The Dutch Railways are prepared for major events such as 538 Oranjedag, Saturday in Breda, and the Startschotgala in Lichtenvoorde, which is scheduled for May 1. “We would have liked to have been informed about these events earlier. It would have been nice if we had been informed in time. This does not only apply in times of corona, but in general," said an NS spokesperson.
“Always contact NS well in advance if you are going to organize something big. For example, if there are planned activities on a route, a good solution can be sought in good time,” he says. “In principle, a good transport plan is also part of the permit application for an event.”
According to him, the organization of the parties works with a time slot system that allows travelers to be better distributed over the trains. “Breda is a junction where many trains run anyway, including Saturdays. You can get there from all directions. We will keep the kiosks, toilets and information desks open longer on Saturday, until the curfew takes effect," said an NS spokesperson.
Experience crowds differently
In recent days, there has been a fuss about 538 Orange Day, where 10.000 people go on Saturday. “People can experience crowds in this corona time very differently than before,” says the NS spokesperson. “A train is already considered full if it is 70 percent full with passengers. In recent months, the trains have been filled for 40 to 50 percent.”
The cabinet wants to continue with the Fieldlab events, despite the criticism of the party from Radio 538. A petition against the party from the nearby Amphia Hospital is signed en masse. The Breda city council will meet on Monday evening for an extra meeting about whether or not to allow the test event at the Chasséveld.
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