Travel by flexible transport
Flexible transport is a form of public transport that you need to book in advance. You must indicate yourself that you want to use flexible transport, for example by calling.
Flexible transport is also referred to as flex transport or Demand Responsive Transport (DTR).
What is flex transport?
Flexible transport ensures that, for example, rural areas and areas located somewhat further away from (busy) centers remain accessible. It also allows travellers to reach certain areas in the evenings and on weekends. That is why many municipalities, provinces, and transport providers choose to offer flexible transport. This way, transport providers only need to operate when there is demand.
There are various forms of flexible transport. We distinguish between the following types of flexible transport:
Transport that runs from stop to stop.
Transport that runs from stop to address.
Transport that runs from address to address.
Stop to stop
In this case, the transport, such as a (small) bus or taxi, travels between various stops. Here, you can then transfer to other transport. Or travel with other transport first and then transfer to the flexible transport.
In some cases, this form of flexible transport operates with a fixed schedule. There is, however, a timetable for when the bus can start operating. Please note that in that case, you still need to make a reservation. How far in advance this must be done varies per transport provider. Usually, you need to make a reservation at least one hour in advance.
Stop to address
In some regions, it is possible to reserve transport from a station, stop, or hub to an address of your choice. This address must be located within the region associated with the operator. This is often available in regions with few stops and connections, or later in the evening.
Address to address
With this, flex transport takes you from one address to another. It is a type of taxi, but often cheaper. Both addresses must be located within the region associated with the operator. You can find this information on the operator's website.
Plan your journey with flex transport
Are you planning your trip using the 9292 journey planner in the app or on the website? Then you can choose whether you want to plan a trip using flex transport. Here is how:
Enter your starting point and destination.
Tap or click on ‘Options’.
Turn on the slider next to ‘Transport with reservation’.
The slider for ‘Transport with reservation’ is automatically turned on for everyone. Would you prefer not to travel with flex transport? Then turn the slider off.
Is the slider on? The journey planner will then take into account that you are willing to travel using flex transport. When traveling with flex transport is the fastest option, this will appear as an option. Is a trip without flex transport faster? Then the option with flex transport will not (always) appear.
Reserve flex transport
Do you want to travel using flexible transport? Then you need to make a reservation. This usually has to be done at least one hour in advance. However, with some operators, this may be longer. Do you want to know how far in advance you need to reserve your ride? You can find this in your travel advice or on the operator's website.
Curious about how to reserve for the ride? You can read this in your travel advice or on the operator's website.
Are you traveling there and back with flex transport? Then you must make a separate reservation for both journeys.
Booking flex transport in the 9292 app
For some flex transport providers, you can also reserve the ride in the 9292 app. You do not need to call the operator. You make a reservation by purchasing an e-ticket via the travel advice. You book the flex transport directly for the time stated in the travel advice. So make sure you have opened the correct travel advice.
Please note – Sometimes you reserve flex transport by purchasing a free ticket. You then pay on the transport itself by checking in and out with your OV-chipkaart, OV-pas, or (digital) bank card.