NS, the national railway operator in the Netherlands, has announced a significant increase in train fares for 2025. The company plans to raise ticket prices by 8.7%, in addition to an inflation correction, which could potentially result in a total increase of over 11%. This decision comes after a planned price hike was postponed this year due to a one-off government subsidy of €120 million, which will not be available in 2025.
In addition to the fare increase, NS will cut 500 jobs at its headquarters through natural attrition to reduce costs. This move is expected to take longer than a year and will not affect operational staff such as drivers and conductors.
The company has reported a loss of €33 million in the first half of 2024 and attributes this financial strain to the lasting impact of the pandemic and the increased prevalence of remote work, which has led to a structural decline in passenger numbers. The current number of passengers is 94% of pre-pandemic levels.
NS aims to maintain its schedule in 2025, despite the financial challenges. The company is exploring various cost-cutting measures, such as reducing office space, simplifying IT systems, and potentially making train refurbishments more modest.
The decision to increase fares and cut jobs has sparked concerns among passengers and employees. However, NS assures that it is taking steps to minimize the impact on passengers and avoid forced redundancies. The company will continue to work with the government and stakeholders to find solutions to address its financial challenges while maintaining the quality and accessibility of its services.
