Change in Train Station Ownership

The Dutch Railways, Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS), should no longer be responsible for the train stations. D66 Member of Parliament Stientje van Veldhoven said on Monday that in order to divide the roles in rail infrastructure more equally, the ownership of stations should go to ProRail, the railway administrator.

Telegraaf.nl reports that at present the other carriers like Arriva and Connexxion have to pay their competitor NS for the use of train stations, even if NS trains do not stop at the stations. This gives NS an inappropriate advantage.

On Tuesday, the Lower House (Tweede Kamer) will discuss the future of the railroad and Van Veldhoven says that this is the right time to change the division. According to NOS.nl, NS owns their rights until 2025, after which another carrier could take over. When NS no longer owns the train stations, such a transition will be easier.