From next month (2nd July), if you want to top-up your OV chipcard at the desk, it will cost you an extra 50 cent for the privilege. If you’re wanting to do it at the machines, then don’t worry, you won’t be charged!
Why the charge?
The new charge is coming into force because, in order to top-up at the desk, you are coming into contact with someone who can help you. That costs them more time and money and is not always necessary either. These are the reasons that NS have given to justify the new charge.
The first thought that came into my head, was what about elderly people who don’t know how to use the machines? Thankfully, they thought of that too and therefore if you’re over 75 or are disabled, then you do not pay. Workers will still also be around in order to help people with machines too.
Going cashless
If you want to top up with cash, as we all know, you can’t (unless you have 10 €1 coins). Therefore, if you want to use cash, you’ll be charged 50 cent at the desk. Personally, I’m confused why metro/train machines don’t take notes, as it’s incredibly tourist-unfriendly. The amount of times I’ve had to pay loads on my card to buy like 6 people day metro tickets because they have notes, is too many to count.
When and where?
On 2nd July is when the new charge will come into play. It will occur in phases though, so will start at 29 stations including: The Hague Holland Spoor, Rotterdam Centraal and Amsterdam Sloterdijk. This is in order to avoid confusion with other desks.
What do you think of this new charge? Let us know in the comments. And don’t forget to join our DutchReview Facebook group while you’re here. 😉
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