NS is reversing a recently introduced minor expansion of the timetable. The trains on the Arnhem-Rotterdam route no longer run every ten minutes, but again every fifteen minutes. The railway company cannot yet say whether more changes will be necessary next summer.
For the time being, the trains are also not full, which offers more room to cut something without major consequences. “Because the trains are now 80 percent full compared to how it was before corona, we also have more room to take measures with limited impact,” says an NS spokesperson.
These measures are necessary because the company, like many other companies, is struggling with personnel shortages.
“It is not said that more measures are needed in the summer, but it is possible. And that can have an impact on the timetable.” The NS considers how many staff are available and how occupancy is in the trains. “It’s just predictions and expectations now.”
At least one driver is needed on each train. “How many conductors are needed depends on the length of the train.” And that again depends on the amount of travelers.
In addition to the tight labor market, NS also has a higher than normal absenteeism due to illness.