Revenue was €5,121 million in 2017 compared with €5,093 million in 2016, an increase of 0.5%. The revenue was affected by the fluctuations in the pound sterling exchange rate and the sale of Qbuzz on 31 August 2017. When adjusted for the sale of Qbuzz and the exchange rate effect, the increase was 4.8%.

Operating revenue

Revenue in the Netherlands (€3,132 million in 2017, €3,172 million in 2016)

Revenue from transport by train in the Netherlands

The revenue from train transport increased by 1.1% to €2,441 million. When an adjustment is made for the fact that NS is no longer operating the Limburg and Hoekse Lijn franchises, revenue increased by 1.7%. Growth was partly due to the annual price indexation (0.4%) and a growth in volume, i.e. the number of passenger-kilometres (0.8%). NS achieved higher revenues largely through more revenue from individual journeys in both the social/recreational market and the commuting market (2.2%) and through more revenue from students with a student public transport pass (3.2%). The rise in the number of student public transport passes is primarily because they also became available for students younger than 18 at vocational colleges (MBO) as of January 2017. Furthermore, the conditions for student financing changed in Q4 2017, as a result of which all students qualify for the student public transport pass sooner. The upturn in the economy and growing purchasing power had a positive impact on revenues. The number of people in employment (an important measure affecting peak-hour traffic) grew by 2.0% in 2017.

Revenue from transport by bus in the Netherlands

Revenue from bus transport in the Netherlands provided by Qbuzz was €129 million, compared with €213 million in 2016. Qbuzz was sold on 31 August 2017 to Busitalia.

Revenue from station development and operation in the Netherlands

Revenue from station development and operation in the Netherlands increased by €18 million in 2017 to €562 million. This reflected increased rental income and a rise in retail sales. The positive economic development and the renovation and redevelopment of a number of stations, including Utrecht Centraal and Rotterdam Centraal, were factors in this growth.

Revenue in the UK (€1,743 million in 2017, €1,727 million in 2016)

Revenue from transport by train in the UK

The revenue from transport by train in the United Kingdom provided by Abellio increased by 9% in 2017 when denoted in pounds sterling. When converted into euros, the revenue was €1,546 million, an increase of €29 million on 2016 (€1,517 million). The revenue from the West Midland Trains franchise (€37 million), which started on 10 December, is consolidated in the figures for 2017. The lower average value of the pound in 2017 compared to the average value in 2016 had a negative impact on the revenue when denoted in euros of €108 million.

Revenues from transport by bus in the United Kingdom

Revenue from transport by bus in the UK provided by Abellio in euros decreased from €211 million in 2016 to €197 million in 2017, entirely attributable to the fall in the value of the pound sterling relative to the euro. In pounds, revenue in 2017 remained virtually the same as in the previous year.

Revenue in Germany (€246 million, €194 million in 2016)

In Germany, Abellio recorded higher revenues of €52 million. Growth came from the start of the Niederrhein-Netz franchise in December 2016 and from the full consolidation of WestfalenBahn as of 6 December of this year by extending the share capital from 25% to 100%.