Rover is concerned that the train passenger threatens to pay for the financial problems caused by corona.
Uber uses variable rates that depend on supply and demand at a given time. This means that fares can be higher during peak periods, when rides are in high demand. The fact that NS also wants to use such a system is very striking and does not contribute to attracting travelers to the train. The carrier received permission from the government to increase rates during busy periods and peak hours.
What are the next steps? In bad weather, the demand for rides can increase and the fares can be higher or during major events, such as concerts or festivals, can the fares be higher?
Rover is concerned that the train passenger threatens to pay for the financial problems caused by corona. A letter to parliament from State Secretary Heijnen shows that NS may be allowed to levy a rush-hour surcharge from 2025 and run fewer trains.
new contract
The new contract with NS will take effect in 2025. New requirements and agreements are therefore currently being considered. The ministry is also considering granting NS a subsidy. Rover received a proposal for the new agreements today and will be considering this in the near future.
It is important to Rover that the train remains affordable for everyone. To ensure that NS gets out of the red, there is currently a possibility on the table that NS may levy extra surcharges on busy routes and times such as rush hour. A wrong choice, says Rover.
"A teacher cannot stand in front of the class later because the train has become unaffordable, the climate and housing challenge demands that the use of train and bus should increase. Chasing travelers out of rush hour rather causes the opposite".
What is extra painful is that there is also talk of a chance that the timetable will be stripped down. “Paying more for less is the start of a downward spiral for the train,” fears Freek Bos. Rover calls on the cabinet to stop demolition of public transport and to focus on growth in train use.
