Since the further relaxation of the corona measures last month, the advice to work from home and the obligation to wear a mask in public transport has been cancelled. The NS has noticed that the number of passengers on the train is increasing again as a result. Last Saturday, about 617.000 travelers used the train. This was even more travelers than the same Saturday in 2019 and that is a good sign. The number of travelers using the train the week after the relaxation was 73 percent compared to the same week in 2019. At the beginning of March, this was still 63 percent. It is often busier on the train on weekends than on weekdays. The NS offers various discounts to make traveling by train even more attractive. Especially now that fuel prices are so high, the train might be an interesting alternative to the car.
“We see that many travelers are able to find the train again. Especially during the weekend, more people are on the train for a day out or to visit family. We know from research that due to the high fuel prices, these travelers take the train faster and the weather was also nice. The fact that last Saturday the number of travelers was slightly above the number from 2019 for the first time is a really special milestone."
The Dutch Railways also announced today that from September travelers can hand in their empty bottles at vending machines at the five largest stations in the Netherlands. This is possible at Amsterdam Central, Utrecht Central, Rotterdam Central, The Hague Central and Eindhoven Central stations. There is a 0,15 eurocent deposit on each bottle, so it is worth it. From December 31, there is also a deposit on cans and these can be returned at the stations. The return of the deposit is done by means of a Tikkie, you have to scan the QR code of the deposit and the money will be in your account in no time. The ultimate aim is for 50 stations in the Netherlands to have a vending machine where empty bottles and cans can be returned. With this, the NS contribute to less plastic and litter.
“Our ambition is that the stations will be waste-free by 2040. We are therefore very proud that we can offer travelers this innovative approach to collecting deposit bottles. This contributes to a waste-free station, offers travelers convenience and is a service to our tenants by offering it centrally at the stations.”
