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OV chip card gates at Amsterdam Centraal
Wednesday, 15 October 2014 - 10:25
MPs ready to dump OV public transit card
A large majority in the Second Chamber want to see the end of the public transport OV-chip card as soon as possible.
The Second Chamber will discuss the future of the OV chip card tomorrow.
"We must get rid of that customer unfriendly card," says VVD Parliament Member Betty de Boer. The NS is already testing alternatives, but according to the VVD this is not happening fast enough. The ruling party wants a renewed system for traveling on public transport to be implemented before July 1st.
The PVV calls the procedure around the OV chip card "a great drama". "That chip card is an absurdity with faults," says Parliament Member Barry Madlener. "There must be an alternative. And we want the normal train ticket back."
Experts see a lot of potential in payment by mobile phone, it would make checking in and out unnecessary. A system in which the bank card replaces the OV chip card and a system with a card where passengers pay after traveling, are also being considered.
The VVD and ChristenUnie advocate for an "OV chip 2.0:. D66 parliamentarian Van Veldhoven says that traveling must become "better and different" in the near future.
Wilma Mansveld, State Secretary of Infrastructure and Environment, understands the impatience. "The OV chip card is not the end. It is now a full-fledged product, but should be further developed in the future."