A competition for a better train experience and your chance to influence.
Dutch Railways (NS) has launched a unique challenge for train travelers: come up with the ultimate traveler's gift. With a budget of 1,5 million euros, NS is looking for innovative ideas to improve the experience of the 1,1 million daily train passengers. The most original and feasible idea will not only become reality, but its creator will also win a dream trip through Switzerland.
This competition is a response to the challenges that rail passengers faced in 2022, such as fewer trains due to staff shortages. This led to longer travel times and overcrowded trains. In compensation, NS has decided, after the insistence of traveler organization Rover, to invest a substantial amount in improving the travel experience.
NS sets some guidelines for submissions: the idea must be practically feasible within the budget and specifically aimed at improving the train travel experience. Proposals can range from a free cup of coffee at the stations to an upgrade of the NS app. Importantly, improvements to the stations themselves are not eligible for the competition.
It is important that the ideas focus specifically on aspects that NS can influence; stations are explicitly excluded. The focus is on six possible categories: payment options, NS bicycle sheds, mobile applications, public transport bicycle, travel information and accessibility of the trains.
An expert jury will judge all entries assessment, where creativity and feasibility are important criteria. The winner will not only receive the honor of having his or her idea implemented, but will also win a six-day train trip through Switzerland for two people, including travel in a Swiss panoramic train, worth €2350. This prize is offered by Treinrondreis.nl. The second and third places will receive Interrail passes for train travel through Europe.
jury
The entries are judged by an expert jury, who mainly looks at originality and feasibility within the set budget. The winner of the competition will not only be rewarded with the realization of his or her idea, but will also receive a six-day train trip through Switzerland for two people, offered by Treinrondreis.nl. In addition, there are prizes such as Interrail passes for second and third place.
