Alkmaar to discontinue one-euro bus ticket scheme

The municipality of Alkmaar will end its one-euro bus ticket scheme on January 1, 2027. This measure, which allowed passengers to travel for one euro during off-peak hours within the city, is being discontinued to reduce municipal spending amid rising costs and decreased national government funding.

The decision also affects residents with a free AlkmaarPas, as the associated paper bus tickets will no longer be valid after December 31, 2026. Existing tickets can still be used until that date.

To support low-income residents, the province of Noord-Holland is collaborating with transport provider Connexxion/Transdev to develop a new, cheaper travel pass. Alkmaar will be the first municipality in Noord-Holland to participate in this new arrangement, though specific details regarding its availability and functionality are not expected until late March 2027.

Separately, starting January 1, 2027, children aged 4 to 11 will be able to travel for free on buses, trams, metros, and trains when accompanied by a paying passenger, provided they use an OV-chipkaart or OV-pas with a Kids Vrij subscription.