The Dutch Railways (NS) are preparing for one of the busiest periods of the year: Carnival.
To ensure that travellers can travel safely and festively to and from the Brabant and Limburg party cities, NS is implementing additional measures. From extra trains and access controls to enhanced cleaning and special carnival activities, everything is geared towards a smooth festivities.
At the stations of 's-Hertogenbosch and Breda, NS is taking extra measures to manage the crowds. With an increase of almost 30 percent more passengers since 2019, the carrier sees the need for stricter checks. Ward van Gils, Manager Social Safety at NS, explains: “We would like to have a better view of the crowds, especially at weekends and in good weather. By regulating access and making checking in and out mandatory, we gain more control over the situation.”
From Friday 28 February to Monday 3 March, the largest stations in the south will be adjusted. In 's-Hertogenbosch, travellers can enter and exit the station as normal until 20:00, provided they check in and out. After that time, however, only one entrance and exit will be kept open on the city centre side. Visitors who want to enter or exit the station on Magistratenlaan will have to take a detour via the Stationstunnel.
A similar arrangement applies at Breda station. From 18:00, travellers can only enter the station via the city centre side. The Belcrum side will be closed and pedestrians will be diverted via the cycle lane, which will temporarily be used as a walking route. NS employees and security will continuously carry out checks to prevent travellers from entering the station without a valid ticket.
extra long trains
In order to accommodate the expected large flow of partygoers, NS is deploying extra trains. The last trains of the day in particular will be extended to bring as many people home as possible. "If you are at the station on time, we will make sure you get home," Van Gils assures. Disabled people are also being taken into account: all stations will remain accessible to people with disabilities. In addition, additional security and service personnel will be deployed at other major carnival stations such as Tilburg, Roosendaal, Eindhoven Centraal, Roermond, Maastricht, Sittard, Heerlen and Venlo. Camera surveillance will be increased to quickly limit any nuisance.
Carnival not only brings a cheerful atmosphere, but also an increase in waste and pollution at stations and in trains. To counter this, extra cleaning teams are deployed. Where normally trains are only cleaned at stations, during carnival this also happens during the journey. This should ensure a cleaner travel environment, especially in the early mornings when the partygoers are making their journey home.
princely trains
NS is also using the festival to involve travellers in a fun way. This year, special NS Carnival pins will be handed out at the entrances, which can easily be pinned onto carnival clothing. In addition, the carrier plays a role in the transport of the princes of various carnival cities. In seven cities – including Tilburg, Eindhoven, Maastricht, Heerlen, Zwolle and Roosendaal – the local prince travels to the party by special train. On Sunday, Amadeiro XXVII arrives at 'Oeteldonk Centraol', or 's-Hertogenbosch station. NS welcomes the highnesses with an official prince's chain.
longer shopping hours
For those who need a short break from partying, most station shops are open until late. At the busiest carnival stations, such as Breda, Tilburg and 's-Hertogenbosch, shops such as AH to Go, Julia's, Smullers and Starbucks stay open extra long. In addition, the stations are festively decorated in carnival colours. This year, Breda in particular is getting extra attention in terms of decoration.
The digital NS environment is also in the carnival mood. In the NS Travel Planner app, travelers can search not only for the official place names, but also for the carnival names of their destination. For example, 's-Hertogenbosch is referred to as Oeteldonk, Tilburg as Kruikenstad and Breda as Kielegat. Even above the rivers, NS is participating with names such as Boeskoolstad (Oldenzaal) and Waaienburg (Den Helder). With these extensive preparations, NS hopes to offer carnival goers a smooth travel experience. Safety, conviviality and efficient transport are central, so that everyone can enjoy the party without a care in the world.
