Trains running mostly according to schedule; No buses in the north
NS trains were running largely according to schedule on Monday morning, with a few adjustments on some routes. Other public transport was also running as usual after a week of winter-weather disruptions, except for no Qbuzz buses in the northern provinces, where a code orange icy roads warning is in effect.
NS warned that the adjustments to the timetable would mean more frequent transfers or longer travel times, especially in the eastern parts of the country.
“The aftermath of the frost and snow of the past few days means that the full number of required trains is not yet available,” NS said, explaining why an adjusted timetable is still in effect. “In addition, train traffic may still be affected by the current cold, for example, by icy conditions and frost on overhead lines. To ensure the most reliable timetable possible, we have decided to operate a modified timetable today.”
On its website, NS reported fewer trains running on the routes between Amersfoort and Barneveld, Amsterdam and Oostvaarders, and Arnhem and Doetinchem. Travelers should expect 15 minutes longer travel times on these routes. The international train from Maasricht to Liège is not running. Stop buses are running on the route instead.
“Over the weekend, ProRail and NS worked hard to repair defects and malfunctions on switches, tracks, and trains,” the rail company said. “We expect to be able to operate the regular timetable on Tuesday, January 13th, but please be aware of some disruptions.”
No Qbuzz buses are running in Groningen, Friesland, and Drenthe on Monday morning due to slippery conditions on the roads. The public transport company hopes to start its bus service in Friesland by around 10:00 a.m. and in Groningen and Drenthe at around noon. The bus services on Terschelling, Ameland, and Vlieland should start up around 10:00 a.m.
After a snowy week and ice-cold weekend, the thaw started setting in overnight in the Netherlands. The KNMI issued a code orange warning for icy roads for a large part of the country. “There is a high risk of accidents due to slippery bridges, roads, cycle paths, and sidewalks,” the KNMI warned. “The slippery conditions are often difficult to see, making them treacherous for road users. The slippery conditions are gradually decreasing from the southwest.”
