2024-01-26 18:29:12
Train passengers must prepare for (another) “tough year” with delays and disruptions. According to the NS, a number of problems from 2023 are still present. For example, work must be carried out more often during the day. “We’re not going to make it more beautiful than it is.”
In any case, it is not a good start to the year for train travelers. In addition to the power outage on Monday at Utrecht Central Station, winter weather and work in January also caused problems.
The disruptions this month follow a year that is also not going well. One in ten NS train journeys was delayed in 2023. ProRail and NS achieved this their jointly established goals not.
Trains on both the main rail network and the high-speed line were too often delayed by more than five minutes. On the high-speed line, even the floor value – the minimum target on which NS and ProRail are assessed by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management – was not achieved.
The numbers are also generally lower than in the past, notes Professor of Transport Policy Bert van Wee from TU Delft. “I find it strange that 2023 scores worse than the years before corona.”
Why more trains were delayed in 2023
NS and ProRail provide a number of explanations for the delays in 2023. Such as work on the track at Rotterdam Central Station, the Schiphol Tunnel and the German side of the Betuwe Route.
They also mention subsidence in Zeeland, a shortage of mechanics and speed restrictions on the high-speed line route, which caused one in four trains to be delayed. Crowds and the impact of storms and autumn leaves also pass by.
Unfortunately for train passengers, some of those problems still exist. “We know that this year will be quite a tough year for travelers,” says an NS spokesperson.
There is still a lot of work planned. “We can’t ignore that.” He compares it to a home renovation: it gets worse before it gets better.
Van Wee emphasizes that it is nice if the work mainly takes place at times when travelers are least affected. But according to NS, that is no longer always possible these days.
Ontvang meldingen bij nieuws over het ov in Nederland
This year – just like last year – the work will take place more often during the week and during the day instead of at night and on weekends. According to the spokesperson, this is partly due to shortages of contractors.
The work affects punctuality figures, the NS spokesperson knows. In addition, there are still too few mechanics, which means that trains are sidelined for longer for maintenance. Sometimes the trains are therefore “shorter than we would actually like”.
NS is busy recruiting and has set up three so-called Technology Factories to train people to become technicians within two years. But with shortages in all kinds of sectors, Van Wee sees the recruitment of technicians as a challenge.
Busy moments even busier
If we manage to hire enough technicians, the NS spokesperson sees another problem: crowds. People need more time to get in and out. It often comes down to seconds. “But on an entire journey you still have a delay of five minutes.”
According to NS, “the busy times have become much busier”. This applies, for example, to Tuesday and Thursday. On other days it is quieter. “We simply no longer have a morning rush hour on Fridays.”
Van Wee confirms that image. “The difference between Tuesdays and Thursdays and other days of the week is greater than it used to be.”
High ambitions for the new year
Although technician shortages have not yet been resolved, work continues and there is no solution for passenger peaks, NS and ProRail are aiming for a punctuality of 93.7 percent by 2024. The counter now stands at 88.9. Is the goal too ambitious?
“We certainly set the bar high,” says a ProRail spokesperson. But he believes it is up to society to determine whether we are too demanding. The NS spokesperson emphasizes that the ambition must remain high. “The traveler just wants the train to run on time.”
ProRail and NS can be held accountable by the ministry for these goals. “The Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management determines whether there are grounds for a fine,” the ProRail spokesperson explains. According to Van Wee, this is important: “There is tax money in the rail system. This means that you also have to be accountable for what you do.”
The Netherlands is doing very well internationally
By the way, the Netherlands is doing very well compared to other countries. “It couldn’t be much better,” says Van Wee.
Japan and Switzerland are often mentioned as example countries. “If you know just two examples where things are going better internationally, then you are doing quite well.” Switzerland also invests much more money in rail than we do.
There are various lists that compare the situation on the railways or the state of the infrastructure between countries. Looking at those lists, “the Netherlands often comes out well”. Even if you zoom in on disruptions and punctuality.
We have high expectations and a good complaints system
One thing stands out: we score high compared to other countries and yet we are not satisfied. Van Wee doesn’t know why that happens. It may be due to our high expectations or a well-functioning complaints system.
He does know of studies that prove that people find unexpected delays more annoying than expected delays. People who go by car often factor in delays during rush hour. Trains are often fuller, but usually run on time. If they do not drive or drive slowly, it is immediately annoying.
The solutions are not immediately available for the taking. “Making sure that as many trains as possible run on time” remains the best medicine against irritation during the journey. Until that happens, he has a simple tip: “Build in a margin and take an earlier train, then you will at least be on time.”
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