Thalys waves doei to the Netherlands, but it’s good news for international trains

The high-speed train named, Thalys, will no longer exist on your platforms as the trains will all merge under the name of Eurostar. 

Eurostar top woman Gwendoline Cazenave announced that the name, Thalys, will disappear from all trains that run from Amsterdam to Paris, and so forth, reports the NOS.

Last year, Thalys and Eurostar transported 15 million train-goers. And, the Eurostar Group wants to double this number by 2030.

Covid-19

Thalys is in the firing line on this episode of what else can the coronavirus destroy next? Only 80% of travellers travel on the Eurostar and Thalys compared to pre-Covid-19 levels.

The Eurostar Group hopes that by merging the two, the number of passengers will increase.

READ MORE | The guide to taking the Eurostar train from Amsterdam to Rotterdam to London

Covid-19 is not all to blame, though. Of course, the post-Brexit passport fuss has left Brits missing their trains due to the new rules and lack of personnel.

Capacity underload

For now, Amsterdam and Rotterdams’ departure capacity only allows a maximum of 200 people to board a 900-person capacity train. 

READ MORE | Packed NS train complaints rise as number of trains drop

Gone are the days when you didn’t have to sit next to some stinky, sweaty soul because the Eurostar Group wants to put at least 600 bums on their seats.

This means fewer trains will have to roll over railways — a win for the environment.

A sustainable mission

The Eurostar Group are real rail enthusiasts, proclaiming that this is the golden age for high-speed trains. 

Their aim is to create an alternative to road and air travel in an environmentally sustainable way. 

READ MORE | Hoera! The first Dutch energy-neutral train station is already breaking records

With 51 trains in total and no talk of building more, the group has designed a smooth and sustainable journey for the travel bugs among you.

For the time being, the Thalys trains will now be called Eurostar, but they will still remain red.

Which countries have you been to on the Eurostar? Tell us in the comments below!

Feature Image:Freepik
Eva Gabriella
Eva Gabriella
After calling Malaysia her home for 19 years, Eva moved to Amsterdam to study literary and cultural analysis. Well, that was the academic theory — in reality it was more like “cultural shock.” Eva’s mastery of life in the Netherlands involved initiation into the richness of nocturnal hangouts, canals, cuisine, and upright and forthright cyclists (who she now rings her bell back at.) When she is not speeding her way through books, she is winding and weaving down endless straatjes, often finding herself, not so quite by chance, in a gezellig music bar!

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Related posts

Latest posts

BREAKING: International Criminal Court in The Hague issues arrest warrants against Israel PM and Hamas leader

The International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague has just issued arrest warrants against three important figures from Israel and Hamas.  According to the NOS,...

Your guide to all the ‘lekker’ Dutch festive food and drinks you can enjoy this holiday season

Christmas is right around the corner, which means: it's time for the feasting on Dutch festive food to begin! 🎄 You might be wondering...

Best internet and SIM deals in the Netherlands: Free gifts, discounts, and more

’Tis the season… for Black Friday tech deals! From free TVs to discounts up to 70%, these are the best internet and SIM offers...

It's happening

Upcoming events

The latest Dutch news.
In your inbox.