Arriva Solidifies Croatian Presence with New Public Service Contract

In a move that reinforces its commitment to the Croatian public transport sector, Arriva has secured a new seven-year Public Service Contract (PSC) in Croatia. This agreement, effective from May 14, 2025, marks a significant expansion of Arriva’s operations in the Lika-Senj County region and underscores the company’s strategic focus on long-term partnerships within the European market. This article will delve into the specifics of the contract, analyzing its implications for both Arriva and the Croatian public transport landscape. We’ll explore the key features of the agreement, including the introduction of the LIKA LINE network, the financial aspects of the contract, and the broader context of Arriva’s operations within Croatia and across Europe. Furthermore, we will examine the role of Public Service Contracts in the evolution of public transport and their alignment with European Union regulations.

A Strategic Expansion: The Lika-Senj County Contract

The newly awarded PSC, secured through a competitive tendering process, covers local and regional bus services throughout Lika-Senj County, a region where Arriva has been operating for over forty years. This longevity highlights Arriva’s established presence and its understanding of the local transport needs. The contract’s scope includes the operation of 23 distinct routes, several of which are newly established as part of the “LIKA LINE” network. This initiative aims to enhance connectivity, particularly between rural and coastal communities within the county. This emphasis on improving accessibility to jobs, education, and healthcare aligns with broader national objectives to enhance public transport infrastructure. The contract will result in an additional 600,000 kilometers of service annually, showcasing a considerable increase in operational scope. To facilitate this expansion, Arriva will deploy a fleet of 21 buses and employ 32 drivers, including 10 new hires, demonstrating a commitment to local job creation and investment.

Financial and Operational Details

The financial aspects of the contract are also noteworthy. Arriva’s share of the total EUR 27.5 million contract is valued at approximately EUR 15.2 million over the seven-year period. This demonstrates a substantial financial commitment and reflects Arriva’s confidence in its ability to deliver high-quality, reliable transport services. The contract win is the fourth PSC secured by Arriva in Croatia, reinforcing the company’s strategic goal of establishing long-term partnerships and stable revenue streams across its 14 operating counties within the country. This strategy not only provides financial predictability but also allows for sustained investment in infrastructure, technology, and employee training, ultimately improving the overall passenger experience. The selection of Arriva for this project shows the confidence that the Croatian government has in the company. This partnership is expected to improve the quality of life for the inhabitants of the area.

The Broader Context: PSCs and the Future of Public Transport

The Croatian government’s reliance on long-term Public Service Contracts aligns with the broader European trend of utilizing PSCs to enhance and expand public transport networks. These contracts, often aligned with EU Regulation 1370/2007, offer a framework for governments to procure public transport services in a structured and competitive manner. PSCs provide several advantages, including promoting service quality through clearly defined performance metrics, encouraging innovation through competitive tendering, and fostering long-term investment in infrastructure. This approach allows transport operators to make significant investments in modernizing their fleets, adopting sustainable technologies, and improving passenger information systems. The implementation of PSCs in Croatia highlights a commitment to improving public transport and ensuring citizens’ access to crucial services. These contracts provide stability and encourage investment in the sector.

Conclusion: Arriva’s Continued Growth and Commitment to Croatia

In summary, the new Public Service Contract secured by Arriva in Lika-Senj County represents a significant milestone for the company and a positive development for the Croatian public transport sector. The contract’s emphasis on improving connectivity, particularly between rural and coastal communities, aligns with broader national goals to enhance accessibility and improve quality of life. The financial investment and operational expansion involved in the contract demonstrate Arriva’s commitment to the region and its strategic vision for long-term growth. This contract is the fourth PSC secured by Arriva in Croatia. The success of Arriva in securing this and other contracts underscores the company’s expertise in delivering reliable, sustainable, and customer-focused public transport services. This new contract will allow the company to develop new technologies and increase the quality of life of the population. Furthermore, the broader trend of utilizing PSCs across Europe underscores the importance of structured partnerships and long-term investment in improving public transport infrastructure and services. Arriva’s continued success in Croatia, and across Europe, positions the company as a key player in the evolution of public transport.

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### Company Summary

* **Arriva:** Arriva is a leading European public transport operator, providing bus, train, and tram services across 11 countries. They manage a vast network, offering over 1.5 billion passenger journeys annually. The company is known for its commitment to sustainable and accessible transport solutions.

### News Details

* **Country:** Croatia
* **Date:** This news is about a future agreement and the date will be May 14, 2025.