NS to experiment with free train travel for low-income residents in Amersfoort

NS is launching a temporary trial providing free train passes to low-income individuals in the municipality of Amersfoort. The railway company hopes that people can participate more fully in society if they can use the train. “Travel is freedom.”

Low-income residents of Amersfoort can register with the municipality for the Vooruitpas Amersfoort, which offers free train travel for six months. After that, the trial ends.

NS aims “to investigate the wishes and travel behavior of the participants.” Based on the results, NS intends to examine how the travel pass can be permanently implemented in Amersfoort and in other municipalities.

According to NS board member Daan Schut, people who can’t afford train travel are restricted. “You constantly have to weigh up: should I travel or not, and what do I have to give up for it? For that reason, many municipalities and provinces want to offer cheaper public transport. As NS, we want the train to be available to everyone.”

A total of 1,000 passes are available. If there is more interest, the municipality will organize a lottery. The Vooruitpas Amersfoort starts on July 1 and ends on December 31.