If you thought train travel was expensive now, just wait. Travelling during rush hour is going to cost you much more in the future.
In a letter to the Tweede Kamer (House of Representatives), the Dutch State Secretary for Infrastructure and Water Management, Vivianne Heijnen, states that the NS could have different prices for train tickets during rush hour or on some routes. According to the NOS, this could happen as soon as 2025.
Why would they do that? A hike in price for rush hour could mean that passenger traffic is better spread out throughout the day instead of morning and evening rushes. The extra fee would go towards using more and longer trains.
Fewer trains in 2025
You’re probably thinking that if trains are going to be more expensive during rush hour, you can just go when it’s quieter. Helaas pindakaas, fewer trains could be running during off-peak times.
Since the pandemic, fewer travellers are using trains as compared to before. This, with increased costs of energy, personnel, equipment, and maintenance, has caused a financial shortfall for the NS.
Well, what is the government’s solution for this? A train timetable with fewer trains when its quiet and possible subsidies.
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The government might also waive compensation for the main rail network during certain times in the new permit from 2025. The main rail network consists of the most important rail connections in the country, for which the NS currently pays €80 million a year for the permit.
Rover wants it to stop
Traveller’s association, Rover, has worries about a possible rush-hour charge for travellers that can’t afford it.
The higher train prices could also affect the environment. “The climate and housing statement requires that the use of trains and buses should increase,” Rover director Freek Bos tells the NOS. “Chasing travellers out of rush hours causes the opposite instead.”
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Bos doesn’t understand the reasoning for timetable reductions. He says, “Paying more for less is the beginning of a downward spiral for the train.”
We’re with you there, Bos — nee to fewer trains that cost a fortune!
What do you think of more expensive train fares? Tell us in the comments!
If they are trying to kill off a public service, then this is the way forward. Are they aware that people have jobs that usually have set start and end times and it is difficult to travel in off peak both morning and evening?
I live 60km from my work and try to take the train once or twice a week (1h trip) for environmental reasons. I already get up at the butt crack of dawn to check in before peak starts at 6:30. My work day ends at 16:30, so during peak hours, and I pay full price. 16,70€! If the peak hours ticket price goes up even more the solution is simple, I will stop taking the train.
Then my car it is. Thanks for making it more difficult for people to travel more sustainable without breaking their bank account.