Morning train stoppage due to Covid concerns, not enough workers

Trains running from Dordrecht to the Dordrecht Stadspolders in Zuid-Holland were temporarily shutdown Thursday morning because of a shortage of workers. The train traffic controllers did not show up to work because of minor health complaints, and remained home as a precaution.

“This has resulted in a temporary staff shortage at the regional traffic control post,” ProRail said. The current advice from the Dutch government is for anyone with cold or flu symptoms, or a fever, to remain home, self-isolate, and schedule a test for a coronavirus infection.

The shutdown affected part of the Merwede Lingelijn, a train route with end points in Geldermalsen and Dordrecht operated by Qbuzz as part of the R-Net network. Full service on the route was restarted from about 9 a.m., though ProRail advised travelers to use the online planner for the most up to date information.