Dutch Railways (NS- Nederlandse Spoorwegen) are continuing to work on improving punctuality and service. The Dutch company runs daily 4,000 trains which carry more than 1.2 million passengers. The company, which has just announced a profit of 32 million euroshas launched a programme to modernise its rail fleet, enabling it to improve the punctuality of its trains. According to the company's CEO Roger van Boxtel, the programme is worth some €3 billion.
Last year, NS put 58 new Sprinter trains into service, and 2018 will see the delivery of a further 118 trainsets, plus 79 new Intercity trains. The company is also continuing to renovation of its double-decker trains on its regional network. 45 trains are involved, representing an investment of more than 500 million euros which will enable 242 cars to be brought back into service by 2021, with better seats equipped with electrical sockets for charging laptops and tablets, and more pleasant lighting. This will represent a total capacity of almost 25,000 seats.
The arrival of the 58 new Sprinter trains has resulted in a improved punctuality of NS. Last year, this stood at 91.6%, compared with 90.6% in 2016 and 91% in 2015. The company now hopes to surpass the 2014 level, when 92.3% of its trains departed or arrived on time.
In addition, the introduction last December of a 10-minute interval service between Amsterdam and Eindhoven via Utrecht was a major improvement on the network. This represents an increase in capacity of 15%. On HSL Zuid's only high-speed line - the line on which Thalys runs - the number of trains is up this year, with 269 daily frequencies compared with 160 in 2016 and 233 last year. Several Intercity trains to Brussels now use the high-speed line, reducing journey times.
Since 4 April, a Eurostar service links London directly to Rotterdam and Amsterdamcompleted in 3 hours 40 minutes. However, on the return journey, passengers must complete customs formalities in Brussels for the UK. The UK and Dutch governments are working on a solution for UK customs clearance from Amsterdam based on existing models in Brussels and Paris. Up to three daily non-stop trains are planned between the UK and the Netherlands. A study is also underway to evaluate a high-speed train service between Amsterdam and Groningen, which would reduce the journey time from two hours to just one.
Finally, to improve seat availability, passengers can now report any overcrowded trains directly to application of NS, NS Reisplanner Xtra. The information collected in this way enables NS toadjust the schedule every week by increasing the number of trains or carriages. The same application also allows each passenger to see in advance how busy a train is, enabling them to change their travel schedule by leaving earlier or later. NS Reisplanner Xtra can also integrate all modes of public transport, allowing users to maximise connections and means of transport, including bicycle hire...
