Dutch government plans limited summer discounted train subscription starting June 21
The Dutch government plans to launch a discounted summer train subscription from June 21 to Sept. 1, a shorter period than originally proposed, NOS reports.
The program centers on a monthly “flex dal vrij” subscription priced at 49 euros, allowing unlimited train travel outside peak hours and on weekends. The same subscription normally costs nearly 128 euros per month at Dutch Railways (NS).
The initiative, often referred to as a “climate ticket,” was a key demand from the GroenLinks-PvdA (PRO) political bloc. The group says the goal is to encourage people to choose trains over cars by making day trips more affordable.
The cabinet has set a spending cap of 118 million euros for the program, meaning only a limited number of travelers will be able to use the discounted subscription. The Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management says it is difficult to estimate how many people will ultimately be able to participate.
Funding will come from the national Mobility Fund, partly by cutting research into the storage of radioactive waste, and also from the Climate and Energy Fund.
“Traveling by public transport is good for reducing emissions,” said Climate Minister Van Veldhoven. “There was already money in the Climate Fund for measures related to trains and clean cars. So that is why it also fits this application.”
The Dutch cabinet still requires approval from both the Tweede Kamer and the Senate before the program can move forward. State Secretary Bertram of Infrastructure has urged lawmakers to act quickly, warning that they cannot meet the June 21 start date without swift approval.
