Planned budget cuts for Dutch public transport to be scrapped

The Dutch government has approved a motion to scrap planned budget cuts for public transport that were set to be implemented in 2026. 

Government cutbacks to Dutch public transport reversed

Initially, the government planned to cut a total of 335 million euros in subsidies that support public transport operators throughout the Netherlands. Under the plans, regional operators in Amsterdam, Rotterdam and The Hague would get 110 million euros less in subsidies, and the student card would also be scrapped. 

Several organisations sounded the alarm about the cutbacks since the announcement, and a petition was submitted to the House of Representatives. Public transport operators also opposed the budget cuts through unique protests, such as a 110-second transport standstill and 20 seconds of honking. 

Now, the House of Representatives has approved a motion to reduce the cuts by 225 million euros, reports AT5. "Very happy with this result," chairman of the Amsterdam Transport Region (VRA) Melanie van der Horst wrote on Instagram. 

Effects of budget cuts on Dutch public transport

After the plans for the cutbacks were revealed, public transport operators in the three largest Dutch cities announced a sharp rise in ticket prices. They also warned that lines could run less often or be scrapped entirely. All of this would make the country less accessible and environmentally friendly.

While the cuts have been reduced substantially, 110 million euros will still be held back from public transport in the budget, and the motion will only apply for 2026, which means more cuts will still hit operators in 2027. Exactly how the public transport budget will be allocated is still up in the air until Budget Day in September. Until then, it is unclear how the scrapped cutbacks will impact public transport.