It’s the final countdown: NS tests out new timers for trains

NS is testing out countdown timers at train stations, so people can know exactly how much time they have left until their train leaves. ๐Ÿš‚

Do you often find yourself sprinting towards the trains because you aren’t great at accounting for time?

You’re not alone โ€” but (for once) the NS is trying to figure out a solution to make the journey easier for travelers.

Instead of constantly checking your watch or phone to calculate how much time you have to get to your train, the new train board advice will do it for you! ๐Ÿ’โ€โ™€๏ธ

photo-of-new-sign-at-train-station-showing-three-minutes-left
What the new signs look like when there is three minutes left until departure. Image: NS

How does it work?

At the stations participating in the trial, a minute counter has been added to the platform screens showing how many minutes you have left to get an expensive Starbucks coffee and board your train. ๐Ÿƒโ€โ™€๏ธ

On the platform signs, the minute counter starts counting down from five minutes before the train’s departure, and on the escalator signs, the countdown starts from seven minutes.

When there are 59 seconds left until departure, the counter will say “0 minutes” โ€” but it might as well say “Run!”.

So far, the trial, which started on October 18, is only being tested at Eindhoven Centraal and ‘s-Hertogenbosch stations.

If it is successful, then we will be seeing countdown timers at every Dutch train station! ๐Ÿ•œ

What do you think about the countdown timer? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!

Feature Image: NS (Modified)

Accuracy, clarity, and a touch of humour โ€” thatโ€™s DutchReview. Read our editorial mission.

Nicole Ogden ๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ญ ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ
Nicole Ogden ๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ญ ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ
Hailing from the bustling city of Bangkok, Nicole is a Thai/American international student who came to the Netherlands to study linguistics. When she's not reading books or listening to true crime podcasts, she's practising her singing and guitar skills! She is also attempting to pick up the Dutch language (moeilijk).

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Related posts

Latest posts

Best banking apps for internationals in the Netherlands in 2026

The Netherlands has plenty of international-friendly financial tools, from traditional banking apps to apps for saving and investing. In this article, weโ€™ve tested the best...

How to get a Dutch phone number: A step-by-step guide for internationals

Getting a Dutch mobile number can be a complex process, especially if youโ€™re an international whoโ€™s just landed in the Netherlands. As internationals ourselves, weโ€™ve...

7 places named by the Dutch (that you might not know about)

Before being connoisseurs of tulips, windmills, bikes, and happy children, the Dutch were seafarers, explorers, and conquerors. Along the way, they named many places.  The...

It's happening

Upcoming events