The Netherlands Federation of Mobility Companies, representing Arriva, Connexxion and Syntus, had argued against the decision. The concession entered force on January 1 2015 and in effect adds HSL South to NS' core network.

The Ministry decided to integrate the core network with high-speed operations from six possible scenarios presented after NS subsidiary HSA came into financial troubles.

The federation had previously appealed against the Ministry's decision without success, despite the claim that two of the three associates were capable of starting high-speed operations sooner than NS. Moreover the court ruled that segregation of high-speed and conventional passenger operations would not benefit passengers.

As the public authority, the court's decision to back the Ministry of Infrastructure was the best in terms of finances. The verdict is final and irrevocable.