Keolis Nederland
Keolis Nederland is a public transport company operating bus and passenger train services in the Netherlands. Originally created as Syntus and owned by Connexxion, Keolis and Nederlandse Spoorwegen, since 2012 Keolis Nederland has been a 100% subsidiary of Keolis. Syntus is an acronym for Synergy between Train and Bus.<ref name=brand>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Syntus in financial trouble? International Railway Journal 10 May 2012</ref>
History
[edit]
In 1991 Geldersche Streekvervoer Maatschappij (GSM) and the Dutch Railways started a transport integration project called Integratie Gelderland Oost. Integration between train and bus was the main goal. GSM later merged with Gemeentelijk Vervoerbedrijf Arnhem to form Gelderse Vervoersmaatschappij.
In 1999 Syntus commenced rail operations, Connexxion, Keolis and Nederlandse Spoorwegen each owning one-third.<ref>Voith wins Syntus train maintenance contract Railway Gazette International 1 September 2009</ref> In 2007 Connexxion's share was purchased by Keolis and Nederlandse Spoorwegen.<ref>Annual report for year ended 31 December 2007 Connexxion</ref> In 2012 Keolis purchased Nederlandse Spoorwegen's 50% share.<ref>Keolis buys NS stake in Syntus Railway Gazette International 6 August 2012</ref><ref>Keolis completes Syntus takeover International Railway Journal 6 August 2012</ref>
In October 2017, Syntus was rebranded Keolis Nederland with a new visual identity.<ref name=brand/><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Visgraatmodel
[edit]Syntus propagates synergy, which is based on a so-called 'visgraatmodel' (fish bone model). In this model train service represent the backbones. Bus services represent the spokes that feed train services. After a while other public transport companies like Arriva and Veolia Transport copied the model.
Operations
[edit]In 2005, Syntus briefly operated a cross border service into Germany from Arnhem to Emmerich.<ref>Abellio launches new Arnham - Dusseldorf service International Railway Journal 10 April 2017</ref>
From December 2006 until December 2013, Syntus operated the Almelo to Mariënberg rail concession under sub-contract to Connexxion.<ref>Protos EMU order Railway Gazette International 1 April 2006</ref><ref>Annual Report for year ended 31 December 2008 Connexxions</ref><ref>Veolia Transdev to sell Dutch subsidiary International Railway Journal 18 February 2013</ref>
In August 2010, Syntus commenced an eight-year contract to operate services in Overijssel. In December 2010, it commenced a 10-year contract to operate services in Gelderland. In December 2016, it commenced a seven-year contract to operate services in Utrecht.<ref name=Keolis270916>Syntus Keolis Group wins third contract in a row Keolis 27 September 2016</ref>
In December 2017, Keolis Nederland has commenced a ten-year contract to operate bus services in Almere.<ref name=Keolis270916/> In the same month, it has commenced a 15-year contract to operate rail services in the province of Overijssel from Zwolle to Enschede and Zwolle to Kampen.<ref>Syntus wins Zwolle operating contract Railway Gazette International 17 June 2015</ref><ref>Dutch operator Syntus awarded Zwolle rail contract European Railway Review 22 June 2015</ref><ref>NS withdraws appeal against Zwolle - Enschede contract award International Railway Journal 1 October 2015</ref> These will be operated by 16 Stadler Flirts.<ref>Syntus orders Flirts for Zwolle services Railway Gazette International 2 March 2016</ref>
Branding
[edit]Syntus' corporate identity consisted of the colors yellow, white and blue. Every region has its own identity incorporated in the corporate identity. The Syntus brand was retired in 2017 and replaced by the Keolis brand.<ref>Stadler EMUs enter service with Dutch operators International Railway Journal 14 December 2016</ref><ref name=brand/>