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School transport Amsterdam

The collaboration between Munckhof and the Municipality of Amsterdam in the field of school transport demonstrates how trust and problem-solving thinking lead to lasting success. For the municipality, it is crucial that every student arrives at school safely and on time, with a dedicated driver for each route. With around 1,450 students transported daily, the Municipality of Amsterdam’s school transport contract is one of the largest within Munckhof. The responsibility for organizing this effectively is shared by both parties.

Clear communication, short lines of contact, and flexibility lead to a targeted approach and growing results.

Working Together for Optimal Service

Munckhof began transporting students from the Municipality of Amsterdam to schools outside the municipal boundaries in 2012. In 2018, this service was expanded to include routes within the municipality. At the start of the 2022/2023 school year, however, both parties faced challenges due to a shortage of drivers, caused by the aftermath of COVID-19 and high absenteeism rates. In close consultation, the Municipality of Amsterdam and Munckhof worked hard to find creative solutions, such as reorganizing routes to meet transport demand.

Collaborating Effectively During Staff Shortages

Transport companies across the country are dealing with challenges such as driver shortages, high absenteeism, and high staff turnover. To successfully carry out the contract, collaboration, shared responsibility, and a joint vision for an effective approach are essential.
Jerome Sigmond, contract manager at the Municipality of Amsterdam, explains:
“We regularly met with Munckhof, with the shared goal of staffing as many routes as possible and transporting students efficiently. By tackling challenges together, mutual trust grows and results improve. For example, we created a communication calendar and adhered to it strictly, which provided more clarity, clear agreements, and transparency for all parties involved.”

Transparency as a Foundation

The Municipality of Amsterdam and Munckhof work closely together, with short communication lines and clear agreements about who informs parents, guardians, and schools. The municipality receives weekly progress reports from Munckhof, which are reviewed every two weeks along with agreed KPIs and other agenda items. This transparent communication creates support among parents and schools, increasing understanding and trust in the process.
“Thanks to open and transparent communication with all stakeholders, Munckhof successfully launched the school transport service for the 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 school years without any routes being canceled due to driver shortages.”

Mutual Trust Strengthens Cooperation

Sigmond describes the collaboration as focused and flexible:
“A successful collaboration requires mutual trust. Munckhof demonstrates great flexibility and adaptability, which is crucial for our shared success. They take their responsibilities seriously, and we ensure that the objectives are achievable yet challenging enough to encourage continuous improvement.”

Building a Sustainable Future Together

Munckhof and the Municipality of Amsterdam look to the future with confidence. The partnership is not only about operational success but also about a shared ambition to find sustainable and future-oriented solutions for students and the city of Amsterdam.

This reference is based on an interview with Jerome Sigmond, contract manager at the Municipality of Amsterdam, on October 30, 2024.