DON’T MISS
IamExpat FairIamExpat Job BoardIamExpat Webinars
Newsletters
EXPAT INFO
CAREER
HOUSING
EDUCATION
LIFESTYLE
EXPAT SERVICES
NEWS & ARTICLES
Home
Expat Info
Dutch news & articles
Is the end of the OV Chipkaart in sight?
Never miss a thing!Sign up for our weekly newsletters with important news stories, expat events and special offers.
Keep me updated with exclusive offers from partner companies
By signing up, you agree that we may process your information in accordance with our privacy policy

Is the end of the OV Chipkaart in sight?

Never miss a thing!Sign up for our weekly newsletters with important news stories, expat events and special offers.
Keep me updated with exclusive offers from partner companies
By signing up, you agree that we may process your information in accordance with our privacy policy
or
follow us for regular updates:



Related Stories

Coronavirus: NS reducing the number of train servicesCoronavirus: NS reducing the number of train services
Trump bans all European flights to USTrump bans all European flights to US
NS to introduce cheaper train tickets for teensNS to introduce cheaper train tickets for teens
Direct train from Amsterdam to London will start running in AprilDirect train from Amsterdam to London will start running in April
Smoking to be banned at all Dutch train stations this yearSmoking to be banned at all Dutch train stations this year
No direct trains between The Hague and Utrecht until MondayNo direct trains between The Hague and Utrecht until Monday
NS is trialling bikes you can unlock with your OV-chipkaartNS is trialling bikes you can unlock with your OV-chipkaart
Plans to extend North-South line to Schiphol are not definitePlans to extend North-South line to Schiphol are not definite
For expats of all colours, shapes and sizes

Explore
Expat infoCareerHousingEducationLifestyleExpat servicesNews & articles
About us
IamExpat MediaAdvertisePost a jobContact usSitemap
More IamExpat
IamExpat Job BoardIamExpat HousingIamExpat FairsWebinarsNewsletters
Privacy
Terms of usePrivacy policyCookiesAvoiding scams

Never miss a thing!Sign up for expat events, news & offers, delivered once a week.
Keep me updated with exclusive offers from partner companies
By signing up, you agree that we may process your information in accordance with our privacy policy


© 2025 IamExpat Media B.V.
© 2025 IamExpat Media B.V.
Jul 5, 2019
Mina Solanki
Completed her Master's degree at the University of Groningen and worked as a translator before joining IamExpat. She loves to read and has a particular interest in Greek mythology. In addition to this, she is an avid rower.Read more

The end of the OV Chipkaart could very well be in sight. It seems like the travel card has had its day. The Dutch government is considering getting rid of it in 2023, Stientje van Veldhoven, State Secretary for Infrastructure and Water Management, wrote in a letter to directors of transportation companies in the Netherlands.

The OV Chipkaart has had its day

The OV Chipkaart was rolled out between 2005 and 2012. So it’s been in use for some time, however, that is exactly the problem - it’s based on outdated technology and the government feels that it has seen its best days. It’s simply time for a more modern system. Travellers in the Netherlands should be able to use their bank cards and mobile phones to be able to pay, something that has been possible for passengers in London for years.

According to Van Veldhoven, the current OV Chipkaart system is “closed”, expensive and makes it difficult to add new payment options. Additionally, technical support cannot be guaranteed in the future.

The current OV Chipkaart system works by means of a “smart” card with all your information on it - the station where you last checked in and the amount of money in your account. The gates at stations simply read the information on your card. To be able to check in with your bank card, which doesn’t hold all this information, the gates would need to be “smart” instead of the card.

2023 is the goal

At this moment in time, several trials with new payment systems are being carried out, with one for six months between Leiden and The Hague seeing 1.000 passengers be able to check in using a debit or credit card. The results of that trial were extremely positive and no problems were encountered.

Van Veldhoven hopes that the new systems can be implemented in two years time. If all goes to plan and the new payment methods are satisfactory, the OV Chipkaart can be retired in 2023. This is the collective goal of the Ministry, NS and the National Public Transport Board (NOVB).

The costs of the new payment system will be lower than the current one, however, it is unclear as to who is going to finance the transition to the new system. To implement it, a great deal of investment is needed, as, amongst other things, the gates at hundreds of Dutch stations will need to be adjusted, with the software and hardware updated.

By Mina Solanki