The aim of the programme is to improve accessibility, comfort, convenience and security. Stations will be upgraded with wheelchair-accessible toilets, refreshment kiosks, Wi-Fi, and passenger communications/information points.
NS CEO Mr Roger can Boxtel says the investment is justified by increasing passenger numbers on the Dutch public transport network.
The funding is additional to the programme of station improvements already being carried out by NS in partnership with infrastructure manager ProRail, which has an annual investment volume of around €100m.
Around 35 stations will have “cosy waiting rooms” and at other locations NS will cooperate with local entrepreneurs to offer improved waiting facilities. Moreover, NS plans to significantly increase bicycle parking.
NS and ProRail are also looking at the effectiveness of station wayfinding and consideration is being given to changing signage to make navigation easier.
NS says the Station Experience Monitor, a survey of 80,000 rail users, shows passengers are increasingly positive about the quality of stations. 76% have given stations a rating of at least 7 out of 10, an 11% increase compared with 2014.
Much of this improvement has been driven by the upgrading of major stations such as Rotterdam Central, Breda, Arnhem Central and Utrecht Central.
