Qbuzz, a subsidiary of Italy's Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane, has revealed its plans to establish train services linking Amsterdam and Paris, with stops in Belgium. This announcement follows the
recent announcement by Arriva, a subsidiary of Deutsche Bahn, about its intention to operate a daily train service between Groningen and Paris, with stops in Brussels and Antwerp. Both companies aim to provide enhanced connectivity and expand train services between the Netherlands, Belgium, and France.
Qbuzz has set its sights on January 2027 for the launch of trains connecting Amsterdam not only to Paris but also to Berlin, as stated in its application to the Dutch regulator ACM. Additionally, Qbuzz has plans to establish a connection between Amsterdam and Eindhoven, further enhancing travel options within the Netherlands.
Arriva's proposed train service, scheduled to commence in 2026, will offer a convenient route between Groningen and Paris, with stops in Brussels and Antwerp. The company has expressed its intention to submit additional applications in the future for train services connecting Dutch, Belgian, and French cities.
The timing of these announcements is significant, as the Dutch government aims to incorporate international rail links into the main rail network unless alternative applications are submitted promptly. The concession for the main rail network would once again be granted to the state rail operator, NS.
The ACM will undertake an investigation to assess whether the proposed connections would conflict with existing passenger trains operated by NS. The companies involved point to the Single European Railway Directive of the European Union, which grants access to railway lines to companies other than the infrastructure owners.
These plans reflect the commitment to improving international rail connectivity and fostering closer ties between the Netherlands, Belgium, and France. By expanding train services and creating new routes, travelers can look forward to more convenient and efficient transportation options in the future. Photo by Nelso Silva, Wikimedia commons.