After the passengers disembark, the party continues in the village hall. While a glass of champagne is enjoyed inside, the children take a look at the bus outside. “The chairs are comfortable,” says Evan from group 7. “But not all of them have armrests.”
He is happy with the arrival of the bus, just like his classmates. “Many children go to secondary school in Hoogeveen after primary school. When it rains, the bus can be quite useful,” he laughs. “Even if you have to go to work, I think.”
The community bus is for everyone, but the board especially thinks that young people can benefit from it. “They already mention it themselves, for example going to school. This can now be done again with the local bus. They can go to Hoogeveen, but now it is also easier to take the transfer to Emmen. And that for a reasonable amount, which is important to us .”
After discussions with the municipality of Midden-Drenthe, the public transport agency and Connexxion about the disappearance of the line, a subsidy was found. “We then recruited drivers and board members. That was approximately completed in August. We found 25 drivers and 7 board members to start. The board is responsible for using the money correctly and that everything runs smoothly.”