Transport companies in the Netherlands have warned that there could be a rise in ticket prices for public transport and connections could be scrapped if the Dutch government continues with its plan to cut 355 million euros from the budget for the sector.
Dutch Public transport prices affected by government cutbacks
The government is planning on cutting 110 million euros annually in subsidies that support public transport operators in Amsterdam, The Hague and Rotterdam, which could lead to a sharp rise in ticket prices in the three largest cities. 225 million euros for the public transport student card will also be scrapped. Other Dutch cities will also be affected.
"Tickets will be 15 to 20 percent more expensive if the government implements the planned cutbacks," Hatte van der Woude, chair of industry association OV-NL, told NOS Radio 1 Journaal. Routes could also be scrapped and stops removed, which would affect several travellers. “Lines running less often or more expensive tickets, these are things that we are going to see everywhere."
For example, public transport companies in Groningen and Drenthe are currently looking at reducing lines and possibly scrapping them completely.
Rising costs of public transport impact housing and economy
With public transport already seeing a decline in passengers since the COVID-19 pandemic and the rising costs due to increasing wages, worker shortages and inflation, public transport in the Netherlands is on the decline - the opposite of what is needed to reach goals to make the country more accessible and environmentally friendly.
"We are getting into a vicious circle, in which public transport is unintentionally becoming less attractive," said Van der Woude. "This has major consequences for people without a car, but also for the housing market and the economy." Good public transport is needed to reach new housing developments and for travellers to get to work.
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