Brainport Direct

Brainport Direct buses are 8-passenger buses for targeted transport (companies, institutions, schools) that are only permitted to use the hard shoulder during traffic jams. Starting in September 2025, employers who have been granted an exemption by Rijkswaterstaat (the Directorate-General for Public Works and Water Management) will be permitted to use the hard shoulder during traffic jams on a small section of the A67 motorway – from Eersel to the Valkenswaard/Veldhoven junction towards Eindhoven. These buses will transport employees to and from their workplaces. We are collaborating with interested companies to provide them with an accessible trial. Certified employees will act as drivers. In 2025 and 2026, "Bus on Hard Shoulder" will be available on some routes to and from the Brainport region. During traffic jams, Brainport Direct buses with an exemption will be able to use this service.

Accessibility in the southern Netherlands is under pressure. North Brabant saw the largest increase in traffic jams this year. New public and private transport routes contribute to reducing car traffic and CO₂With Brainport Direct buses, we can make existing public (and private) transport more competitive. The bus travels past the traffic jam. This is not only a visible effect, but also faster and more reliable for passengers.

Brainport Direct is only for employers who have applied for an exemption through the carrier, as granted by Rijkswaterstaat. It is intended for:

• Employees who travel to work via the A67 from the Veldhoven, Eersel or Valkenswaard area.
• Employers who already operate coaches, scheduled buses or buses for employees, which are clearly identified as operating with an exemption.
• Employers who plan to operate buses for employees.

An employee boarding a company bus must be able to identify themselves to the driver. This can be done, for example, with a company pass (staff) access pass that many employees already have, a separate ticket or via an app.

As an employer you comply with these conditions, to obtain an exemption from Rijkswaterstaat. Register here for Brainport Direct. You can do this in consultation with the carrier. If you're having trouble, please contact Rob Soeters, Project Manager Brainport Direct, at 06 23979814 or email employers@brainportbereikbaar.nlWe're happy to help you get started!

For the first six months, companies can participate in Brainport Direct for free. This allows us to test how many people use it: the more people, the cheaper it becomes per employee. We know it's cheaper than what employers pay for public transportation, and sometimes even the same as a car's travel allowance. With this system, we're testing whether it's cost-neutral.

For existing public transport lines, the regular bus stops that are already in place will be used. These boarding and alighting stops will therefore remain unchanged. Private transport lines* for employers are always customized solutions. The routes and stops for these transport lines are determined in consultation with the employer. These may include existing stops, but also new stops to be constructed and/or logical boarding and alighting locations. Naturally, we will work with road authorities and local authorities to determine where this can be done safely and with sufficient space.

*Private transport refers to a form of passenger transport in which a vehicle is used exclusively for a specific group of passengers, often by prior arrangement. This type of transport is not publicly accessible and is typically used for target groups such as company employees.

When new routes are developed, stops can also be located near motorway on- or off-ramps. Stops are already present at the on- and off-ramps of the A50 junction (9) in St. Oedenrode, and a stop facility is planned at the A2 junction (34) in Valkenswaard/Leende. This is part of the development of HUBS. Further studies are being conducted to determine where these types of stops can be implemented.

If you've received an exemption from Rijkswaterstaat, you may use the hard shoulder, but only if there's a traffic jam. Once traffic returns to the main carriageway, the bus must simply merge back into the lane.

This is done by the police and Rijkswaterstaat road inspectors. Some road inspectors also have the status of "BOA" (public enforcement officer), which means they, in addition to the police, have the right to stop road users and issue fines. If you cross the hard shoulder without permission, you risk a fine of €469.

Until the end of the public transport concession or agreements/contract with the private transport operator.

Bus drivers hold a category D driving license with code 95 (basic qualification). Bus drivers have or will acquire basic knowledge of BoV and complete a training module or modules for the relevant route.

The buses used must be clearly visible indicating that they are permitted to operate with a permit.

There is no predetermined limit on the number of vehicles. Rijkswaterstaat will monitor the emergency lane to ensure it doesn't become too crowded and may therefore specify restrictions on the number of vehicles in the exemption granted.