NS ticket prices are set to increase by more than 11 percent in 2025, and many people who take the train in the Netherlands are not happy about this. Based on a panel survey by Hart van Nederland, more than half of train passengers would start taking the train less often due to price hikes and rather use other means of transport. 

NS ticket price hikes to influence travel behaviour in the Netherlands

Hart van Nederland surveyed 2.017 people and found that of those who use the train occasionally, 54 percent would take the train less frequently if the NS does go ahead with the price increase planned for next year. 45 percent of people who use the train regularly, for work or studies for example, also said they would not use the train as often.

Those who would travel on the Dutch railway less, listed driving as a popular alternative, with 42 percent saying they would use a car more often. Other travellers said they would use other public transport more often (4 percent), while some would cycle instead (2 percent). To avoid extra costs, a small group would even go out less frequently (6 percent).

Resistance to NS plans for higher ticket prices

The NS has experienced financial difficulties due to a decline in passenger numbers since the coronavirus pandemic. To offset the loss, the company announced that it would cut several jobs at the head office and increase ticket prices. 

These plans have understandably not been met with enthusiasm. Only 3 percent of survey respondents thought the price hikes were the best solution to the company’s troubles. The most popular suggestion was to see more competition on the railway in the Netherlands (38 percent), while many surveyed thought that the government should provide more support to the NS (30 percent). Other suggestions included the complete nationalisation of the NS (17 percent).