NS converts first-class seats on Dutch trains to make room for rush hour crowds

Travelling on trains during rush hour will become more comfortable in future, with Dutch rail company NS announcing plans to convert first-class compartments on 190 Sprinters into second-class seating. The change will free up more than 3.000 seats for passengers.

NS adds more second-class seats on Sprinters

If you have taken a Sprinter to work during rush hour in the Netherlands, you’ve most likely experienced the race to find an open seat. After coming up empty, many people end up standing for the entire train ride while the first-class compartment looks almost empty.  

According to NS, while first-class seats are often used in Intercity trains, only around 10 percent of the higher-class seats are filled during rush hour on Sprinters, while many second-class passengers are left without seats. To make up for this, the Dutch rail company is reducing the first-class compartments in 190 of its 380 Sprinter trains to make room for more passengers using public transport. This is set to add 3.580 extra second-class seats.

The conversion will take place outside of rush hour when the trains are not in service. All 190 trains should have more second-class seating by the summer of 2026.

Travel behaviour of Dutch rail passengers has changed

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, more residents work from home and only travel to the office a few times a week, reports NOS. This means that business travellers use the train less often or do not see the point in spending extra for a first-class subscription, leaving more seats empty.

While the company is all for reducing the number of first-class seats, both the NS and traveller organisation Rover are against the complete removal of the class system on Dutch trains, stating that there are still business people and others who get overstimulated and still need and use the first-class compartments.