NS, ProRail must do better: Cabinet

NS and ProRail don't have to merge, but have to improve the quality of their services. The government will judge them by their performance more than before. The cabinet approved State Secretary of Infrastructure, Wilma Mansveld's, long-term railways timetable Friday. In recent years more and more calls went up to undo the separation of the two companies and merge them back into one.

However the state secretary is not convinced that would improve their services. The Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) needs to focus more on maintaining the main railway network, and see to it that travelers are insured of a safe and reliable journey with good connections. Especially the rush hour traffic in the 'Randstad' needs improvement. Mansveld will also come up with a plan to make cargo transport by rail more competitive. In consultation with the sector several obstacles will be addressed, such as the different safety measures or equipment used by different European countries. The cabinet will prominently direct the course of the NS and ProRail.