NS revives 1980s era train cars for busy season

NS is preparing for its busiest month ever, with a massive 33.3 million passengers expected for September. One of the measures the railway is taking in the fight against overcrowded trains, is the revival of 11 double-decker train cars from the 1980's, RTL Nieuws reports The 1980's train cars will be back in use from September 5th. Over the past months hundreds of train drivers were given a refresher course on driving the old double-deckers. The 11 revived train cars will make a total of 8,700 additional seats and standing places available. NS hopes that these extra spaces will ensure that the trains are no more crowded than they were last year. The railway company transports an average of 31.6 million travelers per month. But that number is increasing due to the persistent economic growth and falling unemployment, according to operational director Marjan Rintel. September is also traditionally the busiest month of the year, so soon after the end of the summer holidays.