Arriva Netherlands has launched a new international rail service, seamlessly connecting three countries.
Collaboration between Arriva, Dutch national operator NS and Belgian national operator NMBS has enabled the EU co-funded initiative, which will allow passengers to travel between Liège in Belgium, Maastricht in the Netherlands and Aachen in Germany without needing to change trains.
The ‘Three-Country Trains’ are owned by Arriva and run in collaboration with Dutch state railway NS, Belgium’s NMBS and Germany’s go.Rheinland.
The all-electric route is operated by Arriva’s fleet of eight Stadler FLIRT 3 Cs, which have been adapted to accommodate the different voltages and rail systems used in the three countries.
Anne Hettinga, CEO, Arriva Netherlands, said: “I’m very proud to see this service finally take shape after all the complex planning involved. This is a big moment for public transport in Europe and I’m delighted that we’ve been able to provide this service for customers, enabling seamless journeys and encouraging more people to use the railway.
“Contributing to a more sustainable future is at the heart of our vision to shape a future where passenger transport is the best choice.”
“We hope initiatives like this will continue to encourage people to leave their cars at home.”
Arriva is one of the leading private transport operators in the Netherlands, providing bus, train and coach services throughout the country. It operates some cross-border bus and rail services into Germany, while this will be the first time that the company has served Belgium.
Image credit: Arriva
