarily, this involves working with the grid operator to upgrade the existing infrastructure and increase power supply to the depot. This might involve reinforcing existing lines or potentially even constructing new connections. We are also looking into the feasibility of interim solutions such as smart charging technologies that can optimize electricity consumption and minimize strain on the grid during peak hours.
Our goal remains to make Roosendaal’s bus fleet fully electric as quickly as possible, and we are committed to working collaboratively with all stakeholders to overcome this challenge.
