CROATIA The Arriva Group has been awarded a new seven-year contract to operate services in Croatia, which the company says marks a significant step in its ambition to build long-term partnerships and become the leading passenger transport provider in Europe.
The new contract began on 14 May and covers local and regional bus services in the county of Lika-Senj, an area in central Croatia where Arriva and its predecessors have operated for over 40 years. The agreement is part of a national programme to reform and expand public transport provision through long-term contracts in line with European Union regulations.
Under the new ‘Lika Line’ network, Arriva will operate 23 routes, including several new routes designed to strengthen connectivity between communities in the county’s rural and coastal areas. Arriva’s Managing Director for Mainland Europe Sian Leydon said: “This contract win is an important step in our strategy to provide accessible passenger transport in Croatia and strengthen Arriva’s position across Europe. It reflects the quality of our services, the adaptability of our business, and our commitment to connecting communities through reliable, sustainable public transport. With a long-standing presence in Lika-Senj County, we’re proud to have been chosen to deliver these essential services, and we look forward to helping more people access jobs, education and healthcare through better transport links.
“In addition, the introduction of long-term Public Service Contracts in line with EU regulation opens up new opportunities for operators like Arriva. With our size, scale and experience across 11 European markets, we are well placed to support public transport authorities in delivering high-quality, cost-efficient transport services that meet the needs of local communities.” The new contract and network upgrade will add around 600,000 kilometres annually to Arriva’s operations in the county, delivered by 21 buses and a team of 32 drivers, including 10 new employees. Arriva’s share of the total €27.5 million contract is valued at approximately €15.2 million over seven years.
