Achterhoek launches 1st hub in the Netherlands with public transport, shared transport and customized transport combined

Achterhoek – The first ‘mobility hub’ – a transport junction – in the Achterhoek was festively opened on April 25. The hub offers travelers better transfer and boarding options and a larger, more varied range of sustainable and smart transport options. It is a recognizable place where all kinds of transport – bus, (shared) car, (shared) bicycle, Haltetaxi – come together and where facilities such as electronic timetable display, catering, charging facilities and parcel lockers can be found. Bart Porskamp, ​​member of the Mobility & Accessibility theme table 8RHK ambassadors and councilor Oost Gelre, who unveiled the hub’s sign while cycling: “We are a national leader in the field of Public Mobility, which combines public transport, shared transport and target group transport, we are proud of that. on.”

GAON, the Achterhoek approach
The Achterhoek is the first to work on a public mobility approach with a cooperative philosophy. The region will further develop this together with the national government and the province in the coming years. GAON will ensure that all travel needs are arranged and paid for in one place. Combining trips also becomes easier, with the advantage that there are no longer empty (or almost empty) vans driving through the Achterhoek. There is also GAON for business: for entrepreneurs who want to support their employees with good and sustainable commuting. This allows the region to keep all corners of the Achterhoek accessible in a sustainable way. The region is further committed to a robust infrastructure with safe transit roads such as the A15 and the N18, good train connections (including the RegioExpres) and fast bicycle connections. More information can be found at www.gaon.nl.

Even more hubs on the map
During the festive opening, partly organized at the Meekenesch swimming pool in Lichtenvoorde, those present moved extensively with possible future hubs on a large map of the Achterhoek. The goal is to create dozens more hubs in the area in the coming years, with each hub being increasingly expanded in (transport) options. This first hub was made possible by the Regional Deal with co-financing from the province of Gelderland and the municipality of Oost Gelre. Porskamp: “We have a great desire and need to collaborate. Only then can the Achterhoek offer its companies, pupils, students and residents the best transport: fast, smart, clean and accessible and affordable for everyone.”

GAON’s types of transportation:
Public transport: train and (local) bus
Arriva (train and bus) has a well-covered network in the Achterhoek with no fewer than fourteen train stations. The RegioExpres, the Doetinchem-Arnhem express train, will also start running in 2026. In addition to the regular bus lines, there are also other bus services: for example, two Vlinder lines run in Doetinchem to supplement the regular timetable. At the station you board the Arriva Vlinder from your bus or train at fixed times. You can also depart from one of the other stops on the route. The Vlearmoesbus and the Naoberbus operate in the municipality of Berkelland.

Electric shared cars and (electric) shared bicycles from GAON
At stations and bus stations in the Achterhoek you will find more and more shared bicycles that are easy to reserve and pay for. See www.gaon.nl/deelfiets for rates and information. There are also more and more locations in the region where village cars (electric shared cars) are located, including in Bredevoort, Doetinchem, Groenlo and Zieuwent.

ZOOV Op Maat (regional taxi): door-to-door transport on demand
If you cannot travel by private transport or public transport, the regional taxi ZOOV Op Maat will take you where you want to go: for example to the grandchildren, the market or the hospital. In the Achterhoek and beyond, even to Germany. You do not need an indication for ZOOV and you can travel a maximum of 40 kilometers. Visit www.zoov.nl, gaon.nl (or in the GAON app) or call 0900 – 9874.

StoptaxiRRReis
Stop taxi goes from stop to stop and not from door to door like ZOOV Op Maat. The stop taxi has no fixed departure times and runs when you want. This means there is always a good connection with the departure or arrival times of the local bus, bus or train. Look in the 9292 app, at https://haltetaxi.rrreis.nl or call 085 – 0046699.

Ride sharing
Would you like to travel together in one car and save costs? You can also arrange this soon via www.gaon.nl.

ANWB Vending Machine
Doing some shopping or visiting a partner in the nursing home: it is not obvious for everyone. ANWB AutoMaatje ensures that volunteers with a car are brought into contact with less mobile locals. In the Achterhoek (Winterswijk), Automaatje has already provided ten thousand rides in two years. The municipality of Oost Gelre is also working with Automaatje and eventually this transport will be available in the entire Achterhoek. Visit www.anwb.nl/automatje or call 088 2269 22 22. More information will soon be available on gaon.nl

Electrocars
The electrocar, a means of transport for the elderly and people with disabilities, operates in several villages in the Achterhoek. The use is free, the drivers are volunteers. Call your municipality for information about this transport. You will soon find more information on gaon.nl.