Severe rail disruptions in Randstad due to track failures, particularly around Amsterdam
Rail services across multiple routes in the Randstad faced severe disruptions Sunday due to “multiple track failures,” according to Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS). A spokesperson said the disruptions are particularly affecting travel around Amsterdam. ProRail also reported a significant reduction in train service south of Amsterdam and between Utrecht and Amsterdam.
No trains are running between Amsterdam Zuid and Utrecht Centraal, and intercity services between Schiphol and Leiden have been suspended, according to the NS travel planner. Additionally, no sprinter trains are operating between Amsterdam Centraal and Utrecht. The NS spokesperson confirmed that replacement buses have been deployed between the two stations. “The disruption to rail traffic in the Randstad is quite extensive,” the spokesperson said.
The disruptions are expected to last until 6 p.m. The track failures come on top of previously scheduled rail maintenance work in the Randstad, including reduced service between Amsterdam Centraal and Hoofddorp, as well as between Schiphol and Hilversum. The tracks in the Schiphol tunnel are also undergoing renovations.
According to rail operator ProRail, there are 12 track and switch failures near Amsterdam Bijlmer. “We are working to resolve this quickly due to the Ajax-AZ match this afternoon and the expected influx of travelers,” a spokesperson said. The match at Johan Cruijff ArenA is scheduled to kick off at 4:45 p.m.
