The overcrowded trains are particularly customer-unfriendly. So let trains run more often without a conductor.
It has been busy on the train since this summer. Travelers often have to change trains and wait or run for a long time because trains do not connect properly. The problems hit hard in the Northern Netherlands because we often have to travel long distances than travelers in the Randstad. Because the Zwolle-Lelystad line has been out of service for some time, there is a record number of complaints about the traffic between Zwolle and Utrecht.
It is a shame that this makes train transport less attractive. At the same time, we should not exaggerate. Usually everyone can find a place after a bit of searching. You will eventually reach your destination. But it is really noticeable that the railway companies often use very short trains. That comes across as particularly customer-unfriendly.
The NS announced on Monday that it would further cut back on the timetable from 7 November. And the northern Arriva trains from Groningen and Leeuwarden and the Blauwnet train Zwolle-Emmen have also often stopped working lately. Always due to a shortage of staff.
The NS has reached an agreement with the trade unions to sometimes deploy a security guard as a second man/woman on the train after 1 January, in the absence of extra conductors. Arriva hasn’t even worked with conductors for years. Apparently, even then, a staff shortage can arise.
Both companies should have responded earlier to the lack of workers. Of course the railways are not the only ones, look at Schiphol. But even more than the plane, the train is a public utility. People have to take it to work, school or study. The government and the rail companies must do their utmost to attract additional staff.
For the slightly longer term, more thought may also be given to automation. With the entrance gates at stations and camera surveillance, a conductor is no longer always needed everywhere. Of course it is more pleasant, safer and more social with a conductor on the train. But the choice is made quickly, if there simply isn’t enough staff left. If the only alternative is not to run a train at all or a train that is much too short, then do an extra train without a conductor.