• A recent panel study reveals public opinion favours introducing more market opening as the most effective solution tothe problems facing state-owned incumbent operator Dutch Railways (‘NS’), rather than just giving NS more taxpayer subsidy.

• Due to the disputed renewal of the directly awarded Main Rail Network concession, there is still the opportunity to prevent further financial waste.

NS plans to increase fares by 10% next year, a move that is facing much resistance. Notably, NS has failed to implement any significant cost-saving measures, instead seeking even more taxpayer subsidy and/or fare increases.

Research by the TV programme “Hart van Nederland” shows that 38% of those surveyed prefer more market opening on the tracks, while only 30% support more taxpayer subsidy for NS to solve delays, reduced capacity, staff shortages and general public discontent. 

All across Europe, market opening in the rail sector has already spurred significant market growth. This has resulted in lower ticket prices (Czech Republic: -46%, Sweden: -13%, Italy -30% to -40%, Austria -20% to -25%, Spain -28% to -30%), improved quality of service, increased train frequency and reduced taxpayer subsidy, all contributing to a rise in passenger demand and modal shift to rail. 

Katharina Dekeyser from ALLRAIL urges the Dutch government to promptly introduce full market opening in the Dutch passenger rail system and end NS’ monopoly, particularly since the Main Rail Network concession has not yet been finalised. 

She says: “Now is the time for passengers in the Netherlands to reap the benefits of rail market opening. It is not justifiable for travellers and the Dutch government to continue subsidising NS, especially as its trains are increasingly delayed or even in the worst case just simply fail to arrive.“