Both NS and HTM say they want to raise the standard of public transport and improve links between urban rail and the main line network in the Randstad conurbation. Around a third of NS passengers travelling to and from The Hague also use HTM services for part of their journey.

Participation in HTM fits with NS' strategy of developing itself into a multimodal passenger transport operator. NS has a 49% share in Dutch regional bus operator Qbuzz, operates train services outside the Netherlands through its Abellio subsidiary, and owns Czech bus company Probobus. NS also owns bicycle rental company OV-fiets and car hire company Greenwheels.

The due diligence process should be completed by the end of the year, after which a final decision will be taken on whether to proceed with the acquisition.