Dutch lawmakers demand action on broken train station lifts

Lawmakers from multiple Dutch municipalities have sent an urgent letter to the Tweede Kamer and rail infrastructure manager ProRail, demanding immediate action on broken lifts at train stations. The letter, signed by 51 municipal factions from 15 cities and two provincial factions, highlights severe accessibility issues faced by travelers reliant on station lifts.

The lawmakers argue that passengers with mobility challenges are experiencing extreme difficulties due to non-functional lifts. According to the letter, affected travelers must "wait for hours, reroute through other stations, or sometimes abandon their journey entirely." The situation is described as "distressing and sometimes inhumane," citing prolonged delays, lack of restroom access, and an inability to obtain food and drinks.

The letter lists multiple stations where lifts have been out of order for extended periods, including Rheden, Meppel, Houten, Dordrecht, Geldrop, Elst, Zaanstad, and Dieren. Some lifts have been non-functional for weeks or even months.

Lawmakers accuse ProRail of failing to respond adequately to complaints, noting that the company consistently attributes malfunctions to "water damage, vandalism, or long delivery times for replacement parts." The letter demands structural solutions and improved maintenance procedures to prevent recurring failures.

In response, ProRail acknowledged the urgency of the issue, stating: "We recognize the importance of lift accessibility, especially for vulnerable passengers. We manage over 450 lifts across our stations and are committed to ensuring their functionality."

The company stated that fewer than 10 lifts currently experience long-term failures lasting seven days or more and emphasized ongoing discussions with municipalities where persistent issues occur. "We are working to improve accessibility at all stations and welcome further dialogue to find lasting solutions."

ProRail also pointed to vandalism as a significant cause of lift failures, stating, "This is a challenge we cannot solve alone. We need cooperation from local authorities to address vandalism more effectively."

ProRail advises travelers to check the status of lifts before their journey through their official website. A dedicated page provides real-time updates on lift functionality at various stations. "While this does not eliminate disruptions, it allows passengers to plan alternative routes in advance," the company stated.

The lawmakers insist that ProRail and the Tweede Kamer engage in urgent discussions to address the issue. "These talks must result in better lift availability and the development of alternative solutions for travelers who depend on them," the letter states.