Le Dutch government gave until 10 June at rail operators for a range of services on international routes. The company seized this opportunity Arriva Netherlands. This subsidiary of Deutsche Bahn submitted a route application to the Dutch Consumer and Markets Authority (ACM) on 8 June. The operator wishes to operate its first international train service "Open Access between the towns of Groningen, in the north of the Netherlandsand Paris. The line would pass through Amsterdam, Rotterdam, AntwerpBrussels and Paris.
Open Access" means that the carrier bears all the costs associated with the launch of the line, its operation and its services. Without claiming any state subsidies.
The future link meets a growing demand for more sustainable transport options within Europe. It is in line with the European Commission's objective of creating more cross-border rail links.
Future competition with Thalys
If it receives all the necessary approvals, Arriva intends to operate the daily service from June 2026 with a total journey time of just over five hours from Groningen to Paris. The route would be offered on a daily return trip. Arriva will also offer a third daily service between Amsterdam and Paris in the middle of the day. The project also includes a stop at Schiphol airport to facilitate connections between planes and trains.
The timetables are already known. The train will leave Groningen at 05:30 and stop at Zwolle, Almere, Amsterdam South, Schiphol, Rotterdam Central, Antwerp Central, Brussels South and arrive in Paris Gare du Nord at 10:40. The return journey will leave Paris at 19:15, arriving in Groningen at around 00:30.
Mike Cooper, CEO of the Arriva Group, explains the arrival of DB's international subsidiary. " International rail has an important role to play in supporting the sustainability agenda by encouraging people to switch from aviation to short-haul intercity services. This is good for competition, which is good for passengers. By using our experience in European markets, we can facilitate a change in travel habits." .
Arriva Netherlands plans to submit further applications between the Netherlands, Belgium and France. If it wins this service concession, Arriva will be a serious competitor to Eurostar between Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam. This will probably lead to a reduction in rates.
