Dutch railway organisations NS and ProRail have warned in a press conference that train performance in the Netherlands will not be at its best in the coming months. Due to problems with train and staff shortages, temporary speed limitations and more track maintenance, a number of trains will not run on time for the rest of 2024.
Multiple railway problems cause train disruptions in the Netherlands
The High-Speed Lines (HSL) have not been particularly speedy due to unstable viaducts on certain parts of the track. In these sections, trains that usually travel at speeds of up to 300 kilometres per hour can only travel at new speed limits of 80 kilometres per hour, which can continue to cause timetable disruptions. For example, the train from Rotterdam to Amsterdam runs on time less than 60 percent of the time.
More major track maintenance and renewals are planned in the coming months which will also affect train schedules. Rotterdam, Schiphol Airport and Tilburg-Boxtel routes are some that will be affected.
Other issues such as staff shortages for both NS and ProRail could continue to delay progress. The railway organisations are struggling to find employees to fill positions for mechanics, electricians and conductors which leads to setbacks in plans. To combat this, NS has started recruiting and training new personnel to fill the jobs in public transport.
Train disruptions to continue into the autumn
Though the railway organisations are working on solving the problems, there won’t be relief any time soon. "The reality is that our problems will not be solved overnight, I don't know when they will be solved," said NS CEO Wouter Koolmees.
The beginning of the autumn season also brings its own challenges as many Dutch residents make their way back to work and school after the summer holidays. This increase in passengers could lead to packed trains, especially when there are delays.
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