Independent experts, commissioned by the DOVA partnership and several transport authorities, produced a framework to help Dutch provinces decide whether to contract out public transport, operate it themselves or use an intermediate arrangement. The report did not endorse either outsourcing or public operation, but said the appropriate choice depends on the problem to be addressed and the risks and benefits of each model.

The review followed problems with contracted services, including operators’ difficulties meeting requirements for zero-emission buses and expanded timetables. Flevoland, Gelderland and Overijssel had recently decided to end their contract with EBS early over structural losses on the IJssel-Vecht concession. Flevoland is preparing a new tender for service from July 2029, while whether it will consider operating the service itself has not yet been decided.