ProRail and NS could merge (again)

Jaap Bierman, an independent senior advisor, has recommended merging NS and ProRail to solve the ongoing problems with traffic, the Volkskrant reports on Thursday. Double decker train in Amsterdam / Wikipedia NS and ProRail hired Bierman to review and analyze the railways and make recommendations for the betterment of both companies. Bierman, however, did not include the merger recommendations into the final report, the newspaper said. In a separate memorandum, Bierman has asked both companies to merge again. Bierman is a former McKinsey consultant and Shell manager. Both NS and ProRail confirmed the Bierman memo but say that it is his “personal thoughts”. Their reaction is notable because Bierman was appointed by the two companies for the fresh perspective of an outsider and to make a future proof plan, the newspaper said. Bierman’s memo focuses on the pubic interest. The final report will be sent to parliament later this year, but will not include the Bierman’s memo.