Cabinet drops plan to slash €110M from Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague public transport

The planned 110-million-euros budget cut to public transport around Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and The Hague has been scrapped for next year, sources confirmed following reports by De Telegraaf and NOS. Agreements have also been made to avert the cut in 2027.

There have been protests against the plans over the past few months. Buses and trams sounded their horns in protest, and two regional organizations filed objections with the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management. According to officials, the regions faced a choice: either cut routes or raise ticket prices.

It is still unclear where the 110 million euros for 2026 will come from. In July, a majority in Parliament had already asked State Secretary for Public Transport Thierry Aartsen to block the cut.

Transport regions and the travelers’ association Rover were relieved by the news. That the government considers the accessibility of major cities important is “good news,” said Rover. But the 225-million-euro cut to the student travel card is still in place, chairman Freek Bos noted. If accessibility of major cities is a priority, “then steps must also be taken for the rest of the country.”

A spokesperson for the Rotterdam–The Hague Metropolitan Region called it “very good news for travelers.” According to him, the cuts “would have had major consequences,” including reduced public transport services and higher ticket prices.

“We have fought hard for this for a year, so if it is officially announced on Prinsjesdag, we will be extremely happy,” said Melanie van der Horst, alderwoman and chair of Vervoerregio Amsterdam. “This means public transport in our regions will remain affordable and reliable for the time being.”