Rover is calling on NS to make the Intercity Direct surcharge-free during off-peak hours, as long as the railway works around Leiden last. A great deal of inconvenience is expected throughout the Randstad as a result of the work. At Rover's request, NS and ProRail provide extensive information.

In February, work will be carried out on switches at Leiden and The Hague Central stations. Therefore, from 8 to 16 February, fewer trains or shorter trains will run around Leiden. Fewer trains will run around The Hague Central from 22 February to 1 March. During this period, train passengers throughout the Randstad will experience more travel time, extra transfers and full trains.

Last year, large-scale work at Leiden led to many complaints at Rover. Reason enough for Rover to go into one evaluation report including asking for better communication. NS and ProRail are now clearly showing improvements in this area: travelers are informed about the upcoming work at Leiden by means of posters and light signs at stations, among other things. NS has one webpage made with an overview of the consequences per day. ProRail also provides Background information about the work.

NS calls on travelers to travel outside rush hour as much as possible. NS advises travelers between Rotterdam Central, Schiphol Airport and Amsterdam Central to use the IC Direct. Travelers are forced to pay a surcharge of € 2,60. Rover is calling on NS to cut the surcharge during off-peak hours to reward travelers for rush-hour avoidance. Rover will monitor the course of train traffic during the work in the coming weeks.

Also read: Rover regrets to abolish afternoon rush hour discount NS