https://www.egtre.info/w/api.php?action=feedcontributions&user=Theijs+Europe&feedformat=atomEGTRE - User contributions [en]2024-03-28T12:24:06ZUser contributionsMediaWiki 1.41.0https://www.egtre.info/w/index.php?title=Netherlands_-_General_Information&diff=55418Netherlands - General Information2024-03-17T11:24:08Z<p>Theijs Europe: /* Special notes */ NS order for doubledeck EMU's at CAF</p>
<hr />
<div>==Country Name==<br />
Netherlands (Nederland)<br />
<br />
==National Railway System==<br />
===National Railway Operator===<br />
[https://www.ns.nl/en Nederlandse Spoorwegen] (NS) is the principal passenger carrier, which operates through various subsidiary companies, including:<br />
* NS Reizigers - Domestic passenger services <br />
* [https://www.nsinternational.com/en ''NS International''] - International passenger services.<br />
<br />
[https://www.eurostar.com/''Eurostar''] services to the Netherlands are operated by a stand-alone company owned by SNCF (62%), SNCB/NMBS (28%) and DB (10%); NS is not a partner. <br />
<br />
[https://www.europeansleeper.eu/''European Sleeper''] is a Dutch private company offering night services from Brussels via Amsterdam to Berlin and Prague.<br />
<br />
There is no longer a national freight operator. The former NS freight operation has been sold and is a subsidiary of DB (see below). Open access freight operators have a considerable market share. Current freight operators in The Netherlands as at 2023 are DB Cargo Nederland (German), Lineas Nederland (Belgian), LTE Netherlands (Austrian), Captrain (French) and RTB Cargo German) amoungst others.<br />
<br />
==Language==<br />
Dutch<br />
<br />
==Currency==<br />
Euro<br />
<br />
==UIC code==<br />
Numeric 84; alpha NL<br />
<br />
==Timetable==<br />
As of 14 December 2014, every station should be served twice an hour.<br />
<br />
===Journey Planner===<br />
* PC and smartphone: [https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information Travel Information].<br />
* Iphone application: [https://apps.apple.com/nl/app/ns/id370362301 Reisplanner].<br />
* Android application: [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=nl.ns.android.activity&utm_source=ns&utm_medium=banner&utm_campaign=rpxpagina Reisplanner]<br />
* Windows application: [https://www.microsoft.com/store/apps/9wzdncrdmbbm Treinplanner]<br />
<br />
===Actual Train Times===<br />
* [https://spoorkaart.mwnn.nl/ Actuele spoorkaart Nederland]<br />
*[https://treinenradar.nl/ Treinenradar Live]<br />
<br />
===Downloadable Timetable===<br />
By December 2023, NS no longer produces timetables in pdf format on its website.<br />
<br />
===Printed Timetable===<br />
''Rover'' offers a paper [https://www.ovshop.nl/shop/rover-spoorboekje-2024/ ''Spoorboekje''] for 2023-2024. NS discontinued paper timetables after the 2009-2010 edition. Rover took the publication over from Treinreiziger.<br />
<br />
===Engineering Information===<br />
[https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/current-situation-on-the-tracks The current situation on the tracks].<br />
[https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/maintenance-on-the-tracks/ An overview of scheduled works in the upcoming months that will effect services].<br />
<br />
===Real Time Train Information===<br />
Real time train running information is available on the [http://treinenradar.nl/ ''Treinenradar''], [https://treinposities.nl/ ''Treinposities''] and [http://spoorkaart.mwnn.nl/ Spoorkaart] websites. Moreover, public transport Apps like OV9292 and NS Reisplanner offer real time journey information.<br />
<br />
==Maps==<br />
===Printed Maps===<br />
*[[Printed Maps#ERA-E | European Railway Atlas (All-Europe Edition)]] by M.G. Ball.<br />
*[[Printed Maps#ERA-R-1 | European Railway Atlas (Regional Atlas Series, Book 1: Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Great Britain, Ireland, Portugal, Spain, France, Belgium, Netherlands and Luxembourg)]] by M.G. Ball.<br />
*A basic diagrammatic [https://www.treinreiziger.nl/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Spoorkaart-2021-v2.pdf Rail Map 2021] by Treinreiziger.nl<br />
*A fourth edition of the [https://nijverepublishers.nl/en/Books-and-maps/Benelux-Rail-Topo Benelux Rail Topo] was published in 2023 (ISBN/EAN 978 90 73280 19 9). In full colour to a scale of 1:550,000 and with a register of over 1,000 stations.<br />
<br />
===Web-based Maps===<br />
*NS publishes a [https://nieuws.ns.nl/download/99a90bb4-da90-4e0b-8597-b5343701f39b/spoorkaart2024.pdf map] with all passenger train service numbers and frequencies. <br />
*Prorail provides a [https://www.prorail.nl/siteassets/homepage/reizen/documenten/spoorkaart-2020-webversie.pdf detailed geographical map].<br />
*[http://www.sporenplan.nl/ Sporenplan] has a series of on-line maps and schematic track diagrams. Click on "Sporenplannen" on the left hand side for a map showing the countries covered.<br />
*Thorsten Büker's [https://websites.umich.edu/~yopopov/rrt/railroadmaps/netherlands_belgium_luxembourg.html Map of Benelux network] Last updated January 2023<br />
*[[Maps and Plans#Netherlands|Maps and Plans - Netherlands]]<br />
<br />
==Ticketing==<br />
As of 2023, paying public transport journeys by debit card (check-in and check-out) has been introduced. Once every 24 hours the journeys are collected. However, buying tickets from vending machines is still possible. Transport companies offer reduced fairs via their mobile applications (Android and iOS). More information via [https://ovpay.nl/en OVpay]<br />
<br />
All railway stations are equipped with ticket machines which all accept debit and credit cards (V PAY, Maestro, Mastercard, Visa and American Express). However, some foreign Visa debit cards are not accepted. Some machines accept coins as well. All machines offer domestic tickets and some provide international tickets to Belgium, and a selection of destinations in Germany. All tickets contain a chip to validate your ticket. Booking offices at small stations have almost all been closed. A surcharge is payable at booking offices when buying a ticket which is available from a ticket machine.<br />
<br />
The smart card [https://www.ov-chipkaart.nl/ OV Chipkaart] is the normal ticket on public transport and can be bought at any ticket machine. Machines that add value to an OV Chipkaart accept debit cards issued outside the Netherlands. However, only a few machines (such as at some tobacconists) accept credit cards. Paper tickets continue to be issued from machines and booking offices for rail journeys.<br />
<br />
Information on tickets and passes can be found on the NS [https://www.ns.nl/producten/en/losse-kaartjes-toeslagen Individual tickets & supplements] page. A supplement is required to travel on the HSL between Rotterdam and Schiphol Airport unless the passenger has a valid international ticket (which includes Interrail). The supplement can be purchased from vending machines; there are red validation machines for such supplements on the platforms.<br />
<br />
'''Note''': ALL tickets from machines MUST be touched in and out with ALL operators used in the correct order, when changing operators en-route. Travellers may be fined if they do not do this.<br />
<br />
NS-Zonetaxi (formerly known as treintaxi) tickets include a taxi from/to the railway station for a fixed fare. The service is available in most mid-size towns, but not in Utrecht, Amsterdam, Den Haag and Rotterdam. When riding on single or return tickets, trein-taxi tickets should be bought at the departure station. For the return trip by taxi, tickets are best bought in advance, but the taxi driver sells tickets with a small surcharge.<br />
<br />
Although more local services are to be franchised over the next few years, a uniform ticketing system, including NS and all franchisees, is being retained.<br />
<br />
''Special offers:''<br />
At Amsterdam Schiphol Airport both NS and GVB Amsterdam sell tickets for public transport connections to Amsterdam. [http://www.treinreiziger.nl/ Treinreiziger] offers news about the Dutch railwaysystem, including the availabillity of discounted tickets.<br />
<br />
==Infrastructure==<br />
===Infrastructure Authority===<br />
[http://www.prorail.nl/ ProRail] owns and manages the NS infrastructure and is responsible for traffic control and capacity allocation, under the authority of the minister of transport. On 1 July 2015 the operation of the ''Betuweroute'' was transferred to ProRail and the previous owners, Keyrail, ceased to exist.<br />
<br />
[https://www.ilent.nl/ Inspectie Leefomgeving en Transport], part of the Ministry of Transport, is responsible for safety and rolling stock certification.<br />
<br />
===Network Statement===<br />
The Prorail Website gives access to various [http://www.prorail.nl/vervoerders/network-statement NS Network Statement] documents.<br />
<br />
===Gauge===<br />
Standard.<br />
<br />
===Electrification===<br />
1500 V dc. New high-speed lines and the Betuwe trunk freight line between Rotterdam and Zevenaar (- Emmerich (Germany)) are electrified at 25 kV 50 Hz; Zevenaar - Emmerich was converted to 25 kV in 2016 so that freight trains have to change voltage only once, although it caused passenger trains to have to change voltage twice. The Hanzelijn is not officially a high-speed line, so is 1500 V dc. Large-scale conversion to 25 kV 50 Hz in the long term was envisaged but this was abandoned in the late 1990s as too expensive. In 2014 Prorail started a feasibility study into upgrading to 3000 V dc.<br />
Metros and Tramways are 750 V dc, with third rail used on the Amsterdam and Rotterdam metros.<br />
<br />
===Rule of the road===<br />
Right, but most lines are reversibly signalled. The following lines have left-hand running:<br />
* the high speed line from Rotterdam Lombardijen (where there is a flying crossover) to the Belgian border <br />
* the fast lines between Utrecht Centraal and Bilthoven; there is a flying crossover west of Bilthoven <br />
* from Roosendaal to the Belgian border <br />
* from Maastricht to the Belgian border<br />
<br />
There are connections between the high speed line and the old line to Breda where they run parallel south of Lage Zwaluwe, at which the two lines are handed in opposite directions. This results in the two southbound lines (which are adjacent) being linked merely by a long crossover whereas the connection between the northbound lines crosses over all four tracks on a flyover.<br />
<br />
===Distances===<br />
[https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lijst_van_spoorlijnen_in_Nederland Wikipedia] gives distances for all lines in the Netherlands. Click on the line wanted, and on the right distances for stations are given. [http://www.sporenplan.nl/html_nl/sporenplan/ns/ns_nummer/start.html Sporeneplan] provides an alternative source. Click on the line wanted to reach a schematic line plan, alongside which distances for stations (named in abbreviated code) are given. ''Neither is an official page and can be out of date.'' '''If any user can point to an official source for distance information the compilers would be glad to hear.'''<br />
<br />
==Other Railways==<br />
Private operators have franchises to work a number of local passenger services over Prorail lines, thus:<br />
* Arriva Nederland: Leeuwarden - Harlingen, Leeuwarden - Stavoren, Leeuwarden - Groningen, Groningen - Roodeschool/Eemshaven/Delfzijl, Groningen - Veendam/Bad Nieuweschans - Leer (D), Apeldoorn - Zutphen, Zutphen - Winterswijk, Winterswijk - Arnhem, Arnhem - Tiel, Nijmegen - Venlo - Roermond - Maastricht/Heerlen, Maastricht Randwijck - Heerlen - Kerkrade/Aachen (D).<br />
* Blauwnet (Arriva/Keolis): Enschede - Almelo - Mariënberg, Kampen - Zwolle - Emmen, Zutphen - Hengelo - Oldenzaal.<br />
* Breng: Doetinchem - Arnhem.<br />
* Q-Buzz (R-Net): Dordrecht - Geldermalsen; Gouda - Alphen aan den Rijn.<br />
* Valleilijn (Connexxion): Amersfoort - Ede-Wageningen. <br />
<br />
In addition cross-border services are worked by the following operators: <br />
* eurobahn: Hengelo - Bielefeld (D) (RB61); Venlo - Düsseldorf - Hamm (D) (RE13)<br />
* DB Regio: Enschede - Gronau - Münster / Dortmund (D) <br />
* VIAS Rail: Arnhem - Düsseldorf (D) (RE19) <br />
* NMBS: local services Roosendaal - Antwerpen (B); Maastricht - Luik / Liège (B)<br />
<br />
The German based Bentheimer Eisenbahn (BE) owns and operates its trunk line from Bentheim to the border at Laarwald and a further 2 km on to Coevorden. The line is freight only; there has never been any significant border crossing passenger traffic, but freight has regained importance in recent times. Coevorden effectively serves as a German rail bridgehead into the Netherlands, traffic mainly consisting of containers that are subsequently road-hauled into the northern provinces. There are plans to introduce passenger services between Coevorden and Neuenhaus (D), operated by BE, by 2024.<br />
<br />
==Tourist Lines==<br />
A list of Tourist & Museum Railways and Tramways in English is available on the [http://www.railmusea.nl/en Historisch Railvervoer Nederland (HRN)] website.<br />
<br />
Rail cycling is possible on the following sections of line:<br />
*[https://grenzland-draisine.eu/ Grenzland Draisine]: based at Kranenburg in Germany, on the former Kleve [DE] - Nijmegen [NL] line, the ''Grenzenlose'' trip to Groesbeek (5.5 km one way) covers a portion in the Netherlands <br />
*[https://www.spoorfietsen.nl Spoorfietsen]: Hengelo - Twekkelo (a short stretch of Hengelo - Boekelo line, latterly serving AKZO factory)<br />
<br />
==Metro==<br />
[https://www.gvb.nl/en Amsterdam], [https://www.ret.nl/en/ Rotterdam], [https://www.ret.nl/en/home/travelling-with-the-ret.html RandstadRail].<br />
<br />
Track plans for all metro systems in the Netherlands are available on the [https://www.gleisplanweb.eu/ Gleisplanweb site].<br />
<br />
== Trams/LRT-Systems ==<br />
Amsterdam, Den Haag, Rotterdam, Utrecht.<br />
<br />
Track plans for all tram systems in the Netherlands are available on the [https://www.gleisplanweb.eu/ Gleisplanweb site].<br />
<br />
See also [[Netherlands_-_Tram_services_over_obscure_routes|Netherlands - Tram services over obscure routes]]<br />
<br />
==Recent and Future Changes==<br />
===Future changes===<br />
<br />
In the period June - December 2024 the Eurostar Service Amsterdam/Rotterdam - London will be cancelled due to infrastrudture works. <br />
In the direction London - Rotterdam/Amsterdam the Eurostar Service might continue.<br />
<br />
The direct ICE service Amsterdam - Basel will cease to exist by 15 July 2024.<br />
<br />
The outcome of a feasibility study to resume passenger services between Veendam and Stadskanaal will be published in the course of 2024. <br />
<br />
The Bentheimer Eisenbahn from Bad Bentheim (DE) to Coevorden, which was reopened in 2019 as far as Neuenhaus (DE), is to be reopened through to Coevorden. An invitation to tender has been issued for a start date in either June or December 2026.<br />
<br />
Works for the electrification of Nijmegen - Venlo - Roermond will start by mid 2025 and should be finished by late 2027. <br />
<br />
The new 'Friesenbrücke' bridge, facilitating the passenger traffic Groningen - Bad Nieuweschans - Leer (D) should be constructed by late 2024.<br />
<br />
Long term projects:<br />
On 10 October 2017, the coalition government agreed plans to reopen and electrify Weert - Hamont.<br />
On 5th of October 2023, the outcome of a feasabillity study has been published, which prefers to establish a 3KV trainconnection Weert - Antwerpen run by NMBS. No decission has been taken yet.<br />
<br />
The "Iron Rhine" freight line between Roermond and Dalheim (Germany) is planned to reopened for traffic between Antwerpen and the Ruhr. However this has been delayed by a dispute between the Dutch and Belgian governments, which has gone to arbitration.<br />
<br />
===Recent changes===<br />
<br />
On 25 May 2023, [https://www.europeansleeper.eu/en European Sleeper] started to operate a night service from Brussel/Bruxelles via Rotterdam and Amsterdam to Berlin. From March 2024, this service will be extended to Praha.<br />
<br />
RET Metro line B has been extended by 2.6 km from Hoek van Holland Haven to a new Hoek Van Holland Strand station, 0.9 km beyond the previous NS Strand station. Regular services commenced on 31 March 2023.<br />
<br />
Landgraaf - Herzogenrath (Germany) has been upgraded for cargo traffic in September 2022, while Arriva EMUs are running between Aachen Hbf and Maastricht since the electrification in 2018. The planned through Arriva service between Aachen and Liège via Maastricht will start in the 2nd half of 2024 now the Arriva FLirt EMUs have been certified in Belgium. <br />
<br />
The last museum trains to use the Blauwkapel Kruispunt, where the line northwards from the ''Nederlands Spoorwegmuseum'' at Utrecht Maliebaan station makes a flat crossing with the Utrecht - Amersfoort line, ran on 14 May 2022. The north - south link at Blauwkapel has since been removed. This does not affect the shuttle trains between Utrecht Centraal station and the museum, which continue to run. <br />
<br />
By December 2021 Zürich - Amsterdam NightJet services were introduced, complementing the Wien - Amsterdam services which started on 25 May 2021.<br />
<br />
The (Rotterdam -) Schiedam Centrum - Hoek van Holland ''Hoekse Lijn'' line closed to passengers as an NS line on 1 April 2017 and reopened as RET Metro line B between Nesselande and Hoek van Holland on 30 September 2019, thus bringing a new connection into use between Schiedam Centrum metro station and Schiedam Nieuwland. Until the line onwards to Hoek van Holland Strand was opened on 31 March 2023, RET trains temporarily used the old Hoek van Holland International Boat Train platforms.<br />
<br />
The former passenger connection between the Metro and the ProRail/NS network has been retained for freight. From 28 November 2019, cargo trains have run to Vlaardingen Oost, where there is a connection to the Vulcaanhaven oil terminals.<br />
<br />
The new station of Lansingerland-Zoetermeer on the NS Den Haag to Gouda line opened on 9 December 2018 and the extension to tram line 4 (RandstadRail4) from Zoetermeer Javalaan to the new station opened on 19 May 2019.<br />
<br />
The 'Intercity Direct' service between Amsterdam and Brussel/Bruxelles (the successor to the former Benelux service) was diverted via the HSL Zuid and Breda [reverse] from 9 April 2018, thus opening for passenger traffic the curve southwards from Breda towards the Belgian border.<br />
<br />
===Older Changes===<br />
For details of older changes see [[Netherlands - Older General Information]].<br />
<br />
==Special notes==<br />
Many trains worked by multiple units split en route to serve more than one destination. External displays may show the destination of each portion; newer train sets are provided with internal displays as well. The number of each unit is displayed prominently in each carriage and when trains divide public address announcements usually refer to these to inform passengers where each unit is going.<br />
<br />
The freight line to Terneuzen is accessible only from Gent in Belgium.<br />
<br />
'''New trains'''<br />
<br />
NS has ordered 79 EMU 'Intercity New Generation' at Alstom, based on Coradia platform for use on the HSL by 2023. <br />
<br />
NS has ordered 20 EMU 'Intercity New Generation' at Alstom, based on Coradia platform for services to Brussels by 2025.<br />
<br />
NS has ordered 10 EMU 'Intercity New Generation' at Alstom, based on Coradia platform for services to Germany by 2027.<br />
<br />
NS has ordered double deck Intercity EMUs at CAF, for services by 2028.<br />
<br />
'''Wifi'''<br />
<br />
Most stations have free internet access via KPN hotspots. NS Intercity trains have free internet by 'Wifi in de trein' provided by T-mobile; other operators like Arriva and Veolia offer free wifi in their trains. However loco hauled services are not provided with wifi.<br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
{{Navbox Netherlands}}<br />
[[Category:General Information]]</div>Theijs Europehttps://www.egtre.info/w/index.php?title=Netherlands_-_General_Information&diff=55417Netherlands - General Information2024-03-17T11:21:53Z<p>Theijs Europe: /* Special notes */ new EMU for Gerany</p>
<hr />
<div>==Country Name==<br />
Netherlands (Nederland)<br />
<br />
==National Railway System==<br />
===National Railway Operator===<br />
[https://www.ns.nl/en Nederlandse Spoorwegen] (NS) is the principal passenger carrier, which operates through various subsidiary companies, including:<br />
* NS Reizigers - Domestic passenger services <br />
* [https://www.nsinternational.com/en ''NS International''] - International passenger services.<br />
<br />
[https://www.eurostar.com/''Eurostar''] services to the Netherlands are operated by a stand-alone company owned by SNCF (62%), SNCB/NMBS (28%) and DB (10%); NS is not a partner. <br />
<br />
[https://www.europeansleeper.eu/''European Sleeper''] is a Dutch private company offering night services from Brussels via Amsterdam to Berlin and Prague.<br />
<br />
There is no longer a national freight operator. The former NS freight operation has been sold and is a subsidiary of DB (see below). Open access freight operators have a considerable market share. Current freight operators in The Netherlands as at 2023 are DB Cargo Nederland (German), Lineas Nederland (Belgian), LTE Netherlands (Austrian), Captrain (French) and RTB Cargo German) amoungst others.<br />
<br />
==Language==<br />
Dutch<br />
<br />
==Currency==<br />
Euro<br />
<br />
==UIC code==<br />
Numeric 84; alpha NL<br />
<br />
==Timetable==<br />
As of 14 December 2014, every station should be served twice an hour.<br />
<br />
===Journey Planner===<br />
* PC and smartphone: [https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information Travel Information].<br />
* Iphone application: [https://apps.apple.com/nl/app/ns/id370362301 Reisplanner].<br />
* Android application: [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=nl.ns.android.activity&utm_source=ns&utm_medium=banner&utm_campaign=rpxpagina Reisplanner]<br />
* Windows application: [https://www.microsoft.com/store/apps/9wzdncrdmbbm Treinplanner]<br />
<br />
===Actual Train Times===<br />
* [https://spoorkaart.mwnn.nl/ Actuele spoorkaart Nederland]<br />
*[https://treinenradar.nl/ Treinenradar Live]<br />
<br />
===Downloadable Timetable===<br />
By December 2023, NS no longer produces timetables in pdf format on its website.<br />
<br />
===Printed Timetable===<br />
''Rover'' offers a paper [https://www.ovshop.nl/shop/rover-spoorboekje-2024/ ''Spoorboekje''] for 2023-2024. NS discontinued paper timetables after the 2009-2010 edition. Rover took the publication over from Treinreiziger.<br />
<br />
===Engineering Information===<br />
[https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/current-situation-on-the-tracks The current situation on the tracks].<br />
[https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/maintenance-on-the-tracks/ An overview of scheduled works in the upcoming months that will effect services].<br />
<br />
===Real Time Train Information===<br />
Real time train running information is available on the [http://treinenradar.nl/ ''Treinenradar''], [https://treinposities.nl/ ''Treinposities''] and [http://spoorkaart.mwnn.nl/ Spoorkaart] websites. Moreover, public transport Apps like OV9292 and NS Reisplanner offer real time journey information.<br />
<br />
==Maps==<br />
===Printed Maps===<br />
*[[Printed Maps#ERA-E | European Railway Atlas (All-Europe Edition)]] by M.G. Ball.<br />
*[[Printed Maps#ERA-R-1 | European Railway Atlas (Regional Atlas Series, Book 1: Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Great Britain, Ireland, Portugal, Spain, France, Belgium, Netherlands and Luxembourg)]] by M.G. Ball.<br />
*A basic diagrammatic [https://www.treinreiziger.nl/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Spoorkaart-2021-v2.pdf Rail Map 2021] by Treinreiziger.nl<br />
*A fourth edition of the [https://nijverepublishers.nl/en/Books-and-maps/Benelux-Rail-Topo Benelux Rail Topo] was published in 2023 (ISBN/EAN 978 90 73280 19 9). In full colour to a scale of 1:550,000 and with a register of over 1,000 stations.<br />
<br />
===Web-based Maps===<br />
*NS publishes a [https://nieuws.ns.nl/download/99a90bb4-da90-4e0b-8597-b5343701f39b/spoorkaart2024.pdf map] with all passenger train service numbers and frequencies. <br />
*Prorail provides a [https://www.prorail.nl/siteassets/homepage/reizen/documenten/spoorkaart-2020-webversie.pdf detailed geographical map].<br />
*[http://www.sporenplan.nl/ Sporenplan] has a series of on-line maps and schematic track diagrams. Click on "Sporenplannen" on the left hand side for a map showing the countries covered.<br />
*Thorsten Büker's [https://websites.umich.edu/~yopopov/rrt/railroadmaps/netherlands_belgium_luxembourg.html Map of Benelux network] Last updated January 2023<br />
*[[Maps and Plans#Netherlands|Maps and Plans - Netherlands]]<br />
<br />
==Ticketing==<br />
As of 2023, paying public transport journeys by debit card (check-in and check-out) has been introduced. Once every 24 hours the journeys are collected. However, buying tickets from vending machines is still possible. Transport companies offer reduced fairs via their mobile applications (Android and iOS). More information via [https://ovpay.nl/en OVpay]<br />
<br />
All railway stations are equipped with ticket machines which all accept debit and credit cards (V PAY, Maestro, Mastercard, Visa and American Express). However, some foreign Visa debit cards are not accepted. Some machines accept coins as well. All machines offer domestic tickets and some provide international tickets to Belgium, and a selection of destinations in Germany. All tickets contain a chip to validate your ticket. Booking offices at small stations have almost all been closed. A surcharge is payable at booking offices when buying a ticket which is available from a ticket machine.<br />
<br />
The smart card [https://www.ov-chipkaart.nl/ OV Chipkaart] is the normal ticket on public transport and can be bought at any ticket machine. Machines that add value to an OV Chipkaart accept debit cards issued outside the Netherlands. However, only a few machines (such as at some tobacconists) accept credit cards. Paper tickets continue to be issued from machines and booking offices for rail journeys.<br />
<br />
Information on tickets and passes can be found on the NS [https://www.ns.nl/producten/en/losse-kaartjes-toeslagen Individual tickets & supplements] page. A supplement is required to travel on the HSL between Rotterdam and Schiphol Airport unless the passenger has a valid international ticket (which includes Interrail). The supplement can be purchased from vending machines; there are red validation machines for such supplements on the platforms.<br />
<br />
'''Note''': ALL tickets from machines MUST be touched in and out with ALL operators used in the correct order, when changing operators en-route. Travellers may be fined if they do not do this.<br />
<br />
NS-Zonetaxi (formerly known as treintaxi) tickets include a taxi from/to the railway station for a fixed fare. The service is available in most mid-size towns, but not in Utrecht, Amsterdam, Den Haag and Rotterdam. When riding on single or return tickets, trein-taxi tickets should be bought at the departure station. For the return trip by taxi, tickets are best bought in advance, but the taxi driver sells tickets with a small surcharge.<br />
<br />
Although more local services are to be franchised over the next few years, a uniform ticketing system, including NS and all franchisees, is being retained.<br />
<br />
''Special offers:''<br />
At Amsterdam Schiphol Airport both NS and GVB Amsterdam sell tickets for public transport connections to Amsterdam. [http://www.treinreiziger.nl/ Treinreiziger] offers news about the Dutch railwaysystem, including the availabillity of discounted tickets.<br />
<br />
==Infrastructure==<br />
===Infrastructure Authority===<br />
[http://www.prorail.nl/ ProRail] owns and manages the NS infrastructure and is responsible for traffic control and capacity allocation, under the authority of the minister of transport. On 1 July 2015 the operation of the ''Betuweroute'' was transferred to ProRail and the previous owners, Keyrail, ceased to exist.<br />
<br />
[https://www.ilent.nl/ Inspectie Leefomgeving en Transport], part of the Ministry of Transport, is responsible for safety and rolling stock certification.<br />
<br />
===Network Statement===<br />
The Prorail Website gives access to various [http://www.prorail.nl/vervoerders/network-statement NS Network Statement] documents.<br />
<br />
===Gauge===<br />
Standard.<br />
<br />
===Electrification===<br />
1500 V dc. New high-speed lines and the Betuwe trunk freight line between Rotterdam and Zevenaar (- Emmerich (Germany)) are electrified at 25 kV 50 Hz; Zevenaar - Emmerich was converted to 25 kV in 2016 so that freight trains have to change voltage only once, although it caused passenger trains to have to change voltage twice. The Hanzelijn is not officially a high-speed line, so is 1500 V dc. Large-scale conversion to 25 kV 50 Hz in the long term was envisaged but this was abandoned in the late 1990s as too expensive. In 2014 Prorail started a feasibility study into upgrading to 3000 V dc.<br />
Metros and Tramways are 750 V dc, with third rail used on the Amsterdam and Rotterdam metros.<br />
<br />
===Rule of the road===<br />
Right, but most lines are reversibly signalled. The following lines have left-hand running:<br />
* the high speed line from Rotterdam Lombardijen (where there is a flying crossover) to the Belgian border <br />
* the fast lines between Utrecht Centraal and Bilthoven; there is a flying crossover west of Bilthoven <br />
* from Roosendaal to the Belgian border <br />
* from Maastricht to the Belgian border<br />
<br />
There are connections between the high speed line and the old line to Breda where they run parallel south of Lage Zwaluwe, at which the two lines are handed in opposite directions. This results in the two southbound lines (which are adjacent) being linked merely by a long crossover whereas the connection between the northbound lines crosses over all four tracks on a flyover.<br />
<br />
===Distances===<br />
[https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lijst_van_spoorlijnen_in_Nederland Wikipedia] gives distances for all lines in the Netherlands. Click on the line wanted, and on the right distances for stations are given. [http://www.sporenplan.nl/html_nl/sporenplan/ns/ns_nummer/start.html Sporeneplan] provides an alternative source. Click on the line wanted to reach a schematic line plan, alongside which distances for stations (named in abbreviated code) are given. ''Neither is an official page and can be out of date.'' '''If any user can point to an official source for distance information the compilers would be glad to hear.'''<br />
<br />
==Other Railways==<br />
Private operators have franchises to work a number of local passenger services over Prorail lines, thus:<br />
* Arriva Nederland: Leeuwarden - Harlingen, Leeuwarden - Stavoren, Leeuwarden - Groningen, Groningen - Roodeschool/Eemshaven/Delfzijl, Groningen - Veendam/Bad Nieuweschans - Leer (D), Apeldoorn - Zutphen, Zutphen - Winterswijk, Winterswijk - Arnhem, Arnhem - Tiel, Nijmegen - Venlo - Roermond - Maastricht/Heerlen, Maastricht Randwijck - Heerlen - Kerkrade/Aachen (D).<br />
* Blauwnet (Arriva/Keolis): Enschede - Almelo - Mariënberg, Kampen - Zwolle - Emmen, Zutphen - Hengelo - Oldenzaal.<br />
* Breng: Doetinchem - Arnhem.<br />
* Q-Buzz (R-Net): Dordrecht - Geldermalsen; Gouda - Alphen aan den Rijn.<br />
* Valleilijn (Connexxion): Amersfoort - Ede-Wageningen. <br />
<br />
In addition cross-border services are worked by the following operators: <br />
* eurobahn: Hengelo - Bielefeld (D) (RB61); Venlo - Düsseldorf - Hamm (D) (RE13)<br />
* DB Regio: Enschede - Gronau - Münster / Dortmund (D) <br />
* VIAS Rail: Arnhem - Düsseldorf (D) (RE19) <br />
* NMBS: local services Roosendaal - Antwerpen (B); Maastricht - Luik / Liège (B)<br />
<br />
The German based Bentheimer Eisenbahn (BE) owns and operates its trunk line from Bentheim to the border at Laarwald and a further 2 km on to Coevorden. The line is freight only; there has never been any significant border crossing passenger traffic, but freight has regained importance in recent times. Coevorden effectively serves as a German rail bridgehead into the Netherlands, traffic mainly consisting of containers that are subsequently road-hauled into the northern provinces. There are plans to introduce passenger services between Coevorden and Neuenhaus (D), operated by BE, by 2024.<br />
<br />
==Tourist Lines==<br />
A list of Tourist & Museum Railways and Tramways in English is available on the [http://www.railmusea.nl/en Historisch Railvervoer Nederland (HRN)] website.<br />
<br />
Rail cycling is possible on the following sections of line:<br />
*[https://grenzland-draisine.eu/ Grenzland Draisine]: based at Kranenburg in Germany, on the former Kleve [DE] - Nijmegen [NL] line, the ''Grenzenlose'' trip to Groesbeek (5.5 km one way) covers a portion in the Netherlands <br />
*[https://www.spoorfietsen.nl Spoorfietsen]: Hengelo - Twekkelo (a short stretch of Hengelo - Boekelo line, latterly serving AKZO factory)<br />
<br />
==Metro==<br />
[https://www.gvb.nl/en Amsterdam], [https://www.ret.nl/en/ Rotterdam], [https://www.ret.nl/en/home/travelling-with-the-ret.html RandstadRail].<br />
<br />
Track plans for all metro systems in the Netherlands are available on the [https://www.gleisplanweb.eu/ Gleisplanweb site].<br />
<br />
== Trams/LRT-Systems ==<br />
Amsterdam, Den Haag, Rotterdam, Utrecht.<br />
<br />
Track plans for all tram systems in the Netherlands are available on the [https://www.gleisplanweb.eu/ Gleisplanweb site].<br />
<br />
See also [[Netherlands_-_Tram_services_over_obscure_routes|Netherlands - Tram services over obscure routes]]<br />
<br />
==Recent and Future Changes==<br />
===Future changes===<br />
<br />
In the period June - December 2024 the Eurostar Service Amsterdam/Rotterdam - London will be cancelled due to infrastrudture works. <br />
In the direction London - Rotterdam/Amsterdam the Eurostar Service might continue.<br />
<br />
The direct ICE service Amsterdam - Basel will cease to exist by 15 July 2024.<br />
<br />
The outcome of a feasibility study to resume passenger services between Veendam and Stadskanaal will be published in the course of 2024. <br />
<br />
The Bentheimer Eisenbahn from Bad Bentheim (DE) to Coevorden, which was reopened in 2019 as far as Neuenhaus (DE), is to be reopened through to Coevorden. An invitation to tender has been issued for a start date in either June or December 2026.<br />
<br />
Works for the electrification of Nijmegen - Venlo - Roermond will start by mid 2025 and should be finished by late 2027. <br />
<br />
The new 'Friesenbrücke' bridge, facilitating the passenger traffic Groningen - Bad Nieuweschans - Leer (D) should be constructed by late 2024.<br />
<br />
Long term projects:<br />
On 10 October 2017, the coalition government agreed plans to reopen and electrify Weert - Hamont.<br />
On 5th of October 2023, the outcome of a feasabillity study has been published, which prefers to establish a 3KV trainconnection Weert - Antwerpen run by NMBS. No decission has been taken yet.<br />
<br />
The "Iron Rhine" freight line between Roermond and Dalheim (Germany) is planned to reopened for traffic between Antwerpen and the Ruhr. However this has been delayed by a dispute between the Dutch and Belgian governments, which has gone to arbitration.<br />
<br />
===Recent changes===<br />
<br />
On 25 May 2023, [https://www.europeansleeper.eu/en European Sleeper] started to operate a night service from Brussel/Bruxelles via Rotterdam and Amsterdam to Berlin. From March 2024, this service will be extended to Praha.<br />
<br />
RET Metro line B has been extended by 2.6 km from Hoek van Holland Haven to a new Hoek Van Holland Strand station, 0.9 km beyond the previous NS Strand station. Regular services commenced on 31 March 2023.<br />
<br />
Landgraaf - Herzogenrath (Germany) has been upgraded for cargo traffic in September 2022, while Arriva EMUs are running between Aachen Hbf and Maastricht since the electrification in 2018. The planned through Arriva service between Aachen and Liège via Maastricht will start in the 2nd half of 2024 now the Arriva FLirt EMUs have been certified in Belgium. <br />
<br />
The last museum trains to use the Blauwkapel Kruispunt, where the line northwards from the ''Nederlands Spoorwegmuseum'' at Utrecht Maliebaan station makes a flat crossing with the Utrecht - Amersfoort line, ran on 14 May 2022. The north - south link at Blauwkapel has since been removed. This does not affect the shuttle trains between Utrecht Centraal station and the museum, which continue to run. <br />
<br />
By December 2021 Zürich - Amsterdam NightJet services were introduced, complementing the Wien - Amsterdam services which started on 25 May 2021.<br />
<br />
The (Rotterdam -) Schiedam Centrum - Hoek van Holland ''Hoekse Lijn'' line closed to passengers as an NS line on 1 April 2017 and reopened as RET Metro line B between Nesselande and Hoek van Holland on 30 September 2019, thus bringing a new connection into use between Schiedam Centrum metro station and Schiedam Nieuwland. Until the line onwards to Hoek van Holland Strand was opened on 31 March 2023, RET trains temporarily used the old Hoek van Holland International Boat Train platforms.<br />
<br />
The former passenger connection between the Metro and the ProRail/NS network has been retained for freight. From 28 November 2019, cargo trains have run to Vlaardingen Oost, where there is a connection to the Vulcaanhaven oil terminals.<br />
<br />
The new station of Lansingerland-Zoetermeer on the NS Den Haag to Gouda line opened on 9 December 2018 and the extension to tram line 4 (RandstadRail4) from Zoetermeer Javalaan to the new station opened on 19 May 2019.<br />
<br />
The 'Intercity Direct' service between Amsterdam and Brussel/Bruxelles (the successor to the former Benelux service) was diverted via the HSL Zuid and Breda [reverse] from 9 April 2018, thus opening for passenger traffic the curve southwards from Breda towards the Belgian border.<br />
<br />
===Older Changes===<br />
For details of older changes see [[Netherlands - Older General Information]].<br />
<br />
==Special notes==<br />
Many trains worked by multiple units split en route to serve more than one destination. External displays may show the destination of each portion; newer train sets are provided with internal displays as well. The number of each unit is displayed prominently in each carriage and when trains divide public address announcements usually refer to these to inform passengers where each unit is going.<br />
<br />
The freight line to Terneuzen is accessible only from Gent in Belgium.<br />
<br />
'''New trains'''<br />
<br />
NS has ordered 79 EMU 'Intercity New Generation' at Alstom, based on Coradia platform for use on the HSL by 2023. <br />
<br />
NS has ordered 20 EMU 'Intercity New Generation' at Alstom, based on Coradia platform for services to Brussels by 2025.<br />
<br />
NS has ordered 10 EMU 'Intercity New Generation' at Alstom, based on Coradia platform for services to Germany by 2027.<br />
<br />
'''Wifi'''<br />
<br />
Most stations have free internet access via KPN hotspots. NS Intercity trains have free internet by 'Wifi in de trein' provided by T-mobile; other operators like Arriva and Veolia offer free wifi in their trains. However loco hauled services are not provided with wifi.<br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
{{Navbox Netherlands}}<br />
[[Category:General Information]]</div>Theijs Europehttps://www.egtre.info/w/index.php?title=Netherlands_-_General_Information&diff=55416Netherlands - General Information2024-03-17T11:11:25Z<p>Theijs Europe: /* Recent changes */ update: ES: extension to Praha. Arriva: introduction Maastricht - Liege 2nd half of 2024.</p>
<hr />
<div>==Country Name==<br />
Netherlands (Nederland)<br />
<br />
==National Railway System==<br />
===National Railway Operator===<br />
[https://www.ns.nl/en Nederlandse Spoorwegen] (NS) is the principal passenger carrier, which operates through various subsidiary companies, including:<br />
* NS Reizigers - Domestic passenger services <br />
* [https://www.nsinternational.com/en ''NS International''] - International passenger services.<br />
<br />
[https://www.eurostar.com/''Eurostar''] services to the Netherlands are operated by a stand-alone company owned by SNCF (62%), SNCB/NMBS (28%) and DB (10%); NS is not a partner. <br />
<br />
[https://www.europeansleeper.eu/''European Sleeper''] is a Dutch private company offering night services from Brussels via Amsterdam to Berlin and Prague.<br />
<br />
There is no longer a national freight operator. The former NS freight operation has been sold and is a subsidiary of DB (see below). Open access freight operators have a considerable market share. Current freight operators in The Netherlands as at 2023 are DB Cargo Nederland (German), Lineas Nederland (Belgian), LTE Netherlands (Austrian), Captrain (French) and RTB Cargo German) amoungst others.<br />
<br />
==Language==<br />
Dutch<br />
<br />
==Currency==<br />
Euro<br />
<br />
==UIC code==<br />
Numeric 84; alpha NL<br />
<br />
==Timetable==<br />
As of 14 December 2014, every station should be served twice an hour.<br />
<br />
===Journey Planner===<br />
* PC and smartphone: [https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information Travel Information].<br />
* Iphone application: [https://apps.apple.com/nl/app/ns/id370362301 Reisplanner].<br />
* Android application: [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=nl.ns.android.activity&utm_source=ns&utm_medium=banner&utm_campaign=rpxpagina Reisplanner]<br />
* Windows application: [https://www.microsoft.com/store/apps/9wzdncrdmbbm Treinplanner]<br />
<br />
===Actual Train Times===<br />
* [https://spoorkaart.mwnn.nl/ Actuele spoorkaart Nederland]<br />
*[https://treinenradar.nl/ Treinenradar Live]<br />
<br />
===Downloadable Timetable===<br />
By December 2023, NS no longer produces timetables in pdf format on its website.<br />
<br />
===Printed Timetable===<br />
''Rover'' offers a paper [https://www.ovshop.nl/shop/rover-spoorboekje-2024/ ''Spoorboekje''] for 2023-2024. NS discontinued paper timetables after the 2009-2010 edition. Rover took the publication over from Treinreiziger.<br />
<br />
===Engineering Information===<br />
[https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/current-situation-on-the-tracks The current situation on the tracks].<br />
[https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/maintenance-on-the-tracks/ An overview of scheduled works in the upcoming months that will effect services].<br />
<br />
===Real Time Train Information===<br />
Real time train running information is available on the [http://treinenradar.nl/ ''Treinenradar''], [https://treinposities.nl/ ''Treinposities''] and [http://spoorkaart.mwnn.nl/ Spoorkaart] websites. Moreover, public transport Apps like OV9292 and NS Reisplanner offer real time journey information.<br />
<br />
==Maps==<br />
===Printed Maps===<br />
*[[Printed Maps#ERA-E | European Railway Atlas (All-Europe Edition)]] by M.G. Ball.<br />
*[[Printed Maps#ERA-R-1 | European Railway Atlas (Regional Atlas Series, Book 1: Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Great Britain, Ireland, Portugal, Spain, France, Belgium, Netherlands and Luxembourg)]] by M.G. Ball.<br />
*A basic diagrammatic [https://www.treinreiziger.nl/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Spoorkaart-2021-v2.pdf Rail Map 2021] by Treinreiziger.nl<br />
*A fourth edition of the [https://nijverepublishers.nl/en/Books-and-maps/Benelux-Rail-Topo Benelux Rail Topo] was published in 2023 (ISBN/EAN 978 90 73280 19 9). In full colour to a scale of 1:550,000 and with a register of over 1,000 stations.<br />
<br />
===Web-based Maps===<br />
*NS publishes a [https://nieuws.ns.nl/download/99a90bb4-da90-4e0b-8597-b5343701f39b/spoorkaart2024.pdf map] with all passenger train service numbers and frequencies. <br />
*Prorail provides a [https://www.prorail.nl/siteassets/homepage/reizen/documenten/spoorkaart-2020-webversie.pdf detailed geographical map].<br />
*[http://www.sporenplan.nl/ Sporenplan] has a series of on-line maps and schematic track diagrams. Click on "Sporenplannen" on the left hand side for a map showing the countries covered.<br />
*Thorsten Büker's [https://websites.umich.edu/~yopopov/rrt/railroadmaps/netherlands_belgium_luxembourg.html Map of Benelux network] Last updated January 2023<br />
*[[Maps and Plans#Netherlands|Maps and Plans - Netherlands]]<br />
<br />
==Ticketing==<br />
As of 2023, paying public transport journeys by debit card (check-in and check-out) has been introduced. Once every 24 hours the journeys are collected. However, buying tickets from vending machines is still possible. Transport companies offer reduced fairs via their mobile applications (Android and iOS). More information via [https://ovpay.nl/en OVpay]<br />
<br />
All railway stations are equipped with ticket machines which all accept debit and credit cards (V PAY, Maestro, Mastercard, Visa and American Express). However, some foreign Visa debit cards are not accepted. Some machines accept coins as well. All machines offer domestic tickets and some provide international tickets to Belgium, and a selection of destinations in Germany. All tickets contain a chip to validate your ticket. Booking offices at small stations have almost all been closed. A surcharge is payable at booking offices when buying a ticket which is available from a ticket machine.<br />
<br />
The smart card [https://www.ov-chipkaart.nl/ OV Chipkaart] is the normal ticket on public transport and can be bought at any ticket machine. Machines that add value to an OV Chipkaart accept debit cards issued outside the Netherlands. However, only a few machines (such as at some tobacconists) accept credit cards. Paper tickets continue to be issued from machines and booking offices for rail journeys.<br />
<br />
Information on tickets and passes can be found on the NS [https://www.ns.nl/producten/en/losse-kaartjes-toeslagen Individual tickets & supplements] page. A supplement is required to travel on the HSL between Rotterdam and Schiphol Airport unless the passenger has a valid international ticket (which includes Interrail). The supplement can be purchased from vending machines; there are red validation machines for such supplements on the platforms.<br />
<br />
'''Note''': ALL tickets from machines MUST be touched in and out with ALL operators used in the correct order, when changing operators en-route. Travellers may be fined if they do not do this.<br />
<br />
NS-Zonetaxi (formerly known as treintaxi) tickets include a taxi from/to the railway station for a fixed fare. The service is available in most mid-size towns, but not in Utrecht, Amsterdam, Den Haag and Rotterdam. When riding on single or return tickets, trein-taxi tickets should be bought at the departure station. For the return trip by taxi, tickets are best bought in advance, but the taxi driver sells tickets with a small surcharge.<br />
<br />
Although more local services are to be franchised over the next few years, a uniform ticketing system, including NS and all franchisees, is being retained.<br />
<br />
''Special offers:''<br />
At Amsterdam Schiphol Airport both NS and GVB Amsterdam sell tickets for public transport connections to Amsterdam. [http://www.treinreiziger.nl/ Treinreiziger] offers news about the Dutch railwaysystem, including the availabillity of discounted tickets.<br />
<br />
==Infrastructure==<br />
===Infrastructure Authority===<br />
[http://www.prorail.nl/ ProRail] owns and manages the NS infrastructure and is responsible for traffic control and capacity allocation, under the authority of the minister of transport. On 1 July 2015 the operation of the ''Betuweroute'' was transferred to ProRail and the previous owners, Keyrail, ceased to exist.<br />
<br />
[https://www.ilent.nl/ Inspectie Leefomgeving en Transport], part of the Ministry of Transport, is responsible for safety and rolling stock certification.<br />
<br />
===Network Statement===<br />
The Prorail Website gives access to various [http://www.prorail.nl/vervoerders/network-statement NS Network Statement] documents.<br />
<br />
===Gauge===<br />
Standard.<br />
<br />
===Electrification===<br />
1500 V dc. New high-speed lines and the Betuwe trunk freight line between Rotterdam and Zevenaar (- Emmerich (Germany)) are electrified at 25 kV 50 Hz; Zevenaar - Emmerich was converted to 25 kV in 2016 so that freight trains have to change voltage only once, although it caused passenger trains to have to change voltage twice. The Hanzelijn is not officially a high-speed line, so is 1500 V dc. Large-scale conversion to 25 kV 50 Hz in the long term was envisaged but this was abandoned in the late 1990s as too expensive. In 2014 Prorail started a feasibility study into upgrading to 3000 V dc.<br />
Metros and Tramways are 750 V dc, with third rail used on the Amsterdam and Rotterdam metros.<br />
<br />
===Rule of the road===<br />
Right, but most lines are reversibly signalled. The following lines have left-hand running:<br />
* the high speed line from Rotterdam Lombardijen (where there is a flying crossover) to the Belgian border <br />
* the fast lines between Utrecht Centraal and Bilthoven; there is a flying crossover west of Bilthoven <br />
* from Roosendaal to the Belgian border <br />
* from Maastricht to the Belgian border<br />
<br />
There are connections between the high speed line and the old line to Breda where they run parallel south of Lage Zwaluwe, at which the two lines are handed in opposite directions. This results in the two southbound lines (which are adjacent) being linked merely by a long crossover whereas the connection between the northbound lines crosses over all four tracks on a flyover.<br />
<br />
===Distances===<br />
[https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lijst_van_spoorlijnen_in_Nederland Wikipedia] gives distances for all lines in the Netherlands. Click on the line wanted, and on the right distances for stations are given. [http://www.sporenplan.nl/html_nl/sporenplan/ns/ns_nummer/start.html Sporeneplan] provides an alternative source. Click on the line wanted to reach a schematic line plan, alongside which distances for stations (named in abbreviated code) are given. ''Neither is an official page and can be out of date.'' '''If any user can point to an official source for distance information the compilers would be glad to hear.'''<br />
<br />
==Other Railways==<br />
Private operators have franchises to work a number of local passenger services over Prorail lines, thus:<br />
* Arriva Nederland: Leeuwarden - Harlingen, Leeuwarden - Stavoren, Leeuwarden - Groningen, Groningen - Roodeschool/Eemshaven/Delfzijl, Groningen - Veendam/Bad Nieuweschans - Leer (D), Apeldoorn - Zutphen, Zutphen - Winterswijk, Winterswijk - Arnhem, Arnhem - Tiel, Nijmegen - Venlo - Roermond - Maastricht/Heerlen, Maastricht Randwijck - Heerlen - Kerkrade/Aachen (D).<br />
* Blauwnet (Arriva/Keolis): Enschede - Almelo - Mariënberg, Kampen - Zwolle - Emmen, Zutphen - Hengelo - Oldenzaal.<br />
* Breng: Doetinchem - Arnhem.<br />
* Q-Buzz (R-Net): Dordrecht - Geldermalsen; Gouda - Alphen aan den Rijn.<br />
* Valleilijn (Connexxion): Amersfoort - Ede-Wageningen. <br />
<br />
In addition cross-border services are worked by the following operators: <br />
* eurobahn: Hengelo - Bielefeld (D) (RB61); Venlo - Düsseldorf - Hamm (D) (RE13)<br />
* DB Regio: Enschede - Gronau - Münster / Dortmund (D) <br />
* VIAS Rail: Arnhem - Düsseldorf (D) (RE19) <br />
* NMBS: local services Roosendaal - Antwerpen (B); Maastricht - Luik / Liège (B)<br />
<br />
The German based Bentheimer Eisenbahn (BE) owns and operates its trunk line from Bentheim to the border at Laarwald and a further 2 km on to Coevorden. The line is freight only; there has never been any significant border crossing passenger traffic, but freight has regained importance in recent times. Coevorden effectively serves as a German rail bridgehead into the Netherlands, traffic mainly consisting of containers that are subsequently road-hauled into the northern provinces. There are plans to introduce passenger services between Coevorden and Neuenhaus (D), operated by BE, by 2024.<br />
<br />
==Tourist Lines==<br />
A list of Tourist & Museum Railways and Tramways in English is available on the [http://www.railmusea.nl/en Historisch Railvervoer Nederland (HRN)] website.<br />
<br />
Rail cycling is possible on the following sections of line:<br />
*[https://grenzland-draisine.eu/ Grenzland Draisine]: based at Kranenburg in Germany, on the former Kleve [DE] - Nijmegen [NL] line, the ''Grenzenlose'' trip to Groesbeek (5.5 km one way) covers a portion in the Netherlands <br />
*[https://www.spoorfietsen.nl Spoorfietsen]: Hengelo - Twekkelo (a short stretch of Hengelo - Boekelo line, latterly serving AKZO factory)<br />
<br />
==Metro==<br />
[https://www.gvb.nl/en Amsterdam], [https://www.ret.nl/en/ Rotterdam], [https://www.ret.nl/en/home/travelling-with-the-ret.html RandstadRail].<br />
<br />
Track plans for all metro systems in the Netherlands are available on the [https://www.gleisplanweb.eu/ Gleisplanweb site].<br />
<br />
== Trams/LRT-Systems ==<br />
Amsterdam, Den Haag, Rotterdam, Utrecht.<br />
<br />
Track plans for all tram systems in the Netherlands are available on the [https://www.gleisplanweb.eu/ Gleisplanweb site].<br />
<br />
See also [[Netherlands_-_Tram_services_over_obscure_routes|Netherlands - Tram services over obscure routes]]<br />
<br />
==Recent and Future Changes==<br />
===Future changes===<br />
<br />
In the period June - December 2024 the Eurostar Service Amsterdam/Rotterdam - London will be cancelled due to infrastrudture works. <br />
In the direction London - Rotterdam/Amsterdam the Eurostar Service might continue.<br />
<br />
The direct ICE service Amsterdam - Basel will cease to exist by 15 July 2024.<br />
<br />
The outcome of a feasibility study to resume passenger services between Veendam and Stadskanaal will be published in the course of 2024. <br />
<br />
The Bentheimer Eisenbahn from Bad Bentheim (DE) to Coevorden, which was reopened in 2019 as far as Neuenhaus (DE), is to be reopened through to Coevorden. An invitation to tender has been issued for a start date in either June or December 2026.<br />
<br />
Works for the electrification of Nijmegen - Venlo - Roermond will start by mid 2025 and should be finished by late 2027. <br />
<br />
The new 'Friesenbrücke' bridge, facilitating the passenger traffic Groningen - Bad Nieuweschans - Leer (D) should be constructed by late 2024.<br />
<br />
Long term projects:<br />
On 10 October 2017, the coalition government agreed plans to reopen and electrify Weert - Hamont.<br />
On 5th of October 2023, the outcome of a feasabillity study has been published, which prefers to establish a 3KV trainconnection Weert - Antwerpen run by NMBS. No decission has been taken yet.<br />
<br />
The "Iron Rhine" freight line between Roermond and Dalheim (Germany) is planned to reopened for traffic between Antwerpen and the Ruhr. However this has been delayed by a dispute between the Dutch and Belgian governments, which has gone to arbitration.<br />
<br />
===Recent changes===<br />
<br />
On 25 May 2023, [https://www.europeansleeper.eu/en European Sleeper] started to operate a night service from Brussel/Bruxelles via Rotterdam and Amsterdam to Berlin. From March 2024, this service will be extended to Praha.<br />
<br />
RET Metro line B has been extended by 2.6 km from Hoek van Holland Haven to a new Hoek Van Holland Strand station, 0.9 km beyond the previous NS Strand station. Regular services commenced on 31 March 2023.<br />
<br />
Landgraaf - Herzogenrath (Germany) has been upgraded for cargo traffic in September 2022, while Arriva EMUs are running between Aachen Hbf and Maastricht since the electrification in 2018. The planned through Arriva service between Aachen and Liège via Maastricht will start in the 2nd half of 2024 now the Arriva FLirt EMUs have been certified in Belgium. <br />
<br />
The last museum trains to use the Blauwkapel Kruispunt, where the line northwards from the ''Nederlands Spoorwegmuseum'' at Utrecht Maliebaan station makes a flat crossing with the Utrecht - Amersfoort line, ran on 14 May 2022. The north - south link at Blauwkapel has since been removed. This does not affect the shuttle trains between Utrecht Centraal station and the museum, which continue to run. <br />
<br />
By December 2021 Zürich - Amsterdam NightJet services were introduced, complementing the Wien - Amsterdam services which started on 25 May 2021.<br />
<br />
The (Rotterdam -) Schiedam Centrum - Hoek van Holland ''Hoekse Lijn'' line closed to passengers as an NS line on 1 April 2017 and reopened as RET Metro line B between Nesselande and Hoek van Holland on 30 September 2019, thus bringing a new connection into use between Schiedam Centrum metro station and Schiedam Nieuwland. Until the line onwards to Hoek van Holland Strand was opened on 31 March 2023, RET trains temporarily used the old Hoek van Holland International Boat Train platforms.<br />
<br />
The former passenger connection between the Metro and the ProRail/NS network has been retained for freight. From 28 November 2019, cargo trains have run to Vlaardingen Oost, where there is a connection to the Vulcaanhaven oil terminals.<br />
<br />
The new station of Lansingerland-Zoetermeer on the NS Den Haag to Gouda line opened on 9 December 2018 and the extension to tram line 4 (RandstadRail4) from Zoetermeer Javalaan to the new station opened on 19 May 2019.<br />
<br />
The 'Intercity Direct' service between Amsterdam and Brussel/Bruxelles (the successor to the former Benelux service) was diverted via the HSL Zuid and Breda [reverse] from 9 April 2018, thus opening for passenger traffic the curve southwards from Breda towards the Belgian border.<br />
<br />
===Older Changes===<br />
For details of older changes see [[Netherlands - Older General Information]].<br />
<br />
==Special notes==<br />
Many trains worked by multiple units split en route to serve more than one destination. External displays may show the destination of each portion; newer train sets are provided with internal displays as well. The number of each unit is displayed prominently in each carriage and when trains divide public address announcements usually refer to these to inform passengers where each unit is going.<br />
<br />
The freight line to Terneuzen is accessible only from Gent in Belgium.<br />
<br />
'''New trains'''<br />
<br />
NS has ordered 79 EMU 'Intercity New Generation' at Alstom, based on Coradia platform for use on the HSL by 2023. <br />
<br />
NS has ordered 20 EMU 'Intercity New Generation' at Alstom, based on Coradia platform for services to Brussels by 2025.<br />
<br />
'''Wifi'''<br />
<br />
Most stations have free internet access via KPN hotspots. NS Intercity trains have free internet by 'Wifi in de trein' provided by T-mobile; other operators like Arriva and Veolia offer free wifi in their trains. However loco hauled services are not provided with wifi.<br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
{{Navbox Netherlands}}<br />
[[Category:General Information]]</div>Theijs Europehttps://www.egtre.info/w/index.php?title=Netherlands_-_General_Information&diff=55233Netherlands - General Information2024-02-26T21:11:26Z<p>Theijs Europe: /* Web-based Maps */ correct link to map</p>
<hr />
<div>==Country Name==<br />
Netherlands (Nederland)<br />
<br />
==National Railway System==<br />
===National Railway Operator===<br />
[https://www.ns.nl/en Nederlandse Spoorwegen] (NS) is the principal passenger carrier, which operates through various subsidiary companies, including:<br />
* NS Reizigers - Domestic passenger services <br />
* [https://www.nsinternational.com/en ''NS International''] - International passenger services.<br />
<br />
[https://www.eurostar.com/''Eurostar''] services to the Netherlands are operated by a stand-alone company owned by SNCF (62%), SNCB/NMBS (28%) and DB (10%); NS is not a partner. <br />
<br />
[https://www.europeansleeper.eu/''European Sleeper''] is a Dutch private company offering night services from Brussels via Amsterdam to Berlin and Prague.<br />
<br />
There is no longer a national freight operator. The former NS freight operation has been sold and is a subsidiary of DB (see below). Open access freight operators have a considerable market share. Current freight operators in The Netherlands as at 2023 are DB Cargo Nederland (German), Lineas Nederland (Belgian), LTE Netherlands (Austrian), Captrain (French) and RTB Cargo German) amoungst others.<br />
<br />
==Language==<br />
Dutch<br />
<br />
==Currency==<br />
Euro<br />
<br />
==UIC code==<br />
Numeric 84; alpha NL<br />
<br />
==Timetable==<br />
As of 14 December 2014, every station should be served twice an hour.<br />
<br />
===Journey Planner===<br />
* PC and smartphone: [https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information Travel Information].<br />
* Iphone application: [https://apps.apple.com/nl/app/ns/id370362301 Reisplanner].<br />
* Android application: [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=nl.ns.android.activity&utm_source=ns&utm_medium=banner&utm_campaign=rpxpagina Reisplanner]<br />
* Windows application: [https://www.microsoft.com/store/apps/9wzdncrdmbbm Treinplanner]<br />
<br />
===Actual Train Times===<br />
* [https://spoorkaart.mwnn.nl/ Actuele spoorkaart Nederland]<br />
*[https://treinenradar.nl/ Treinenradar Live]<br />
<br />
===Downloadable Timetable===<br />
By December 2023, NS no longer produces timetables in pdf format on its website.<br />
<br />
===Printed Timetable===<br />
''Rover'' offers a paper [https://www.ovshop.nl/shop/rover-spoorboekje-2024/ ''Spoorboekje''] for 2023-2024. NS discontinued paper timetables after the 2009-2010 edition. Rover took the publication over from Treinreiziger.<br />
<br />
===Engineering Information===<br />
[https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/current-situation-on-the-tracks The current situation on the tracks].<br />
[https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/maintenance-on-the-tracks/ An overview of scheduled works in the upcoming months that will effect services].<br />
<br />
===Real Time Train Information===<br />
Real time train running information is available on the [http://treinenradar.nl/ ''Treinenradar''], [https://treinposities.nl/ ''Treinposities''] and [http://spoorkaart.mwnn.nl/ Spoorkaart] websites. Moreover, public transport Apps like OV9292 and NS Reisplanner offer real time journey information.<br />
<br />
==Maps==<br />
===Printed Maps===<br />
*[[Printed Maps#ERA-E | European Railway Atlas (All-Europe Edition)]] by M.G. Ball.<br />
*[[Printed Maps#ERA-R-1 | European Railway Atlas (Regional Atlas Series, Book 1: Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Great Britain, Ireland, Portugal, Spain, France, Belgium, Netherlands and Luxembourg)]] by M.G. Ball.<br />
*A basic diagrammatic [https://www.treinreiziger.nl/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Spoorkaart-2021-v2.pdf Rail Map 2021] by Treinreiziger.nl<br />
*A fourth edition of the [https://nijverepublishers.nl/en/Books-and-maps/Benelux-Rail-Topo Benelux Rail Topo] was published in 2023 (ISBN/EAN 978 90 73280 19 9). In full colour to a scale of 1:550,000 and with a register of over 1,000 stations.<br />
<br />
===Web-based Maps===<br />
*NS publishes a [https://nieuws.ns.nl/download/99a90bb4-da90-4e0b-8597-b5343701f39b/spoorkaart2024.pdf map] with all passenger train service numbers and frequencies. <br />
*Prorail provides a [https://www.prorail.nl/siteassets/homepage/reizen/documenten/spoorkaart-2020-webversie.pdf detailed geographical map].<br />
*[http://www.sporenplan.nl/ Sporenplan] has a series of on-line maps and schematic track diagrams. Click on "Sporenplannen" on the left hand side for a map showing the countries covered.<br />
*Thorsten Büker's [https://websites.umich.edu/~yopopov/rrt/railroadmaps/netherlands_belgium_luxembourg.html Map of Benelux network] Last updated January 2023<br />
*[[Maps and Plans#Netherlands|Maps and Plans - Netherlands]]<br />
<br />
==Ticketing==<br />
As of 2023, paying public transport journeys by debit card (check-in and check-out) has been introduced. Once every 24 hours the journeys are collected. However, buying tickets from vending machines is still possible. Transport companies offer reduced fairs via their mobile applications (Android and iOS). More information via [https://ovpay.nl/en OVpay]<br />
<br />
All railway stations are equipped with ticket machines which all accept debit and credit cards (V PAY, Maestro, Mastercard, Visa and American Express). However, some foreign Visa debit cards are not accepted. Some machines accept coins as well. All machines offer domestic tickets and some provide international tickets to Belgium, and a selection of destinations in Germany. All tickets contain a chip to validate your ticket. Booking offices at small stations have almost all been closed. A surcharge is payable at booking offices when buying a ticket which is available from a ticket machine.<br />
<br />
The smart card [https://www.ov-chipkaart.nl/ OV Chipkaart] is the normal ticket on public transport and can be bought at any ticket machine. Machines that add value to an OV Chipkaart accept debit cards issued outside the Netherlands. However, only a few machines (such as at some tobacconists) accept credit cards. Paper tickets continue to be issued from machines and booking offices for rail journeys.<br />
<br />
Information on tickets and passes can be found on the NS [https://www.ns.nl/producten/en/losse-kaartjes-toeslagen Individual tickets & supplements] page. A supplement is required to travel on the HSL between Rotterdam and Schiphol Airport unless the passenger has a valid international ticket (which includes Interrail). The supplement can be purchased from vending machines; there are red validation machines for such supplements on the platforms.<br />
<br />
'''Note''': ALL tickets from machines MUST be touched in and out with ALL operators used in the correct order, when changing operators en-route. Travellers may be fined if they do not do this.<br />
<br />
NS-Zonetaxi (formerly known as treintaxi) tickets include a taxi from/to the railway station for a fixed fare. The service is available in most mid-size towns, but not in Utrecht, Amsterdam, Den Haag and Rotterdam. When riding on single or return tickets, trein-taxi tickets should be bought at the departure station. For the return trip by taxi, tickets are best bought in advance, but the taxi driver sells tickets with a small surcharge.<br />
<br />
Although more local services are to be franchised over the next few years, a uniform ticketing system, including NS and all franchisees, is being retained.<br />
<br />
''Special offers:''<br />
At Amsterdam Schiphol Airport both NS and GVB Amsterdam sell tickets for public transport connections to Amsterdam. [http://www.treinreiziger.nl/ Treinreiziger] offers news about the Dutch railwaysystem, including the availabillity of discounted tickets.<br />
<br />
==Infrastructure==<br />
===Infrastructure Authority===<br />
[http://www.prorail.nl/ ProRail] owns and manages the NS infrastructure and is responsible for traffic control and capacity allocation, under the authority of the minister of transport. On 1 July 2015 the operation of the ''Betuweroute'' was transferred to ProRail and the previous owners, Keyrail, ceased to exist.<br />
<br />
[https://www.ilent.nl/ Inspectie Leefomgeving en Transport], part of the Ministry of Transport, is responsible for safety and rolling stock certification.<br />
<br />
===Network Statement===<br />
The Prorail Website gives access to various [http://www.prorail.nl/vervoerders/network-statement NS Network Statement] documents.<br />
<br />
===Gauge===<br />
Standard.<br />
<br />
===Electrification===<br />
1500 V dc. New high-speed lines and the Betuwe trunk freight line between Rotterdam and Zevenaar (- Emmerich (Germany)) are electrified at 25 kV 50 Hz; Zevenaar - Emmerich was converted to 25 kV in 2016 so that freight trains have to change voltage only once, although it caused passenger trains to have to change voltage twice. The Hanzelijn is not officially a high-speed line, so is 1500 V dc. Large-scale conversion to 25 kV 50 Hz in the long term was envisaged but this was abandoned in the late 1990s as too expensive. In 2014 Prorail started a feasibility study into upgrading to 3000 V dc.<br />
Metros and Tramways are 750 V dc, with third rail used on the Amsterdam and Rotterdam metros.<br />
<br />
===Rule of the road===<br />
Right, but most lines are reversibly signalled. The following lines have left-hand running:<br />
* the high speed line from Rotterdam Lombardijen (where there is a flying crossover) to the Belgian border <br />
* the fast lines between Utrecht Centraal and Bilthoven; there is a flying crossover west of Bilthoven <br />
* from Roosendaal to the Belgian border <br />
* from Maastricht to the Belgian border<br />
<br />
There are connections between the high speed line and the old line to Breda where they run parallel south of Lage Zwaluwe, at which the two lines are handed in opposite directions. This results in the two southbound lines (which are adjacent) being linked merely by a long crossover whereas the connection between the northbound lines crosses over all four tracks on a flyover.<br />
<br />
===Distances===<br />
[https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lijst_van_spoorlijnen_in_Nederland Wikipedia] gives distances for all lines in the Netherlands. Click on the line wanted, and on the right distances for stations are given. [http://www.sporenplan.nl/html_nl/sporenplan/ns/ns_nummer/start.html Sporeneplan] provides an alternative source. Click on the line wanted to reach a schematic line plan, alongside which distances for stations (named in abbreviated code) are given. ''Neither is an official page and can be out of date.'' '''If any user can point to an official source for distance information the compilers would be glad to hear.'''<br />
<br />
==Other Railways==<br />
Private operators have franchises to work a number of local passenger services over Prorail lines, thus:<br />
* Arriva Nederland: Leeuwarden - Harlingen, Leeuwarden - Stavoren, Leeuwarden - Groningen, Groningen - Roodeschool/Eemshaven/Delfzijl, Groningen - Veendam/Bad Nieuweschans - Leer (D), Apeldoorn - Zutphen, Zutphen - Winterswijk, Winterswijk - Arnhem, Arnhem - Tiel, Nijmegen - Venlo - Roermond - Maastricht/Heerlen, Maastricht Randwijck - Heerlen - Kerkrade/Aachen (D).<br />
* Blauwnet (Arriva/Keolis): Enschede - Almelo - Mariënberg, Kampen - Zwolle - Emmen, Zutphen - Hengelo - Oldenzaal.<br />
* Breng: Doetinchem - Arnhem.<br />
* Q-Buzz (R-Net): Dordrecht - Geldermalsen; Gouda - Alphen aan den Rijn.<br />
* Valleilijn (Connexxion): Amersfoort - Ede-Wageningen. <br />
<br />
In addition cross-border services are worked by the following operators: <br />
* eurobahn: Hengelo - Bielefeld (D) (RB61); Venlo - Düsseldorf - Hamm (D) (RE13)<br />
* DB Regio: Enschede - Gronau - Münster / Dortmund (D) <br />
* VIAS Rail: Arnhem - Düsseldorf (D) (RE19) <br />
* NMBS: local services Roosendaal - Antwerpen (B); Maastricht - Luik / Liège (B)<br />
<br />
The German based Bentheimer Eisenbahn (BE) owns and operates its trunk line from Bentheim to the border at Laarwald and a further 2 km on to Coevorden. The line is freight only; there has never been any significant border crossing passenger traffic, but freight has regained importance in recent times. Coevorden effectively serves as a German rail bridgehead into the Netherlands, traffic mainly consisting of containers that are subsequently road-hauled into the northern provinces. There are plans to introduce passenger services between Coevorden and Neuenhaus (D), operated by BE, by 2024.<br />
<br />
==Tourist Lines==<br />
A list of Tourist & Museum Railways and Tramways in English is available on the [http://www.railmusea.nl/en Historisch Railvervoer Nederland (HRN)] website.<br />
<br />
Rail cycling is possible on the following sections of line:<br />
*[https://grenzland-draisine.eu/ Grenzland Draisine]: based at Kranenburg in Germany, on the former Kleve [DE] - Nijmegen [NL] line, the ''Grenzenlose'' trip to Groesbeek (5.5 km one way) covers a portion in the Netherlands <br />
*[https://www.spoorfietsen.nl Spoorfietsen]: Hengelo - Twekkelo (a short stretch of Hengelo - Boekelo line, latterly serving AKZO factory)<br />
<br />
==Metro==<br />
[https://www.gvb.nl/en Amsterdam], [https://www.ret.nl/en/ Rotterdam], [https://www.ret.nl/en/home/travelling-with-the-ret.html RandstadRail].<br />
<br />
Track plans for all metro systems in the Netherlands are available on the [https://www.gleisplanweb.eu/ Gleisplanweb site].<br />
<br />
== Trams/LRT-Systems ==<br />
Amsterdam, Den Haag, Rotterdam, Utrecht.<br />
<br />
Track plans for all tram systems in the Netherlands are available on the [https://www.gleisplanweb.eu/ Gleisplanweb site].<br />
<br />
See also [[Netherlands_-_Tram_services_over_obscure_routes|Netherlands - Tram services over obscure routes]]<br />
<br />
==Recent and Future Changes==<br />
===Future changes===<br />
<br />
In the period June - December 2024 the Eurostar Service Amsterdam/Rotterdam - London will be cancelled due to infrastrudture works. <br />
In the direction London - Rotterdam/Amsterdam the Eurostar Service might continue.<br />
<br />
The direct ICE service Amsterdam - Basel will cease to exist by 15 July 2024.<br />
<br />
The outcome of a feasibility study to resume passenger services between Veendam and Stadskanaal will be published in the course of 2024. <br />
<br />
The Bentheimer Eisenbahn from Bad Bentheim (DE) to Coevorden, which was reopened in 2019 as far as Neuenhaus (DE), is to be reopened through to Coevorden. An invitation to tender has been issued for a start date in either June or December 2026.<br />
<br />
Works for the electrification of Nijmegen - Venlo - Roermond will start by mid 2025 and should be finished by late 2027. <br />
<br />
The new 'Friesenbrücke' bridge, facilitating the passenger traffic Groningen - Bad Nieuweschans - Leer (D) should be constructed by late 2024.<br />
<br />
Long term projects:<br />
On 10 October 2017, the coalition government agreed plans to reopen and electrify Weert - Hamont.<br />
On 5th of October 2023, the outcome of a feasabillity study has been published, which prefers to establish a 3KV trainconnection Weert - Antwerpen run by NMBS. No decission has been taken yet.<br />
<br />
The "Iron Rhine" freight line between Roermond and Dalheim (Germany) is planned to reopened for traffic between Antwerpen and the Ruhr. However this has been delayed by a dispute between the Dutch and Belgian governments, which has gone to arbitration.<br />
<br />
===Recent changes===<br />
<br />
On 25 May 2023, [https://www.europeansleeper.eu/en European Sleeper] started to operate a night service from Brussel/Bruxelles via Rotterdam and Amsterdam to Berlin. In 2024 this service will be extended to Praha.<br />
<br />
RET Metro line B has been extended by 2.6 km from Hoek van Holland Haven to a new Hoek Van Holland Strand station, 0.9 km beyond the previous NS Strand station. Regular services commenced on 31 March 2023.<br />
<br />
Landgraaf - Herzogenrath (Germany) has been upgraded for cargo traffic in September 2022, while Arriva EMUs are running between Aachen Hbf and Maastricht since the electrification in 2018. The planned through Arriva service between Aachen and Liège has been delayed and until further notice NMBS continue to operate a separate train service between Maastricht and Liège.<br />
<br />
The last museum trains to use the Blauwkapel Kruispunt, where the line northwards from the ''Nederlands Spoorwegmuseum'' at Utrecht Maliebaan station makes a flat crossing with the Utrecht - Amersfoort line, ran on 14 May 2022. The north - south link at Blauwkapel has since been removed. This does not affect the shuttle trains between Utrecht Centraal station and the museum, which continue to run. <br />
<br />
By December 2021 Zürich - Amsterdam NightJet services were introduced, complementing the Wien - Amsterdam services which started on 25 May 2021.<br />
<br />
The (Rotterdam -) Schiedam Centrum - Hoek van Holland ''Hoekse Lijn'' line closed to passengers as an NS line on 1 April 2017 and reopened as RET Metro line B between Nesselande and Hoek van Holland on 30 September 2019, thus bringing a new connection into use between Schiedam Centrum metro station and Schiedam Nieuwland. Until the line onwards to Hoek van Holland Strand was opened on 31 March 2023, RET trains temporarily used the old Hoek van Holland International Boat Train platforms.<br />
<br />
The former passenger connection between the Metro and the ProRail/NS network has been retained for freight. From 28 November 2019, cargo trains have run to Vlaardingen Oost, where there is a connection to the Vulcaanhaven oil terminals.<br />
<br />
The new station of Lansingerland-Zoetermeer on the NS Den Haag to Gouda line opened on 9 December 2018 and the extension to tram line 4 (RandstadRail4) from Zoetermeer Javalaan to the new station opened on 19 May 2019.<br />
<br />
The 'Intercity Direct' service between Amsterdam and Brussel/Bruxelles (the successor to the former Benelux service) was diverted via the HSL Zuid and Breda [reverse] from 9 April 2018, thus opening for passenger traffic the curve southwards from Breda towards the Belgian border.<br />
<br />
===Older Changes===<br />
For details of older changes see [[Netherlands - Older General Information]].<br />
<br />
==Special notes==<br />
Many trains worked by multiple units split en route to serve more than one destination. External displays may show the destination of each portion; newer train sets are provided with internal displays as well. The number of each unit is displayed prominently in each carriage and when trains divide public address announcements usually refer to these to inform passengers where each unit is going.<br />
<br />
The freight line to Terneuzen is accessible only from Gent in Belgium.<br />
<br />
'''New trains'''<br />
<br />
NS has ordered 79 EMU 'Intercity New Generation' at Alstom, based on Coradia platform for use on the HSL by 2023. <br />
<br />
NS has ordered 20 EMU 'Intercity New Generation' at Alstom, based on Coradia platform for services to Brussels by 2025.<br />
<br />
'''Wifi'''<br />
<br />
Most stations have free internet access via KPN hotspots. NS Intercity trains have free internet by 'Wifi in de trein' provided by T-mobile; other operators like Arriva and Veolia offer free wifi in their trains. However loco hauled services are not provided with wifi.<br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
{{Navbox Netherlands}}<br />
[[Category:General Information]]</div>Theijs Europehttps://www.egtre.info/w/index.php?title=Netherlands_-_General_Information&diff=55232Netherlands - General Information2024-02-26T21:10:43Z<p>Theijs Europe: /* Web-based Maps */ added NS map</p>
<hr />
<div>==Country Name==<br />
Netherlands (Nederland)<br />
<br />
==National Railway System==<br />
===National Railway Operator===<br />
[https://www.ns.nl/en Nederlandse Spoorwegen] (NS) is the principal passenger carrier, which operates through various subsidiary companies, including:<br />
* NS Reizigers - Domestic passenger services <br />
* [https://www.nsinternational.com/en ''NS International''] - International passenger services.<br />
<br />
[https://www.eurostar.com/''Eurostar''] services to the Netherlands are operated by a stand-alone company owned by SNCF (62%), SNCB/NMBS (28%) and DB (10%); NS is not a partner. <br />
<br />
[https://www.europeansleeper.eu/''European Sleeper''] is a Dutch private company offering night services from Brussels via Amsterdam to Berlin and Prague.<br />
<br />
There is no longer a national freight operator. The former NS freight operation has been sold and is a subsidiary of DB (see below). Open access freight operators have a considerable market share. Current freight operators in The Netherlands as at 2023 are DB Cargo Nederland (German), Lineas Nederland (Belgian), LTE Netherlands (Austrian), Captrain (French) and RTB Cargo German) amoungst others.<br />
<br />
==Language==<br />
Dutch<br />
<br />
==Currency==<br />
Euro<br />
<br />
==UIC code==<br />
Numeric 84; alpha NL<br />
<br />
==Timetable==<br />
As of 14 December 2014, every station should be served twice an hour.<br />
<br />
===Journey Planner===<br />
* PC and smartphone: [https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information Travel Information].<br />
* Iphone application: [https://apps.apple.com/nl/app/ns/id370362301 Reisplanner].<br />
* Android application: [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=nl.ns.android.activity&utm_source=ns&utm_medium=banner&utm_campaign=rpxpagina Reisplanner]<br />
* Windows application: [https://www.microsoft.com/store/apps/9wzdncrdmbbm Treinplanner]<br />
<br />
===Actual Train Times===<br />
* [https://spoorkaart.mwnn.nl/ Actuele spoorkaart Nederland]<br />
*[https://treinenradar.nl/ Treinenradar Live]<br />
<br />
===Downloadable Timetable===<br />
By December 2023, NS no longer produces timetables in pdf format on its website.<br />
<br />
===Printed Timetable===<br />
''Rover'' offers a paper [https://www.ovshop.nl/shop/rover-spoorboekje-2024/ ''Spoorboekje''] for 2023-2024. NS discontinued paper timetables after the 2009-2010 edition. Rover took the publication over from Treinreiziger.<br />
<br />
===Engineering Information===<br />
[https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/current-situation-on-the-tracks The current situation on the tracks].<br />
[https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/maintenance-on-the-tracks/ An overview of scheduled works in the upcoming months that will effect services].<br />
<br />
===Real Time Train Information===<br />
Real time train running information is available on the [http://treinenradar.nl/ ''Treinenradar''], [https://treinposities.nl/ ''Treinposities''] and [http://spoorkaart.mwnn.nl/ Spoorkaart] websites. Moreover, public transport Apps like OV9292 and NS Reisplanner offer real time journey information.<br />
<br />
==Maps==<br />
===Printed Maps===<br />
*[[Printed Maps#ERA-E | European Railway Atlas (All-Europe Edition)]] by M.G. Ball.<br />
*[[Printed Maps#ERA-R-1 | European Railway Atlas (Regional Atlas Series, Book 1: Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Great Britain, Ireland, Portugal, Spain, France, Belgium, Netherlands and Luxembourg)]] by M.G. Ball.<br />
*A basic diagrammatic [https://www.treinreiziger.nl/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Spoorkaart-2021-v2.pdf Rail Map 2021] by Treinreiziger.nl<br />
*A fourth edition of the [https://nijverepublishers.nl/en/Books-and-maps/Benelux-Rail-Topo Benelux Rail Topo] was published in 2023 (ISBN/EAN 978 90 73280 19 9). In full colour to a scale of 1:550,000 and with a register of over 1,000 stations.<br />
<br />
===Web-based Maps===<br />
*NS publishes a {https://nieuws.ns.nl/download/99a90bb4-da90-4e0b-8597-b5343701f39b/spoorkaart2024.pdf map] with all passenger train service numbers and frequencies. <br />
*Prorail provides a [https://www.prorail.nl/siteassets/homepage/reizen/documenten/spoorkaart-2020-webversie.pdf detailed geographical map].<br />
*[http://www.sporenplan.nl/ Sporenplan] has a series of on-line maps and schematic track diagrams. Click on "Sporenplannen" on the left hand side for a map showing the countries covered.<br />
*Thorsten Büker's [https://websites.umich.edu/~yopopov/rrt/railroadmaps/netherlands_belgium_luxembourg.html Map of Benelux network] Last updated January 2023<br />
*[[Maps and Plans#Netherlands|Maps and Plans - Netherlands]]<br />
<br />
==Ticketing==<br />
As of 2023, paying public transport journeys by debit card (check-in and check-out) has been introduced. Once every 24 hours the journeys are collected. However, buying tickets from vending machines is still possible. Transport companies offer reduced fairs via their mobile applications (Android and iOS). More information via [https://ovpay.nl/en OVpay]<br />
<br />
All railway stations are equipped with ticket machines which all accept debit and credit cards (V PAY, Maestro, Mastercard, Visa and American Express). However, some foreign Visa debit cards are not accepted. Some machines accept coins as well. All machines offer domestic tickets and some provide international tickets to Belgium, and a selection of destinations in Germany. All tickets contain a chip to validate your ticket. Booking offices at small stations have almost all been closed. A surcharge is payable at booking offices when buying a ticket which is available from a ticket machine.<br />
<br />
The smart card [https://www.ov-chipkaart.nl/ OV Chipkaart] is the normal ticket on public transport and can be bought at any ticket machine. Machines that add value to an OV Chipkaart accept debit cards issued outside the Netherlands. However, only a few machines (such as at some tobacconists) accept credit cards. Paper tickets continue to be issued from machines and booking offices for rail journeys.<br />
<br />
Information on tickets and passes can be found on the NS [https://www.ns.nl/producten/en/losse-kaartjes-toeslagen Individual tickets & supplements] page. A supplement is required to travel on the HSL between Rotterdam and Schiphol Airport unless the passenger has a valid international ticket (which includes Interrail). The supplement can be purchased from vending machines; there are red validation machines for such supplements on the platforms.<br />
<br />
'''Note''': ALL tickets from machines MUST be touched in and out with ALL operators used in the correct order, when changing operators en-route. Travellers may be fined if they do not do this.<br />
<br />
NS-Zonetaxi (formerly known as treintaxi) tickets include a taxi from/to the railway station for a fixed fare. The service is available in most mid-size towns, but not in Utrecht, Amsterdam, Den Haag and Rotterdam. When riding on single or return tickets, trein-taxi tickets should be bought at the departure station. For the return trip by taxi, tickets are best bought in advance, but the taxi driver sells tickets with a small surcharge.<br />
<br />
Although more local services are to be franchised over the next few years, a uniform ticketing system, including NS and all franchisees, is being retained.<br />
<br />
''Special offers:''<br />
At Amsterdam Schiphol Airport both NS and GVB Amsterdam sell tickets for public transport connections to Amsterdam. [http://www.treinreiziger.nl/ Treinreiziger] offers news about the Dutch railwaysystem, including the availabillity of discounted tickets.<br />
<br />
==Infrastructure==<br />
===Infrastructure Authority===<br />
[http://www.prorail.nl/ ProRail] owns and manages the NS infrastructure and is responsible for traffic control and capacity allocation, under the authority of the minister of transport. On 1 July 2015 the operation of the ''Betuweroute'' was transferred to ProRail and the previous owners, Keyrail, ceased to exist.<br />
<br />
[https://www.ilent.nl/ Inspectie Leefomgeving en Transport], part of the Ministry of Transport, is responsible for safety and rolling stock certification.<br />
<br />
===Network Statement===<br />
The Prorail Website gives access to various [http://www.prorail.nl/vervoerders/network-statement NS Network Statement] documents.<br />
<br />
===Gauge===<br />
Standard.<br />
<br />
===Electrification===<br />
1500 V dc. New high-speed lines and the Betuwe trunk freight line between Rotterdam and Zevenaar (- Emmerich (Germany)) are electrified at 25 kV 50 Hz; Zevenaar - Emmerich was converted to 25 kV in 2016 so that freight trains have to change voltage only once, although it caused passenger trains to have to change voltage twice. The Hanzelijn is not officially a high-speed line, so is 1500 V dc. Large-scale conversion to 25 kV 50 Hz in the long term was envisaged but this was abandoned in the late 1990s as too expensive. In 2014 Prorail started a feasibility study into upgrading to 3000 V dc.<br />
Metros and Tramways are 750 V dc, with third rail used on the Amsterdam and Rotterdam metros.<br />
<br />
===Rule of the road===<br />
Right, but most lines are reversibly signalled. The following lines have left-hand running:<br />
* the high speed line from Rotterdam Lombardijen (where there is a flying crossover) to the Belgian border <br />
* the fast lines between Utrecht Centraal and Bilthoven; there is a flying crossover west of Bilthoven <br />
* from Roosendaal to the Belgian border <br />
* from Maastricht to the Belgian border<br />
<br />
There are connections between the high speed line and the old line to Breda where they run parallel south of Lage Zwaluwe, at which the two lines are handed in opposite directions. This results in the two southbound lines (which are adjacent) being linked merely by a long crossover whereas the connection between the northbound lines crosses over all four tracks on a flyover.<br />
<br />
===Distances===<br />
[https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lijst_van_spoorlijnen_in_Nederland Wikipedia] gives distances for all lines in the Netherlands. Click on the line wanted, and on the right distances for stations are given. [http://www.sporenplan.nl/html_nl/sporenplan/ns/ns_nummer/start.html Sporeneplan] provides an alternative source. Click on the line wanted to reach a schematic line plan, alongside which distances for stations (named in abbreviated code) are given. ''Neither is an official page and can be out of date.'' '''If any user can point to an official source for distance information the compilers would be glad to hear.'''<br />
<br />
==Other Railways==<br />
Private operators have franchises to work a number of local passenger services over Prorail lines, thus:<br />
* Arriva Nederland: Leeuwarden - Harlingen, Leeuwarden - Stavoren, Leeuwarden - Groningen, Groningen - Roodeschool/Eemshaven/Delfzijl, Groningen - Veendam/Bad Nieuweschans - Leer (D), Apeldoorn - Zutphen, Zutphen - Winterswijk, Winterswijk - Arnhem, Arnhem - Tiel, Nijmegen - Venlo - Roermond - Maastricht/Heerlen, Maastricht Randwijck - Heerlen - Kerkrade/Aachen (D).<br />
* Blauwnet (Arriva/Keolis): Enschede - Almelo - Mariënberg, Kampen - Zwolle - Emmen, Zutphen - Hengelo - Oldenzaal.<br />
* Breng: Doetinchem - Arnhem.<br />
* Q-Buzz (R-Net): Dordrecht - Geldermalsen; Gouda - Alphen aan den Rijn.<br />
* Valleilijn (Connexxion): Amersfoort - Ede-Wageningen. <br />
<br />
In addition cross-border services are worked by the following operators: <br />
* eurobahn: Hengelo - Bielefeld (D) (RB61); Venlo - Düsseldorf - Hamm (D) (RE13)<br />
* DB Regio: Enschede - Gronau - Münster / Dortmund (D) <br />
* VIAS Rail: Arnhem - Düsseldorf (D) (RE19) <br />
* NMBS: local services Roosendaal - Antwerpen (B); Maastricht - Luik / Liège (B)<br />
<br />
The German based Bentheimer Eisenbahn (BE) owns and operates its trunk line from Bentheim to the border at Laarwald and a further 2 km on to Coevorden. The line is freight only; there has never been any significant border crossing passenger traffic, but freight has regained importance in recent times. Coevorden effectively serves as a German rail bridgehead into the Netherlands, traffic mainly consisting of containers that are subsequently road-hauled into the northern provinces. There are plans to introduce passenger services between Coevorden and Neuenhaus (D), operated by BE, by 2024.<br />
<br />
==Tourist Lines==<br />
A list of Tourist & Museum Railways and Tramways in English is available on the [http://www.railmusea.nl/en Historisch Railvervoer Nederland (HRN)] website.<br />
<br />
Rail cycling is possible on the following sections of line:<br />
*[https://grenzland-draisine.eu/ Grenzland Draisine]: based at Kranenburg in Germany, on the former Kleve [DE] - Nijmegen [NL] line, the ''Grenzenlose'' trip to Groesbeek (5.5 km one way) covers a portion in the Netherlands <br />
*[https://www.spoorfietsen.nl Spoorfietsen]: Hengelo - Twekkelo (a short stretch of Hengelo - Boekelo line, latterly serving AKZO factory)<br />
<br />
==Metro==<br />
[https://www.gvb.nl/en Amsterdam], [https://www.ret.nl/en/ Rotterdam], [https://www.ret.nl/en/home/travelling-with-the-ret.html RandstadRail].<br />
<br />
Track plans for all metro systems in the Netherlands are available on the [https://www.gleisplanweb.eu/ Gleisplanweb site].<br />
<br />
== Trams/LRT-Systems ==<br />
Amsterdam, Den Haag, Rotterdam, Utrecht.<br />
<br />
Track plans for all tram systems in the Netherlands are available on the [https://www.gleisplanweb.eu/ Gleisplanweb site].<br />
<br />
See also [[Netherlands_-_Tram_services_over_obscure_routes|Netherlands - Tram services over obscure routes]]<br />
<br />
==Recent and Future Changes==<br />
===Future changes===<br />
<br />
In the period June - December 2024 the Eurostar Service Amsterdam/Rotterdam - London will be cancelled due to infrastrudture works. <br />
In the direction London - Rotterdam/Amsterdam the Eurostar Service might continue.<br />
<br />
The direct ICE service Amsterdam - Basel will cease to exist by 15 July 2024.<br />
<br />
The outcome of a feasibility study to resume passenger services between Veendam and Stadskanaal will be published in the course of 2024. <br />
<br />
The Bentheimer Eisenbahn from Bad Bentheim (DE) to Coevorden, which was reopened in 2019 as far as Neuenhaus (DE), is to be reopened through to Coevorden. An invitation to tender has been issued for a start date in either June or December 2026.<br />
<br />
Works for the electrification of Nijmegen - Venlo - Roermond will start by mid 2025 and should be finished by late 2027. <br />
<br />
The new 'Friesenbrücke' bridge, facilitating the passenger traffic Groningen - Bad Nieuweschans - Leer (D) should be constructed by late 2024.<br />
<br />
Long term projects:<br />
On 10 October 2017, the coalition government agreed plans to reopen and electrify Weert - Hamont.<br />
On 5th of October 2023, the outcome of a feasabillity study has been published, which prefers to establish a 3KV trainconnection Weert - Antwerpen run by NMBS. No decission has been taken yet.<br />
<br />
The "Iron Rhine" freight line between Roermond and Dalheim (Germany) is planned to reopened for traffic between Antwerpen and the Ruhr. However this has been delayed by a dispute between the Dutch and Belgian governments, which has gone to arbitration.<br />
<br />
===Recent changes===<br />
<br />
On 25 May 2023, [https://www.europeansleeper.eu/en European Sleeper] started to operate a night service from Brussel/Bruxelles via Rotterdam and Amsterdam to Berlin. In 2024 this service will be extended to Praha.<br />
<br />
RET Metro line B has been extended by 2.6 km from Hoek van Holland Haven to a new Hoek Van Holland Strand station, 0.9 km beyond the previous NS Strand station. Regular services commenced on 31 March 2023.<br />
<br />
Landgraaf - Herzogenrath (Germany) has been upgraded for cargo traffic in September 2022, while Arriva EMUs are running between Aachen Hbf and Maastricht since the electrification in 2018. The planned through Arriva service between Aachen and Liège has been delayed and until further notice NMBS continue to operate a separate train service between Maastricht and Liège.<br />
<br />
The last museum trains to use the Blauwkapel Kruispunt, where the line northwards from the ''Nederlands Spoorwegmuseum'' at Utrecht Maliebaan station makes a flat crossing with the Utrecht - Amersfoort line, ran on 14 May 2022. The north - south link at Blauwkapel has since been removed. This does not affect the shuttle trains between Utrecht Centraal station and the museum, which continue to run. <br />
<br />
By December 2021 Zürich - Amsterdam NightJet services were introduced, complementing the Wien - Amsterdam services which started on 25 May 2021.<br />
<br />
The (Rotterdam -) Schiedam Centrum - Hoek van Holland ''Hoekse Lijn'' line closed to passengers as an NS line on 1 April 2017 and reopened as RET Metro line B between Nesselande and Hoek van Holland on 30 September 2019, thus bringing a new connection into use between Schiedam Centrum metro station and Schiedam Nieuwland. Until the line onwards to Hoek van Holland Strand was opened on 31 March 2023, RET trains temporarily used the old Hoek van Holland International Boat Train platforms.<br />
<br />
The former passenger connection between the Metro and the ProRail/NS network has been retained for freight. From 28 November 2019, cargo trains have run to Vlaardingen Oost, where there is a connection to the Vulcaanhaven oil terminals.<br />
<br />
The new station of Lansingerland-Zoetermeer on the NS Den Haag to Gouda line opened on 9 December 2018 and the extension to tram line 4 (RandstadRail4) from Zoetermeer Javalaan to the new station opened on 19 May 2019.<br />
<br />
The 'Intercity Direct' service between Amsterdam and Brussel/Bruxelles (the successor to the former Benelux service) was diverted via the HSL Zuid and Breda [reverse] from 9 April 2018, thus opening for passenger traffic the curve southwards from Breda towards the Belgian border.<br />
<br />
===Older Changes===<br />
For details of older changes see [[Netherlands - Older General Information]].<br />
<br />
==Special notes==<br />
Many trains worked by multiple units split en route to serve more than one destination. External displays may show the destination of each portion; newer train sets are provided with internal displays as well. The number of each unit is displayed prominently in each carriage and when trains divide public address announcements usually refer to these to inform passengers where each unit is going.<br />
<br />
The freight line to Terneuzen is accessible only from Gent in Belgium.<br />
<br />
'''New trains'''<br />
<br />
NS has ordered 79 EMU 'Intercity New Generation' at Alstom, based on Coradia platform for use on the HSL by 2023. <br />
<br />
NS has ordered 20 EMU 'Intercity New Generation' at Alstom, based on Coradia platform for services to Brussels by 2025.<br />
<br />
'''Wifi'''<br />
<br />
Most stations have free internet access via KPN hotspots. NS Intercity trains have free internet by 'Wifi in de trein' provided by T-mobile; other operators like Arriva and Veolia offer free wifi in their trains. However loco hauled services are not provided with wifi.<br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
{{Navbox Netherlands}}<br />
[[Category:General Information]]</div>Theijs Europehttps://www.egtre.info/w/index.php?title=Border_Crossings:_Romania_-_Ukraine&diff=54062Border Crossings: Romania - Ukraine2023-12-31T09:58:34Z<p>Theijs Europe: /* (Sighetu Marmaţiei -) Câmpulung la Tisa CFR - Teresva UZ */ test ride added.</p>
<hr />
<div>==(Satu Mare -) Halmeu CFR - Diakove UZ (- Koroleve)==<br />
[D] Freight-only and dual gauge. UZ works to Halmeu on both gauges. 1520 mm gauge traffic runs to and from the gauge-changing and transfer facilities at Halmeu and an oil depot further south near Porumbesti. 1435 mm gauge traffic runs via the Ukrainian corridor line to Chop, with links to and from Čierna nad Tisou in Slovakia and Záhony in Hungary.<br />
<br />
==(Sighetu Marmaţiei -) Câmpulung la Tisa CFR - Teresva UZ==<br />
[D] Out of use but Ukrainian Railways are apparently refurbishing the track on their side in summer 2022 as they wish to re-open to allow corridor freight to/from Chop that would also use a reinstated Valea Vişeului CFR - Dilove UZ crossing. At 22 of February 2023 a test ride was performed by Ukrainian Railways between Teresva and Sighetu Marmaţiei.<br />
<br />
Teresva to Câmpulung la Tisa is 1520mm gauge only, with dual gauge 1435 mm/1520 mm from there to Valea Vişeului. This crossing has been out of use since a new road bridge was opened across the Tisa, between Solotvino and Sighetu Marmaţiei. The Ukrainian Railways operated passenger service to Sighetu Marmaţiei was allegedly withdrawn during 2007 due to smuggling. CFR 1435mm gauge freight traffic to Câmpulung la Tisa has ceased west of Sighetu Marmaţiei.<br />
<br />
==(Sighetu Marmaţiei -) Valea Vişeului CFR - Dilove UZ (- Rakhiv)==<br />
[D] The route across the border to Valea Vişeului is 1520mm gauge and had been out of use since April 2006 owing to serious flood damage. Works to reopen have completed with UZ reopening Rakhiv to Dilove first on 26 August 2022, then the first test passenger train ran to Valea Vişeului on 9 November 2022 for a planned 2 pairs a day Ukrainian Railways DMU service from the December 2022 timetable change. <br />
<br />
The passenger service commenced on 17 January 2023 with 2 daily train pairs, but was cancelled on 28 May 2023<br />
<br />
UZ are hoping the out of use BG tracks in Romania through Sighetu Marmaţiei will also be re-instated to provide an alternative route to Chop via the Câmpulung la Tisa CFR - Tereseva UZ border crossing, and work is proceeding to allow this line to open in 2023.<br />
<br />
==(Dorneşti -) Vicşani CFR - Vadul Syret UZ (- Chernivtsi)==<br />
[D] The line is dual gauge 1435/1520mm between Dorneşti and Vadul Syret, where there are bogie changing facilities.<br /> <br />
The Sofia - Bucuresti - Kyïv/Moskva service via this route was withdrawn in December 2014. Trains between Suceava and Vadul Syret were suspended in 2020 because of COVID-19 and had not been reinstated as at January 2023.<br />
<br />
==Constanţa CFR - Illichivs'k UZ {train ferry}==<br />
Freight only. 1520 mm gauge, with bogie-changing facilities to 1435 mm gauge thought to exist at Constanţa.<br />
<br />
== See also ==<br />
* [[Border Crossings - General Information]]<br />
<br />
{{Navbox Romania}}<br />
{{Navbox Ukraine}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Border Crossings|Romania - Ukraine]]</div>Theijs Europehttps://www.egtre.info/w/index.php?title=Netherlands_-_General_Information&diff=53992Netherlands - General Information2023-12-29T13:23:11Z<p>Theijs Europe: /* Future changes */ ICE Basel, Eurostar London</p>
<hr />
<div>==Country Name==<br />
Netherlands (Nederland)<br />
<br />
==National Railway System==<br />
===National Railway Operator===<br />
[https://www.ns.nl/en Nederlandse Spoorwegen] (NS) is the principal passenger carrier, which operates through various subsidiary companies, including:<br />
* NS Reizigers - Domestic passenger services <br />
* [https://www.nsinternational.com/en ''NS International''] - International passenger services.<br />
<br />
[https://www.eurostar.com/''Eurostar''] services to the Netherlands are operated by a stand-alone company owned by SNCF (62%), SNCB/NMBS (28%) and DB (10%); NS is not a partner. <br />
<br />
[https://www.europeansleeper.eu/''European Sleeper''] is a Dutch private company offering night services from Brussels via Amsterdam to Berlin and Prague.<br />
<br />
There is no longer a national freight operator. The former NS freight operation has been sold and is a subsidiary of DB (see below). Open access freight operators have a considerable market share. Current freight operators in The Netherlands as at 2023 are DB Cargo Nederland (German), Lineas Nederland (Belgian), LTE Netherlands (Austrian), Captrain (French) and RTB Cargo German) amoungst others.<br />
<br />
==Language==<br />
Dutch<br />
<br />
==Currency==<br />
Euro<br />
<br />
==UIC code==<br />
Numeric 84; alpha NL<br />
<br />
==Timetable==<br />
As of 14 December 2014, every station should be served twice an hour.<br />
<br />
===Journey Planner===<br />
* PC and smartphone: [https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information Travel Information].<br />
* Iphone application: [https://apps.apple.com/nl/app/ns/id370362301 Reisplanner].<br />
* Android application: [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=nl.ns.android.activity&utm_source=ns&utm_medium=banner&utm_campaign=rpxpagina Reisplanner]<br />
* Windows application: [https://www.microsoft.com/store/apps/9wzdncrdmbbm Treinplanner]<br />
<br />
===Actual Train Times===<br />
* [https://spoorkaart.mwnn.nl/ Actuele spoorkaart Nederland]<br />
*[https://treinenradar.nl/ Treinenradar Live]<br />
<br />
===Downloadable Timetable===<br />
By December 2023, NS no longer produces timetables in pdf format on its website.<br />
<br />
===Printed Timetable===<br />
''Rover'' offers a paper [https://www.ovshop.nl/shop/rover-spoorboekje-2024/ ''Spoorboekje''] for 2023-2024. NS discontinued paper timetables after the 2009-2010 edition. Rover took the publication over from Treinreiziger.<br />
<br />
===Engineering Information===<br />
[https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/current-situation-on-the-tracks The current situation on the tracks].<br />
[https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/maintenance-on-the-tracks/ An overview of scheduled works in the upcoming months that will effect services].<br />
<br />
===Real Time Train Information===<br />
Real time train running information is available on the [http://treinenradar.nl/ ''Treinenradar''], [https://treinposities.nl/ ''Treinposities''] and [http://spoorkaart.mwnn.nl/ Spoorkaart] websites. Moreover, public transport Apps like OV9292 and NS Reisplanner offer real time journey information.<br />
<br />
==Maps==<br />
===Printed Maps===<br />
*[[Printed Maps#ERA-E | European Railway Atlas (All-Europe Edition)]] by M.G. Ball.<br />
*[[Printed Maps#ERA-R-1 | European Railway Atlas (Regional Atlas Series, Book 1: Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Great Britain, Ireland, Portugal, Spain, France, Belgium, Netherlands and Luxembourg)]] by M.G. Ball.<br />
*A basic diagrammatic [https://www.treinreiziger.nl/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Spoorkaart-2021-v2.pdf Rail Map 2021] by Treinreiziger.nl<br />
*A fourth edition of the [https://nijverepublishers.nl/en/Books-and-maps/Benelux-Rail-Topo Benelux Rail Topo] was published in 2023 (ISBN/EAN 978 90 73280 19 9). In full colour to a scale of 1:550,000 and with a register of over 1,000 stations.<br />
<br />
===Web-based Maps===<br />
*NS provided until 2022 a map with all passenger train service numbers and frequencies. It's no longer available. <br />
*Prorail provides a [https://www.prorail.nl/siteassets/homepage/reizen/documenten/spoorkaart-2020-webversie.pdf detailed geographical map].<br />
*[http://www.sporenplan.nl/ Sporenplan] has a series of on-line maps and schematic track diagrams. Click on "Sporenplannen" on the left hand side for a map showing the countries covered.<br />
*Thorsten Büker's [http://www.bueker.net/trainspotting/maps_benelux.php Map of Benelux network] Although this remains on-line, the Büker maps are no longer being maintained. Last updated March 2018.<br />
*[[Maps and Plans#Netherlands|Maps and Plans - Netherlands]]<br />
<br />
==Ticketing==<br />
As of 2023, paying public transport journeys by debit card (check-in and check-out) has been introduced. Once every 24 hours the journeys are collected. However, buying tickets from vending machines is still possible. Transport companies offer reduced fairs via their mobile applications (Android and iOS). More information via [https://ovpay.nl/en OVpay]<br />
<br />
All railway stations are equipped with ticket machines which all accept debit and credit cards (V PAY, Maestro, Mastercard, Visa and American Express). However, some foreign Visa debit cards are not accepted. Some machines accept coins as well. All machines offer domestic tickets and some provide international tickets to Belgium, and a selection of destinations in Germany. All tickets contain a chip to validate your ticket. Booking offices at small stations have almost all been closed. A surcharge is payable at booking offices when buying a ticket which is available from a ticket machine.<br />
<br />
The smart card [https://www.ov-chipkaart.nl/ OV Chipkaart] is the normal ticket on public transport and can be bought at any ticket machine. Machines that add value to an OV Chipkaart accept debit cards issued outside the Netherlands. However, only a few machines (such as at some tobacconists) accept credit cards. Paper tickets continue to be issued from machines and booking offices for rail journeys.<br />
<br />
Information on tickets and passes can be found on the NS [https://www.ns.nl/producten/en/losse-kaartjes-toeslagen Individual tickets & supplements] page. A supplement is required to travel on the HSL between Rotterdam and Schiphol Airport unless the passenger has a valid international ticket (which includes Interrail). The supplement can be purchased from vending machines; there are red validation machines for such supplements on the platforms.<br />
<br />
'''Note''': ALL tickets from machines MUST be touched in and out with ALL operators used in the correct order, when changing operators en-route. Travellers may be fined if they do not do this.<br />
<br />
NS-Zonetaxi (formerly known as treintaxi) tickets include a taxi from/to the railway station for a fixed fare. The service is available in most mid-size towns, but not in Utrecht, Amsterdam, Den Haag and Rotterdam. When riding on single or return tickets, trein-taxi tickets should be bought at the departure station. For the return trip by taxi, tickets are best bought in advance, but the taxi driver sells tickets with a small surcharge.<br />
<br />
Although more local services are to be franchised over the next few years, a uniform ticketing system, including NS and all franchisees, is being retained.<br />
<br />
''Special offers:''<br />
At Amsterdam Schiphol Airport both NS and GVB Amsterdam sell tickets for public transport connections to Amsterdam. [http://www.treinreiziger.nl/ Treinreiziger] offers news about the Dutch railwaysystem, including the availabillity of discounted tickets.<br />
<br />
==Infrastructure==<br />
===Infrastructure Authority===<br />
[http://www.prorail.nl/ ProRail] owns and manages the NS infrastructure and is responsible for traffic control and capacity allocation, under the authority of the minister of transport. On 1 July 2015 the operation of the ''Betuweroute'' was transferred to ProRail and the previous owners, Keyrail, ceased to exist.<br />
<br />
[https://www.ilent.nl/ Inspectie Leefomgeving en Transport], part of the Ministry of Transport, is responsible for safety and rolling stock certification.<br />
<br />
===Network Statement===<br />
The Prorail Website gives access to various [http://www.prorail.nl/vervoerders/network-statement NS Network Statement] documents.<br />
<br />
===Gauge===<br />
Standard.<br />
<br />
===Electrification===<br />
1500 V dc. New high-speed lines and the Betuwe trunk freight line between Rotterdam and Zevenaar (- Emmerich (Germany)) are electrified at 25 kV 50 Hz; Zevenaar - Emmerich was converted to 25 kV in 2016 so that freight trains have to change voltage only once, although it caused passenger trains to have to change voltage twice. The Hanzelijn is not officially a high-speed line, so is 1500 V dc. Large-scale conversion to 25 kV 50 Hz in the long term was envisaged but this was abandoned in the late 1990s as too expensive. In 2014 Prorail started a feasibility study into upgrading to 3000 V dc.<br />
Metros and Tramways are 750 V dc, with third rail used on the Amsterdam and Rotterdam metros.<br />
<br />
===Rule of the road===<br />
Right, but most lines are reversibly signalled. The following lines have left-hand running:<br />
* the high speed line from Rotterdam Lombardijen (where there is a flying crossover) to the Belgian border <br />
* the fast lines between Utrecht Centraal and Bilthoven; there is a flying crossover west of Bilthoven <br />
* from Roosendaal to the Belgian border <br />
* from Maastricht to the Belgian border<br />
<br />
There are connections between the high speed line and the old line to Breda where they run parallel south of Lage Zwaluwe, at which the two lines are handed in opposite directions. This results in the two southbound lines (which are adjacent) being linked merely by a long crossover whereas the connection between the northbound lines crosses over all four tracks on a flyover.<br />
<br />
===Distances===<br />
[https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lijst_van_spoorlijnen_in_Nederland Wikipedia] gives distances for all lines in the Netherlands. Click on the line wanted, and on the right distances for stations are given. [http://www.sporenplan.nl/html_nl/sporenplan/ns/ns_nummer/start.html Sporeneplan] provides an alternative source. Click on the line wanted to reach a schematic line plan, alongside which distances for stations (named in abbreviated code) are given. ''Neither is an official page and can be out of date.'' '''If any user can point to an official source for distance information the compilers would be glad to hear.'''<br />
<br />
==Other Railways==<br />
Private operators have franchises to work a number of local passenger services over Prorail lines, thus:<br />
* Arriva Nederland: Leeuwarden - Harlingen, Leeuwarden - Stavoren, Leeuwarden - Groningen, Groningen - Roodeschool/Eemshaven/Delfzijl, Groningen - Veendam/Bad Nieuweschans - Leer (D), Apeldoorn - Zutphen, Zutphen - Winterswijk, Winterswijk - Arnhem, Arnhem - Tiel, Nijmegen - Venlo - Roermond - Maastricht/Heerlen, Maastricht Randwijck - Heerlen - Kerkrade/Aachen (D).<br />
* Blauwnet (Arriva/Keolis): Enschede - Almelo - Mariënberg, Kampen - Zwolle - Emmen, Zutphen - Hengelo - Oldenzaal.<br />
* Breng: Doetinchem - Arnhem.<br />
* Q-Buzz (R-Net): Dordrecht - Geldermalsen; Gouda - Alphen aan den Rijn.<br />
* Valleilijn (Connexxion): Amersfoort - Ede-Wageningen. <br />
<br />
In addition cross-border services are worked by the following operators: <br />
* eurobahn: Hengelo - Bielefeld (D) (RB61); Venlo - Düsseldorf - Hamm (D) (RE13)<br />
* DB Regio: Enschede - Gronau - Münster / Dortmund (D) <br />
* VIAS Rail: Arnhem - Düsseldorf (D) (RE19) <br />
* NMBS: local services Roosendaal - Antwerpen (B); Maastricht - Luik / Liège (B)<br />
<br />
The German based Bentheimer Eisenbahn (BE) owns and operates its trunk line from Bentheim to the border at Laarwald and a further 2 km on to Coevorden. The line is freight only; there has never been any significant border crossing passenger traffic, but freight has regained importance in recent times. Coevorden effectively serves as a German rail bridgehead into the Netherlands, traffic mainly consisting of containers that are subsequently road-hauled into the northern provinces. There are plans to introduce passenger services between Coevorden and Neuenhaus (D), operated by BE, by 2024.<br />
<br />
==Tourist Lines==<br />
A list of Tourist & Museum Railways and Tramways in English is available on the [http://www.railmusea.nl/en Historisch Railvervoer Nederland (HRN)] website.<br />
<br />
Rail cycling is possible on the following sections of line:<br />
*[https://grenzland-draisine.eu/ Grenzland Draisine]: based at Kranenburg in Germany, on the former Kleve [DE] - Nijmegen [NL] line, the ''Grenzenlose'' trip to Groesbeek (5.5 km one way) covers a portion in the Netherlands <br />
*[https://www.spoorfietsen.nl Spoorfietsen]: Hengelo - Twekkelo (a short stretch of Hengelo - Boekelo line, latterly serving AKZO factory)<br />
<br />
==Metro==<br />
[https://www.gvb.nl/en Amsterdam], [https://www.ret.nl/en/ Rotterdam], [https://www.ret.nl/en/home/travelling-with-the-ret.html RandstadRail].<br />
<br />
Track plans for all metro systems in the Netherlands are available on the [http://www.gleisplanweb.eu/ Gleisplanweb site].<br />
<br />
== Trams/LRT-Systems ==<br />
Amsterdam, Den Haag, Rotterdam, Utrecht.<br />
<br />
Track plans for all tram systems in the Netherlands are available on the [http://www.gleisplanweb.eu/ Gleisplanweb site].<br />
<br />
See also [[Netherlands_-_Tram_services_over_obscure_routes|Netherlands - Tram services over obscure routes]]<br />
<br />
==Recent and Future Changes==<br />
===Future changes===<br />
<br />
In the period June - December 2024 the Eurostar Service Amsterdam/Rotterdam - London will be cancelled due to infrastrudture works. <br />
In the direction London - Rotterdam/Amsterdam the Eurostar Service might continue.<br />
<br />
The direct ICE service Amsterdam - Basel will cease to exist by 15 July 2024.<br />
<br />
The outcome of a feasability study to resume passenger services between Veendam and Stadskanaal will be published in the course of 2024. <br />
Introduction of passenger services between Coevorden - Neuenhaus (D) and on to Bad Bentheim (D) is expected by December 2025.<br />
<br />
Works for the electrification of Nijmegen - Venlo - Roermond will start by mid 2025 and should be finished by late 2027. <br />
<br />
The new 'Friesenbrücke' bridge, facilitating the passenger traffic Groningen - Bad Nieuweschans - Leer (D) should be constructed by late 2024.<br />
<br />
Long term projects:<br />
On 10 October 2017, the coalition government agreed plans to reopen and electrify Weert - Hamont.<br />
On 5th of October 2023, the outcome of a feasabillity study has been published, which prefers to establish a 3KV trainconnection Weert - Antwerpen run by NMBS. No decission has been taken yet.<br />
<br />
The "Iron Rhine" freight line between Roermond and Dalheim (Germany) is planned to reopened for traffic between Antwerpen and the Ruhr. However this has been delayed by a dispute between the Dutch and Belgian governments, which has gone to arbitration.<br />
<br />
===Recent changes===<br />
<br />
On 25 May 2023, [https://www.europeansleeper.eu/en European Sleeper] started to operate a night service from Brussel/Bruxelles via Rotterdam and Amsterdam to Berlin. In 2024 this service will be extended to Praha.<br />
<br />
RET Metro line B has been extended by 2.6 km from Hoek van Holland Haven to a new Hoek Van Holland Strand station, 0.9 km beyond the previous NS Strand station. Regular services commenced on 31 March 2023.<br />
<br />
Landgraaf - Herzogenrath (Germany) has been upgraded for cargo traffic in September 2022, while Arriva EMUs are running between Aachen Hbf and Maastricht since the electrification in 2018. The planned through Arriva service between Aachen and Liège has been delayed and until further notice NMBS continue to operate a separate train service between Maastricht and Liège.<br />
<br />
The last museum trains to use the Blauwkapel Kruispunt, where the line northwards from the ''Nederlands Spoorwegmuseum'' at Utrecht Maliebaan station makes a flat crossing with the Utrecht - Amersfoort line, ran on 14 May 2022. The north - south link at Blauwkapel has since been removed. This does not affect the shuttle trains between Utrecht Centraal station and the museum, which continue to run. <br />
<br />
By December 2021 Zürich - Amsterdam NightJet services were introduced, complementing the Wien - Amsterdam services which started on 25 May 2021.<br />
<br />
The (Rotterdam -) Schiedam Centrum - Hoek van Holland ''Hoekse Lijn'' line closed to passengers as an NS line on 1 April 2017 and reopened as RET Metro line B between Nesselande and Hoek van Holland on 30 September 2019, thus bringing a new connection into use between Schiedam Centrum metro station and Schiedam Nieuwland. Until the line onwards to Hoek van Holland Strand was opened on 31 March 2023, RET trains temporarily used the old Hoek van Holland International Boat Train platforms.<br />
<br />
The former passenger connection between the Metro and the ProRail/NS network has been retained for freight. From 28 November 2019, cargo trains have run to Vlaardingen Oost, where there is a connection to the Vulcaanhaven oil terminals.<br />
<br />
The new station of Lansingerland-Zoetermeer on the NS Den Haag to Gouda line opened on 9 December 2018 and the extension to tram line 4 (RandstadRail4) from Zoetermeer Javalaan to the new station opened on 19 May 2019.<br />
<br />
The 'Intercity Direct' service between Amsterdam and Brussel/Bruxelles (the successor to the former Benelux service) was diverted via the HSL Zuid and Breda [reverse] from 9 April 2018, thus opening for passenger traffic the curve southwards from Breda towards the Belgian border.<br />
<br />
===Older Changes===<br />
For details of older changes see [[Netherlands - Older General Information]].<br />
<br />
==Special notes==<br />
Many trains worked by multiple units split en route to serve more than one destination. External displays may show the destination of each portion; newer train sets are provided with internal displays as well. The number of each unit is displayed prominently in each carriage and when trains divide public address announcements usually refer to these to inform passengers where each unit is going.<br />
<br />
The freight line to Terneuzen is accessible only from Gent in Belgium.<br />
<br />
'''New trains'''<br />
<br />
NS has ordered 79 EMU 'Intercity New Generation' at Alstom, based on Coradia platform for use on the HSL by 2023. <br />
<br />
NS has ordered 20 EMU 'Intercity New Generation' at Alstom, based on Coradia platform for services to Brussels by 2025.<br />
<br />
'''Wifi'''<br />
<br />
Most stations have free internet access via KPN hotspots. NS Intercity trains have free internet by 'Wifi in de trein' provided by T-mobile; other operators like Arriva and Veolia offer free wifi in their trains. However loco hauled services are not provided with wifi.<br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
{{Navbox Netherlands}}</div>Theijs Europehttps://www.egtre.info/w/index.php?title=Netherlands_-_General_Information&diff=53991Netherlands - General Information2023-12-29T13:17:43Z<p>Theijs Europe: /* Future changes */ update infrastructure works</p>
<hr />
<div>==Country Name==<br />
Netherlands (Nederland)<br />
<br />
==National Railway System==<br />
===National Railway Operator===<br />
[https://www.ns.nl/en Nederlandse Spoorwegen] (NS) is the principal passenger carrier, which operates through various subsidiary companies, including:<br />
* NS Reizigers - Domestic passenger services <br />
* [https://www.nsinternational.com/en ''NS International''] - International passenger services.<br />
<br />
[https://www.eurostar.com/''Eurostar''] services to the Netherlands are operated by a stand-alone company owned by SNCF (62%), SNCB/NMBS (28%) and DB (10%); NS is not a partner. <br />
<br />
[https://www.europeansleeper.eu/''European Sleeper''] is a Dutch private company offering night services from Brussels via Amsterdam to Berlin and Prague.<br />
<br />
There is no longer a national freight operator. The former NS freight operation has been sold and is a subsidiary of DB (see below). Open access freight operators have a considerable market share. Current freight operators in The Netherlands as at 2023 are DB Cargo Nederland (German), Lineas Nederland (Belgian), LTE Netherlands (Austrian), Captrain (French) and RTB Cargo German) amoungst others.<br />
<br />
==Language==<br />
Dutch<br />
<br />
==Currency==<br />
Euro<br />
<br />
==UIC code==<br />
Numeric 84; alpha NL<br />
<br />
==Timetable==<br />
As of 14 December 2014, every station should be served twice an hour.<br />
<br />
===Journey Planner===<br />
* PC and smartphone: [https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information Travel Information].<br />
* Iphone application: [https://apps.apple.com/nl/app/ns/id370362301 Reisplanner].<br />
* Android application: [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=nl.ns.android.activity&utm_source=ns&utm_medium=banner&utm_campaign=rpxpagina Reisplanner]<br />
* Windows application: [https://www.microsoft.com/store/apps/9wzdncrdmbbm Treinplanner]<br />
<br />
===Actual Train Times===<br />
* [https://spoorkaart.mwnn.nl/ Actuele spoorkaart Nederland]<br />
*[https://treinenradar.nl/ Treinenradar Live]<br />
<br />
===Downloadable Timetable===<br />
By December 2023, NS no longer produces timetables in pdf format on its website.<br />
<br />
===Printed Timetable===<br />
''Rover'' offers a paper [https://www.ovshop.nl/shop/rover-spoorboekje-2024/ ''Spoorboekje''] for 2023-2024. NS discontinued paper timetables after the 2009-2010 edition. Rover took the publication over from Treinreiziger.<br />
<br />
===Engineering Information===<br />
[https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/current-situation-on-the-tracks The current situation on the tracks].<br />
[https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/maintenance-on-the-tracks/ An overview of scheduled works in the upcoming months that will effect services].<br />
<br />
===Real Time Train Information===<br />
Real time train running information is available on the [http://treinenradar.nl/ ''Treinenradar''], [https://treinposities.nl/ ''Treinposities''] and [http://spoorkaart.mwnn.nl/ Spoorkaart] websites. Moreover, public transport Apps like OV9292 and NS Reisplanner offer real time journey information.<br />
<br />
==Maps==<br />
===Printed Maps===<br />
*[[Printed Maps#ERA-E | European Railway Atlas (All-Europe Edition)]] by M.G. Ball.<br />
*[[Printed Maps#ERA-R-1 | European Railway Atlas (Regional Atlas Series, Book 1: Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Great Britain, Ireland, Portugal, Spain, France, Belgium, Netherlands and Luxembourg)]] by M.G. Ball.<br />
*A basic diagrammatic [https://www.treinreiziger.nl/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Spoorkaart-2021-v2.pdf Rail Map 2021] by Treinreiziger.nl<br />
*A fourth edition of the [https://nijverepublishers.nl/en/Books-and-maps/Benelux-Rail-Topo Benelux Rail Topo] was published in 2023 (ISBN/EAN 978 90 73280 19 9). In full colour to a scale of 1:550,000 and with a register of over 1,000 stations.<br />
<br />
===Web-based Maps===<br />
*NS provided until 2022 a map with all passenger train service numbers and frequencies. It's no longer available. <br />
*Prorail provides a [https://www.prorail.nl/siteassets/homepage/reizen/documenten/spoorkaart-2020-webversie.pdf detailed geographical map].<br />
*[http://www.sporenplan.nl/ Sporenplan] has a series of on-line maps and schematic track diagrams. Click on "Sporenplannen" on the left hand side for a map showing the countries covered.<br />
*Thorsten Büker's [http://www.bueker.net/trainspotting/maps_benelux.php Map of Benelux network] Although this remains on-line, the Büker maps are no longer being maintained. Last updated March 2018.<br />
*[[Maps and Plans#Netherlands|Maps and Plans - Netherlands]]<br />
<br />
==Ticketing==<br />
As of 2023, paying public transport journeys by debit card (check-in and check-out) has been introduced. Once every 24 hours the journeys are collected. However, buying tickets from vending machines is still possible. Transport companies offer reduced fairs via their mobile applications (Android and iOS). More information via [https://ovpay.nl/en OVpay]<br />
<br />
All railway stations are equipped with ticket machines which all accept debit and credit cards (V PAY, Maestro, Mastercard, Visa and American Express). However, some foreign Visa debit cards are not accepted. Some machines accept coins as well. All machines offer domestic tickets and some provide international tickets to Belgium, and a selection of destinations in Germany. All tickets contain a chip to validate your ticket. Booking offices at small stations have almost all been closed. A surcharge is payable at booking offices when buying a ticket which is available from a ticket machine.<br />
<br />
The smart card [https://www.ov-chipkaart.nl/ OV Chipkaart] is the normal ticket on public transport and can be bought at any ticket machine. Machines that add value to an OV Chipkaart accept debit cards issued outside the Netherlands. However, only a few machines (such as at some tobacconists) accept credit cards. Paper tickets continue to be issued from machines and booking offices for rail journeys.<br />
<br />
Information on tickets and passes can be found on the NS [https://www.ns.nl/producten/en/losse-kaartjes-toeslagen Individual tickets & supplements] page. A supplement is required to travel on the HSL between Rotterdam and Schiphol Airport unless the passenger has a valid international ticket (which includes Interrail). The supplement can be purchased from vending machines; there are red validation machines for such supplements on the platforms.<br />
<br />
'''Note''': ALL tickets from machines MUST be touched in and out with ALL operators used in the correct order, when changing operators en-route. Travellers may be fined if they do not do this.<br />
<br />
NS-Zonetaxi (formerly known as treintaxi) tickets include a taxi from/to the railway station for a fixed fare. The service is available in most mid-size towns, but not in Utrecht, Amsterdam, Den Haag and Rotterdam. When riding on single or return tickets, trein-taxi tickets should be bought at the departure station. For the return trip by taxi, tickets are best bought in advance, but the taxi driver sells tickets with a small surcharge.<br />
<br />
Although more local services are to be franchised over the next few years, a uniform ticketing system, including NS and all franchisees, is being retained.<br />
<br />
''Special offers:''<br />
At Amsterdam Schiphol Airport both NS and GVB Amsterdam sell tickets for public transport connections to Amsterdam. [http://www.treinreiziger.nl/ Treinreiziger] offers news about the Dutch railwaysystem, including the availabillity of discounted tickets.<br />
<br />
==Infrastructure==<br />
===Infrastructure Authority===<br />
[http://www.prorail.nl/ ProRail] owns and manages the NS infrastructure and is responsible for traffic control and capacity allocation, under the authority of the minister of transport. On 1 July 2015 the operation of the ''Betuweroute'' was transferred to ProRail and the previous owners, Keyrail, ceased to exist.<br />
<br />
[https://www.ilent.nl/ Inspectie Leefomgeving en Transport], part of the Ministry of Transport, is responsible for safety and rolling stock certification.<br />
<br />
===Network Statement===<br />
The Prorail Website gives access to various [http://www.prorail.nl/vervoerders/network-statement NS Network Statement] documents.<br />
<br />
===Gauge===<br />
Standard.<br />
<br />
===Electrification===<br />
1500 V dc. New high-speed lines and the Betuwe trunk freight line between Rotterdam and Zevenaar (- Emmerich (Germany)) are electrified at 25 kV 50 Hz; Zevenaar - Emmerich was converted to 25 kV in 2016 so that freight trains have to change voltage only once, although it caused passenger trains to have to change voltage twice. The Hanzelijn is not officially a high-speed line, so is 1500 V dc. Large-scale conversion to 25 kV 50 Hz in the long term was envisaged but this was abandoned in the late 1990s as too expensive. In 2014 Prorail started a feasibility study into upgrading to 3000 V dc.<br />
Metros and Tramways are 750 V dc, with third rail used on the Amsterdam and Rotterdam metros.<br />
<br />
===Rule of the road===<br />
Right, but most lines are reversibly signalled. The following lines have left-hand running:<br />
* the high speed line from Rotterdam Lombardijen (where there is a flying crossover) to the Belgian border <br />
* the fast lines between Utrecht Centraal and Bilthoven; there is a flying crossover west of Bilthoven <br />
* from Roosendaal to the Belgian border <br />
* from Maastricht to the Belgian border<br />
<br />
There are connections between the high speed line and the old line to Breda where they run parallel south of Lage Zwaluwe, at which the two lines are handed in opposite directions. This results in the two southbound lines (which are adjacent) being linked merely by a long crossover whereas the connection between the northbound lines crosses over all four tracks on a flyover.<br />
<br />
===Distances===<br />
[https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lijst_van_spoorlijnen_in_Nederland Wikipedia] gives distances for all lines in the Netherlands. Click on the line wanted, and on the right distances for stations are given. [http://www.sporenplan.nl/html_nl/sporenplan/ns/ns_nummer/start.html Sporeneplan] provides an alternative source. Click on the line wanted to reach a schematic line plan, alongside which distances for stations (named in abbreviated code) are given. ''Neither is an official page and can be out of date.'' '''If any user can point to an official source for distance information the compilers would be glad to hear.'''<br />
<br />
==Other Railways==<br />
Private operators have franchises to work a number of local passenger services over Prorail lines, thus:<br />
* Arriva Nederland: Leeuwarden - Harlingen, Leeuwarden - Stavoren, Leeuwarden - Groningen, Groningen - Roodeschool/Eemshaven/Delfzijl, Groningen - Veendam/Bad Nieuweschans - Leer (D), Apeldoorn - Zutphen, Zutphen - Winterswijk, Winterswijk - Arnhem, Arnhem - Tiel, Nijmegen - Venlo - Roermond - Maastricht/Heerlen, Maastricht Randwijck - Heerlen - Kerkrade/Aachen (D).<br />
* Blauwnet (Arriva/Keolis): Enschede - Almelo - Mariënberg, Kampen - Zwolle - Emmen, Zutphen - Hengelo - Oldenzaal.<br />
* Breng: Doetinchem - Arnhem.<br />
* Q-Buzz (R-Net): Dordrecht - Geldermalsen; Gouda - Alphen aan den Rijn.<br />
* Valleilijn (Connexxion): Amersfoort - Ede-Wageningen. <br />
<br />
In addition cross-border services are worked by the following operators: <br />
* eurobahn: Hengelo - Bielefeld (D) (RB61); Venlo - Düsseldorf - Hamm (D) (RE13)<br />
* DB Regio: Enschede - Gronau - Münster / Dortmund (D) <br />
* VIAS Rail: Arnhem - Düsseldorf (D) (RE19) <br />
* NMBS: local services Roosendaal - Antwerpen (B); Maastricht - Luik / Liège (B)<br />
<br />
The German based Bentheimer Eisenbahn (BE) owns and operates its trunk line from Bentheim to the border at Laarwald and a further 2 km on to Coevorden. The line is freight only; there has never been any significant border crossing passenger traffic, but freight has regained importance in recent times. Coevorden effectively serves as a German rail bridgehead into the Netherlands, traffic mainly consisting of containers that are subsequently road-hauled into the northern provinces. There are plans to introduce passenger services between Coevorden and Neuenhaus (D), operated by BE, by 2024.<br />
<br />
==Tourist Lines==<br />
A list of Tourist & Museum Railways and Tramways in English is available on the [http://www.railmusea.nl/en Historisch Railvervoer Nederland (HRN)] website.<br />
<br />
Rail cycling is possible on the following sections of line:<br />
*[https://grenzland-draisine.eu/ Grenzland Draisine]: based at Kranenburg in Germany, on the former Kleve [DE] - Nijmegen [NL] line, the ''Grenzenlose'' trip to Groesbeek (5.5 km one way) covers a portion in the Netherlands <br />
*[https://www.spoorfietsen.nl Spoorfietsen]: Hengelo - Twekkelo (a short stretch of Hengelo - Boekelo line, latterly serving AKZO factory)<br />
<br />
==Metro==<br />
[https://www.gvb.nl/en Amsterdam], [https://www.ret.nl/en/ Rotterdam], [https://www.ret.nl/en/home/travelling-with-the-ret.html RandstadRail].<br />
<br />
Track plans for all metro systems in the Netherlands are available on the [http://www.gleisplanweb.eu/ Gleisplanweb site].<br />
<br />
== Trams/LRT-Systems ==<br />
Amsterdam, Den Haag, Rotterdam, Utrecht.<br />
<br />
Track plans for all tram systems in the Netherlands are available on the [http://www.gleisplanweb.eu/ Gleisplanweb site].<br />
<br />
See also [[Netherlands_-_Tram_services_over_obscure_routes|Netherlands - Tram services over obscure routes]]<br />
<br />
==Recent and Future Changes==<br />
===Future changes===<br />
<br />
The outcome of a feasability study to resume passenger services between Veendam and Stadskanaal will be published in the course of 2024. <br />
Introduction of passenger services between Coevorden - Neuenhaus (D) and on to Bad Bentheim (D) is expected by December 2025.<br />
<br />
Works for the electrification of Nijmegen - Venlo - Roermond will start by mid 2025 and should be finished by late 2027. <br />
<br />
The new 'Friesenbrücke' bridge, facilitating the passenger traffic Groningen - Bad Nieuweschans - Leer (D) should be constructed by late 2024.<br />
<br />
Long term projects:<br />
On 10 October 2017, the coalition government agreed plans to reopen and electrify Weert - Hamont.<br />
On 5th of October 2023, the outcome of a feasabillity study has been published, which prefers to establish a 3KV trainconnection Weert - Antwerpen run by NMBS. No decission has been taken yet.<br />
<br />
The "Iron Rhine" freight line between Roermond and Dalheim (Germany) is planned to reopened for traffic between Antwerpen and the Ruhr. However this has been delayed by a dispute between the Dutch and Belgian governments, which has gone to arbitration.<br />
<br />
===Recent changes===<br />
<br />
On 25 May 2023, [https://www.europeansleeper.eu/en European Sleeper] started to operate a night service from Brussel/Bruxelles via Rotterdam and Amsterdam to Berlin. In 2024 this service will be extended to Praha.<br />
<br />
RET Metro line B has been extended by 2.6 km from Hoek van Holland Haven to a new Hoek Van Holland Strand station, 0.9 km beyond the previous NS Strand station. Regular services commenced on 31 March 2023.<br />
<br />
Landgraaf - Herzogenrath (Germany) has been upgraded for cargo traffic in September 2022, while Arriva EMUs are running between Aachen Hbf and Maastricht since the electrification in 2018. The planned through Arriva service between Aachen and Liège has been delayed and until further notice NMBS continue to operate a separate train service between Maastricht and Liège.<br />
<br />
The last museum trains to use the Blauwkapel Kruispunt, where the line northwards from the ''Nederlands Spoorwegmuseum'' at Utrecht Maliebaan station makes a flat crossing with the Utrecht - Amersfoort line, ran on 14 May 2022. The north - south link at Blauwkapel has since been removed. This does not affect the shuttle trains between Utrecht Centraal station and the museum, which continue to run. <br />
<br />
By December 2021 Zürich - Amsterdam NightJet services were introduced, complementing the Wien - Amsterdam services which started on 25 May 2021.<br />
<br />
The (Rotterdam -) Schiedam Centrum - Hoek van Holland ''Hoekse Lijn'' line closed to passengers as an NS line on 1 April 2017 and reopened as RET Metro line B between Nesselande and Hoek van Holland on 30 September 2019, thus bringing a new connection into use between Schiedam Centrum metro station and Schiedam Nieuwland. Until the line onwards to Hoek van Holland Strand was opened on 31 March 2023, RET trains temporarily used the old Hoek van Holland International Boat Train platforms.<br />
<br />
The former passenger connection between the Metro and the ProRail/NS network has been retained for freight. From 28 November 2019, cargo trains have run to Vlaardingen Oost, where there is a connection to the Vulcaanhaven oil terminals.<br />
<br />
The new station of Lansingerland-Zoetermeer on the NS Den Haag to Gouda line opened on 9 December 2018 and the extension to tram line 4 (RandstadRail4) from Zoetermeer Javalaan to the new station opened on 19 May 2019.<br />
<br />
The 'Intercity Direct' service between Amsterdam and Brussel/Bruxelles (the successor to the former Benelux service) was diverted via the HSL Zuid and Breda [reverse] from 9 April 2018, thus opening for passenger traffic the curve southwards from Breda towards the Belgian border.<br />
<br />
===Older Changes===<br />
For details of older changes see [[Netherlands - Older General Information]].<br />
<br />
==Special notes==<br />
Many trains worked by multiple units split en route to serve more than one destination. External displays may show the destination of each portion; newer train sets are provided with internal displays as well. The number of each unit is displayed prominently in each carriage and when trains divide public address announcements usually refer to these to inform passengers where each unit is going.<br />
<br />
The freight line to Terneuzen is accessible only from Gent in Belgium.<br />
<br />
'''New trains'''<br />
<br />
NS has ordered 79 EMU 'Intercity New Generation' at Alstom, based on Coradia platform for use on the HSL by 2023. <br />
<br />
NS has ordered 20 EMU 'Intercity New Generation' at Alstom, based on Coradia platform for services to Brussels by 2025.<br />
<br />
'''Wifi'''<br />
<br />
Most stations have free internet access via KPN hotspots. NS Intercity trains have free internet by 'Wifi in de trein' provided by T-mobile; other operators like Arriva and Veolia offer free wifi in their trains. However loco hauled services are not provided with wifi.<br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
{{Navbox Netherlands}}</div>Theijs Europehttps://www.egtre.info/w/index.php?title=Netherlands_-_Tram_services_over_obscure_routes&diff=53990Netherlands - Tram services over obscure routes2023-12-29T12:47:30Z<p>Theijs Europe: /* Den Haag: HTM */ update tram 19 to Delft University.</p>
<hr />
<div>=Introduction=<br />
{{TSUL_Introduction}}<br />
<br />
==Amsterdam: GVB==<br />
Timetables dated 14 December 2008 <br />
<br />
Due to the start of operation of the North-South Metroline on 21 July 2018 (M52), major changes have taken place in the tram routes on the tram network.<br />
Although various depot workings use lines and curves not in public service, none is advertised in the current timetables. On ''Koningsdag'' (celebration of the King's birthday, a public holiday, 27 April) there are no trams in the inner area of the city, so amended and special services operate, including the use of curves not otherwise regularly used in public service. Details of diversions are obtainable online via the GVB website in April.<br />
<br />
==Den Haag: HTM==<br />
Entry written following a visit in early August 2023.<br />
<br />
Complete line timetables can be viewed on-line [https://www.htm.nl/ here], but you need to select the "Dienstregeling" tab ("Timetable" on the English language version) and then click on the route number - you can change the date and time (or scroll through the whole day). Various maps and plans can be viewed or downloaded as PDFs from [https://www.htm.nl/reizen/kaart here], including separate diagrammatic maps of the tram and bus networks, and a geographic map of all public transport. The [https://www.gleisplanweb.eu/Map-e.php?Map=DenHaag Gleisplanweb.de site] has a track plan.<br />
<br />
Although various depot workings use lines and curves not in public service, none is advertised in the current timetables - although there are some footnotes stating which services come from or go to depots and that they might be subject to short notice alteration. It is therefore assumed that none run via "rare" connections in passenger service, but any information to the contrary would be gratefully received.<br />
<br />
Den Haag uses a mixture of older, high-floor, single-ended trams (which will be phased out once various pieces of infrastructure work have been carried out) and newer, low-floor, double-ended trams (branded R-net) and tram-trains (branded RandstadRail). Therefore some, but not all, termini have balloon loops; some balloon loops have been or will be removed as part of route upgrades. However, if there are separate set-down and pick-up stops, passengers are not usually carried around the balloon loop, especially if the tram lays over on the loop itself (which is not a public stop) rather than at the departure stop, although in at least one place a passenger was observed to stay on all the way round.<br />
<br />
Plan exist or are being drawn up to rebuild the last remaining stops and sections of line which are not suitable for use by low-floor vehicles. During the reconstruction period, trams might be diverted via alternative routes, and this might involve the use of normally non-passenger curves or longer sections of track.<br />
<br />
The northern end of route 17 (formerly part of route 16) to Statenkwartier reopened on 8 July 2023 after reconstruction of two sections. This eliminated the long loop at the terminus. During the reconstruction, in addition to terminating short at Kunstmuseum, trams were diverted from Gravenstraat via the otherwise non-passenger route to Prinsegracht, the course of route 3 to Van Speijkstraat, and then the otherwise non-passenger north-to-south route over the crossroads to Obrechtstraat. From 8 July 2023 these two sections lost their temporary regular service.<br />
<br />
Route 19 between Delft Station and TU Delft (Delft University) has been under construction for many years, and its scheduled opening in spring 2024 has been postponed. During 2023 works have been carried out to create a temporarily terminus at the Van den Broekweg.<br />
<br />
The line along the western end of Schedeldoekshaven in the central area (between its junction with Spui and Lage Zand) is currently (2023) affected by construction work, with only a single (eastbound) track available, which is slewed to the south for a short distance. It is therefore not in use by regular routes, although the Tourist Tram continues to run this way.<br />
<br />
===Diverted routes using normally non-passenger track===<br />
Alterations to tram and bus services can be found [https://www.htm.nl/omleidingen-verstoringen here]. It is split into two sections, current and future. Note that on the English language version, the pop-up which appears when you click on the item only appears in Dutch, but you can copy the text and paste it into a translator.<br />
<br />
Some diversions which have been found are listed below; the historic ones are included here to illustrate what is possible:<br />
* From 8 July to 3(?) August 2023, work on Prinsegracht closed the line westwards via Brouwersgracht and HMC Westeinde. Routes 2, 3 and 4 were diverted as follows (in both directions):<br />
** Route 2 ran from Centraal Station (high level) via the tram tunnel to Prinsegracht (as normal), then turned left to follow the course of route 6 via Om en Bij to Haagse Market and route 11 via Delftselaan, before turning left on the normally non-passenger south-to-west curve at the junction of Monstersestraat and Loosduinseweg (like route 4 below) to regain its normal route.<br />
** Route 4 ran from Centraal Station (high level) via the grade-separated normally non-passenger connection onto the street tramway to Kalvermarkt / Stadhuis (like route 3 below), then followed route 16 to Station Hollands Spoor and then route 11 via Delftselaan, before (like route 2 above) turning left on the normally non-passenger south-to-west curve at the junction of Monstersestraat and Loosduinseweg to regain its normal route.<br />
** Route 3 ran from Centraal Station (high level) via the grade-separated normally non-passenger connection onto the street tramway to Kalvermarkt / Stadhuis (like route 4 above), turned right on the normally non-passenger east-to-north curve to Centruum, and then left on the normally non-passenger southeast-to-west curve to Gravenstraat, where it terminated. Trams turned using the loop to the west (one part of which is normally non-passenger), through Kerkplein: it was unclear whether this was officially in passenger service (it was shown on maps of the diversion), but a traveller was able to do it.<br />
* From 8 July to 23 August 2023, work on Rijswijkseweg closed the line between the Rijswijkseplein junction and Van Musschenbroekstraat. Route 15 trams were divered from Bierkade via Station Hollands Spoor, Leghwaterplein and the normally non-passenger line along Laakkade (which has different directions running on either side of a waterway).<br />
* On Prinsjesdag (Prince's Day) - Budget Day in the Netherlands as well as the opening of the parliamentary year, and usually the third Tuesday in September - there may be road closures near the parliament and therefore tram diversions. In 2023, this is 19 September, and there are diverted trams until 18.00, while a trial run also takes place the previous Sunday between 09.00 and 13.00. In 2023, the diverted routes are:<br />
** Routes 15 and 16 (which usually swap route numbers at Centraal Station): after Bierkade, both follow the same clockwise (only) route via Kalvermarkt / Stadhuis to the temporary "Centraal Station" stop in Schedeldoekshaven (where they swap route numbers); they then turn right using the normally non-passenger west-to-south curve (like route 17 below) onto the course of route 17 via Weteringplein, and regain their normal routes at the complex junction just beyond Rijwijkseplein (Noord).<br />
** Route 17: from Graavenstraat, turns right via the normally non-passenger west-to-southeast curve to Centruum and then left via the normally non-passenger curve to Kalvermarkt / Stadhuis to the temporary "Centraal Station" stop at Schedeldoekshaven, then turns right via the normally non-passenger west-to-south curve (like routes 15 and 16 above) to regain its normal route. Trams in the opposite direction do the exact reverse.<br />
** Route 1: diverted between Bierkade and Scheveningen via the course of route 9 (so not doing any normally non-passenger track).<br />
* Herenstraat - Voorburg Station (former route 10, closed in January 2013): reported in a discussion on RailUK Forums it was in use by a temporary route 1A for "several weeks up to mid-March 2023" while route 1 was split in two as a result of bridge renovation work. Also used several days each week by the Hoftrammm Tramrestaurant (see below).<br />
<br />
===Den Haag City Tours===<br />
The Haags Openbaar Vervoer Museum (HOVM - The Hague Public Transport Museum) operates City Tours with historic trams on most Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays from early April until early November, plus Wednesdays in July, August and September - information can be found [https://touristtram.nl here]. This "hop-on, hop-off" tour takes exactly an hour (although there is a layover of between 5 and 10 minutes at the penultimate stop); departures from Gravenstraat (eastbound stop) are every 30 minutes from 10.15 to 16.45. There's a timetable on the website showing all the stops, and you can board and alight at any of those stops as much as you like all day. Tickets are available on the tram (card payment only), on the website (or via other on-line ticket agencies), via the Tourist Tram app, or at the Info Store at Centraal Station.<br />
<br />
The route advertised in 2023 is: Gravenstraat, the "rare" west-to-south curve to Centruum, southwards along Spui, the "rare" north-to-east curve north of Bierkade and the line along Schedeldoekshaven, Centraal Station (street level), the course of route 9 via Madurodam to Scheveningen Noord and the balloon loop there (not normally used in passenger service), the course of route 1 via Keizerstraat and Vredespaleis to Kneuterdijk, and then back to Gravenstraat (no stop westbound), doing a complete circuit of the loop around Sint-Jacobskerk and laying over on the eastern side (there's a sign) before completing the circuit (one section plus the eastern side don't have normal services) and continuing to the eastbound Gravenstraat stop.<br />
<br />
Note that the route advertised in previous years (and seen in 2023 on an out-of-date information notice at a stop) suggests a different route, which included the normally non-passenger connecting line along Duinstraat between route 1 and 11 in Scheveningen as well as the previously southbound-only single-track connection between route 11 and 17 (previously 16) at Statenkwartier. Since the northern end of route 17 was out of use for a while but has now reopened, it is possible the Tourist Tram might return to its previous route in 2024.<br />
<br />
From 2014 the more upmarket Hoftrammm Tramrestaurant has run a “culinary” tram five-course dining trip around Den Haag and environs - see [https://www.hoftramm.nl here]. It runs on most evenings except Mondays and Tuesdays (although there are other days it occasionally does not run, especially Sundays, and sometimes runs on Mondays or Tuesdays), departing at 19.00 from Voorburg Station (terminus of the erstwhile route 10, which closed in 2013), and used historic tram 3035 which has been modified with a professional kitchen and an on-board toilet. Booking in advance is necessary, and trips book up very quickly many weeks in advance.<br />
<br />
The route is not specified in detail (and, indeed may vary depending on traffic congestion, etc.), but, after doing the otherwise normally non-passenger Voorburg Station branch, is via the city centre to Scheveningen Noord, back to the city centre, out to Scheveningen Haven, then back via the city centre to Voorburg. The cost in 2023 is EUR99.50 per person, but bookings via the website are only for tables for two or four.<br />
<br />
==Rotterdam: RET==<br />
Complete line timetables can be viewed on-line [https://www.ret.nl/ here] - you can change the date and time (or scroll through the whole day). Various maps and plans can be viewed or downloaded as PDFs from [https://www.ret.nl/home/reizen/kaarten-plattegronden.html here], including a geographic network map of Rotterdam and Den Haag showing all public transport; a diagrammatic map of trains, metro, trams and selected buses; a diagrammatic map of the metro; a diagrammatic map of the tram network; and a plan of platform usage at the Centraal Station tram stops. Note that these maps and plans are not modified to show route alterations or suspensions, even if they last many months; timetables are, however, date specific. The [https://www.gleisplanweb.eu/Map-e.php?Map=Rotterdam Gleisplanweb.de site] has a track plan.<br />
<br />
While the timetables show a few short workings on some routes, there are no footnotes indicating any "off route" workings which might use normally non-passenger lines and curves. It is therefore thought that workings to and from depots do not run in passenger service, and this is backed up by several "out of service" trams being observed heading towards Kleiweg depot just after the evening peak one day in May 2023. Any information to the contrary would be gratefully received.<br />
<br />
Rotterdam uses only single-ended trams and all except one termini have a balloon loop if the end of the line does not run in a longer loop around several streets. At a few of these termini there is a single stop for alighting and boarding, but at almost all of the others there are three stops: one before the loop (with a proper platform) for setting down, one on the loop itself where the tram lays over (without a proper platform, and sometimes with only a short paved area), and one after the loop (with a proper platform) for picking up - and all three have tram stop "flags" and (usually) timetable information, so travel all the way around the loop is possible. The exception is the loop immediately west of Maashaven, which does not have a stop on the loop itself and therefore passengers are not carried around it (despite the on-tram PIS listing one stop beyond the Maashaven destination, at Gaesbeekstraat, all passengers were asked by staff to alight at Maashaven itself). The terminus at Holy (Holysingel) on route 24 has a reversing triangle, with set-down and pick-up stops on the two separate legs.<br />
<br />
Travellers may wish to be aware that a report was published in February 2023 on the future of the network which recommended consideration of closing the following sections (and replacing them with buses) by 2030:<br />
* northern ends of routes 4 and 8 beyond where they split (branches from Kootsekade to Molenlaan and Kleiweg)<br />
* eastern end of route 7 (beyond Crosswijksestraat to Woudestein)<br />
* route 8 between where it splits from route 7 (Zaagmolenbrug) and re-joins route 4 (Soetendaalseweg)<br />
* western end of route 4 (branch from Eendrachtsplein to Heemraadsplein)<br />
* western end of route 8 (branch from P. C. Hootfplein to Spangen)<br />
* western end of route 21 (branch from Bachplein to Woudhoek)<br />
<br />
This is reported as because they have low passenger usage and have little segregation from road traffic. Some new lines are also proposed. More information can be found in [http://www.tautonline.com/change-rotterdam-trams-2030/ this article].<br />
<br />
Below is a guide to the use of more complicated junctions or where there is more than one possible route for a service, plus possible use of normally non-passenger track when there are service alterations:<br />
<br />
===Bachplein - Harreweg [Woudhoek]===<br />
Route 21 in the western suburbs is not an all day service, and does not run after about 19.00 nor before about 11.45 on Sundays on this section.<br />
<br />
===Rotterdam Centraal loop===<br />
All through routes normally use the loop which runs close to the main entrance to Rotterdam Centraal NS station, approaching from the east and departing to the south or vice versa. Terminating routes will use the loop to turn, using sections of line not normally used by other services, and using stops E/F on (the street called) Weena as well as the main stops outside the station entrance:<br />
* Route 20 (running only during the morning and evening peaks on Monday to Friday - reportedly about 07.15 to 09.15 and 14.15 to 18.30) approaches from the south (Kruisplein) and runs anticlockwise around the loop. During the line closures south of the river between May and October 2023 (see below), this route is suspended (at least at the Centraal Station end).<br />
* A route 12 between Centraal Station and Feyenoord Stadium has previously been reported, approaching from the east (Weena) and running clockwise round the loop, but running only before and after football matches at the stadium. However, trams were seen running non-stop and empty in the opposite direction to the peak passenger flow. But note also that in July 2023, the number 12 was assigned to a completely different route, south of the river, which only runs on certain days in the evening peak.<br />
* In 2023, the "Citytour Line 10" heritage tram (details below) approaches from the south (Kruisplein), runs anticlockwise round the loop, and departs southwards again.<br />
<br />
===Hofplein roundabout (east of Weena)===<br />
All tram routes using this roundabout serve the Weena stop (on the west side), so there are regular workings between the west and south, west and east, and west and north. Although it is physically possible to go all the way round (in the correct anticlockwise direction) and leave at any exit, the reality is that the normal route taken is the shortest, with west-to-east trams routed around the south side and east-to-west trams around the north side (as would be expected). There are no normal scheduled services between Stadhuis and Pompenburg (south-to-east), but in 2023 it is used by the "Citytour Line 10" heritage tram (details below) from Stadhuis (south) to Pompenburg (east) in that direction only.<br />
<br />
===Marconiplein===<br />
* Route 8: Zeilmakersstraat (southeast) to P. C. Hooftplein (northeast) via short curve on east side, avoiding the main stops in the centre (and calling only at stop G); in the reverse direction, onto the ring and anticlockwise around its outside (calling at stop D).<br />
* Routes 21 and 24: Het Witte Dorp (west) to P. C. Hooftplein (northeast) and vice versa straight across the middle of the ring, using stops E/F.<br />
* Route 23: terminates here, approaching from P. C. Hooftplein (northeast) onto the west side of the ring (laying over at stop C) and departing anticlockwise round the ring (and also calling again, at stop G).<br />
* Any trams from the Zeilmakersstraat (southeast) direction (route 8) turning back here would probably use the north side of the ring to arrive at stop C or D (and then depart by their normal route). No regular workings like this are known.<br />
* Any trams from the Het Witte Dorp (west) direction (routes 21 and 24) turning back here would probably use the connection onto the south side of the ring and the north side of the ring (as in the previous point) to arrive at stop C, and then depart via the curve from the north-to-west curve. No regular workings like this are known.<br />
<br />
===Keizerswaard===<br />
Route 2 normally terminates here, turning back by running clockwise round the loop. During the period it is extended to the route 23 terminus at Limbrichthoek [Beverwaard] (1 May 2023 to 29 Oct 2023, at least - see below), services in both directions continue to run clockwise round the loop, with those heading for Beverward using the normaly non-passenger north-to-east curve between Grote Hagen and Akkeroord; those in the opposite direction do no unusual track.<br />
<br />
===Oostplein: loop and other connections===<br />
* Any trams approaching from the west (Burgemeester van Walsumweg) and turning back at Oostplein do so by running clockwise round the loop; the main stop (used by routes 21 and 24) is east of the loop. From 1 to 14 May 2023, route 23 was diverted here (while the Erasmusbrug was closed) and a temporary stop was created on the eastern side of the loop; passengers were carried all the way round.<br />
* In 2023, the "Citytour Line 10" heritage tram (details below) uses the western side of the loop (it is assumed - but it could be the eastern side), connecting the normally non-passenger line along Goudsesingel with the line heading west to Burgemeester van Walsumweg.<br />
<br />
===Meent to Oostplein area via (street called) Goudsesingel (Kipstraat stop)===<br />
* In 2023, used by the "Citytour Line 10" heritage tram in this direction only, continuing onto part of the loop at Oostplein (details below).<br />
* Between 15 May 2023 and 29 October 2023, routes 7 and 8 diverted this way in both directions during road works along Jonker Fransstraat, using the northwest-to-northeast curve at Oostplein to connect with the line along Boezemweg (see entry below).<br />
<br />
===Boezemweg to Oostplein area===<br />
Between 15 May 2023 and 29 October 2023, routes 7 and 8 diverted this way in both directions during road works along Jonker Fransstraat, using the northeast-to-northwest curve at Oostplain to connect with the line along Goudsesingel (see entry above). Southeast-to-southwest curve of triangle at Boezemweg used by route 7; northeast-to-southwest curve used by route 8.<br />
<br />
===Lijnbaan to Stadhuis (west-to-north curve north of Beurs)===<br />
In 2023, used by the "Citytour Line 10" heritage tram in this direction only (details below).<br />
<br />
===Keizerstraat to Leuvehaven (east-to-south curve just south of Beurs)===<br />
In 2023, used by the "Citytour Line 10" heritage tram in this direction only (details below).<br />
<br />
===Vasteland to Westplein (east-to-south curve immediately west of Vasteland)===<br />
* Between 1 May 2023 and 29 October 2023 (at least), used in both directions by temporary route 125 while lines south of the river are closed (see below).<br />
* In 2023, used by the "Citytour Line 10" heritage tram in this direction only (details below).<br />
<br />
===Kievitslaan to Museumpark (west-to-north curve immediately west of Vasteland)===<br />
In 2023, used by the "Citytour Line 10" heritage tram in this direction only (details below).<br />
<br />
===Heemraadsplein to Delfshaven, including east-to-south curve at Delfshaven===<br />
In 2023, used by the "Citytour Line 10" heritage tram in this direction only (details below).<br />
<br />
===Eendrachtsplein to Lijnbaan (south-to-east curve at western end of Van Oldenbarneveltplaats)===<br />
In 2023, used by the "Citytour Line 10" heritage tram in this direction only (details below).<br />
<br />
===Disused line in Blijdorp===<br />
This runs from a triangular junction between Schiekade and Walenburgerweg (route 25) in a big loop on the north side of the railway, via Centraal Station / Blijdorpzijde, Diergaarde Blijdorp and Blijdorp (metro interchange) to a triangular junction at Schieweg. Its regular passenger service was withdrawn a number of years ago, and a summer-only route linking the city centre with Diergaarde (the zoo) did not load very well so was also withdrawn. It can be used as a diversionary route.<br />
* From 21 August to 29 October 2023, it is used by temporary route 125 trams (part of the split route 25); they approach from the north (using the north-to-west curve at Schieweg) and run via Blijdorp (metro interchange), Diergaarde and Centraal Station (north side) to the turning loop at Provenierssingel, but not rejoining the normal route.<br />
<br />
===Turning back at Schiedam Centrum===<br />
It is possible to turn back trams at Schiedam Centrum (routes 21 and 24) from either direction, using the single line via Delftlandseweg and over the Provenierbrug, either after departure (for workings to the east) or before arrival (for workings from the west). The line could also be used for eastbound workings (only) to bypass Schiedam Centrum. No regular workings like this are known.<br />
<br />
===Turning back at Wilhelminaplein===<br />
It is possible to turn back trams at Wilhelminaplein (routes 20, 23 and 25) from either diretion, using the single line loop along Veemstraat, either after departure (for workings to the north) or before arrival (for workings from the south). The line could also be used for northbound workings (only) to bypass Wilhelminaplein.<br />
<br />
From 15 May 2023 to 29 Oct 2023 the loop is in use by all trams departing northwards from Wilhelminaplein (route 23 only) while the line southwards is closed.<br />
<br />
===Medium-term diversions===<br />
Alterations to service - both temporary disruptions to service and as a result of planned engineering work - can be found [https://www.ret.nl/home/reizen/omleidingen-verstoringen.html here].<br />
<br />
*From 9 January 2023 until September 2024 (no specific date is given) major works are being undertaken along the Roseknoop, south of the river. Between 1 May and 29 October 2023, no trams can run south of Wilhelminaplein (the first stop south of the Erasmus Bridge), and as a result the lines south of the river are isolated from the rest of the network. Routes 12 and 20 are suspended completely, while others are cut short, split in two, and/or diverted. It is not yet known what alterations there will be from 30 October 2023. Three of the diverted routes involve running over normally non-passenger connections:<br />
** route 2 (and, for a period, peak hours route 20) is extended at its eastern end to the usual terminus of (suspended) route 23 at Beverwaard (but replaced by buses beyond P&R Beverwaard from 21 August to 1 October 2023). Eastbound this means using the north-to-east curve between Grote Hagen and Akkeroord, but westbound trams do nothing unusual.<br />
** route 125 replaces route 25 north of the river but runs to the route 7 terminus at Willemsplein, using the east to south curve between Vasteland and Westplein (in both directions). However, after 20 August 2023 (until 29 October 2023) additional work further north means route 125 does not make it to the city centre, and does a different - and much longer - diversionary route (see below).<br />
** route 23 (the only one crossing the river) terminates from the north at Wilhelminaplein; on departure, it runs round the lengthy loop along Veemstraat. [Note that from 1 to 14 May 2023 the Erasmus Bridge was closed, and route 23 was diverted from Beurs eastwards towards Oostplein, where a temporary stop was located on the loop west of the normal route 21/24 stop.]<br />
<br />
*Between 15 May 2023 and 29 October 2023, roadworks along Jonker Fransstraat mean routes 7 and 8 are diverted east / north of Meent, continuing south-eastwards along Goudsesingel (normally non-passenger) with a stop at Kipstraat and on towards Oostplein, then turning north-eastwards along Boezemweg. Route 7 then turns east using the south side of the triangle to regain its normal route at Vlietlaan; route 8 uses the west side of this triangle to continue ahead and run along the course of route 7 in the "wrong" direction, before using the east side of the triangle after Crooswijksestraat to regain its normal route at Zwaanshals.<br />
<br />
*Between 21 August and 29 October 2023, work on Schiekade / Provenierssingel means the temporary route 125 can only run at its northern end and cannot reach the city centre. It runs from its terminus as Schiebroek as normal to Schieweg, turns right (west) to run along the non-passenger line on Bergselaan and via Blijdorp (metro interchange), Diergaarde Blijdorp and Centraal Station / Blijdorpzijde (on the north side of the railway), turning using the loop on Proveniersingel (before the road junction).<br />
<br />
===Rotterdam City Tours===<br />
====Citytour Lijn 10====<br />
The [https://www.rovm.nl/en/citytours/tram-10/ "Citytour Lijn 10" heritage tram] operated by the Rotterdam Transport Museum (and using volunteer drivers and conductors / guides) takes a circular route around the city, doing several normally non-passenger curves and a couple of sections of longer normally non-passenger track. In 2023 it runs on Saturdays and Sundays from the last weekend of April until the end of October (except Saturday 29th July, the date of a special one-off tramway celebration event) plus on Thursdays and Fridays in June, July, August and the first two weeks of September. Trams usually depart from Willemsplein every 30 minutes from 11.00 until 16.30, but on some days there are special timetables; the complete circuit takes 65 minutes, but you can hop on and off at any stop all day. Tickets can be bought on the tram in cash or by card, and in 2023 cost EUR15 (EUR8 for those aged 4-11 inclusive). They are not valid on any normal public transport services.<br />
<br />
The 2023 [https://www.rovm.nl/en/ritten/route-tram-10/ route] is: Willemsplein - Westplein - Vasteland - Leuvehaven - Beurs - Lijnbaan - Kruisplein - Centraal Station (anticlockwise around loop) - Kruisplein - Eendrachtsplein - Heemraadsplein - Delfshaven - Euromast - Kievitslaan - Museumpark - Eendrachtsplein - Lijnbaan - Stadhuis - Pompenburg - Meent - Kipstraat - Oostplein area - Burg van Walsumweg - Keizerstraat - Leuvehaven - Vasteland - Westplein - Willensplein. This includes, in order, the following normally non-passenger track (also listed in the main section above):<br />
* south-to-east curve at Vasteland<br />
* anticlockwise loop around Centraal Station<br />
* Heemraadsplein to Delfshaven (including east-to-south curve at the latter)<br />
* west-to-north curve at Vasteland<br />
* south-to-east curve at the western end of Van Oldenbarneveltstraat<br />
* south-to-east connection at Hofplein roundabout (from Stadhuis to Pompenburg)<br />
* line from Meent along Goudsesingel towards Oostplein and connection onto routes 21/24 towards Burg van Walsumweg<br />
* east-to-south curve at Beurs<br />
* east-to-south curve at Vasteland<br />
<br />
====Rottertram dining tram====<br />
A Rotterdam tram dining tour is provided by the [http://www.rottertram.nl Rottertram] using vehicle 1629. They operate 1.5 hours lunch tours on Sundays (12.30 departure, costing EUR 59.95 in 2023) and 2.5 hours evening dining tours on Wednesdays to Sundays (18.30 departure, costing EUR 169.90 for a table for two or EUR 339.80 for a table for four). There is an on-board toilet. Note that on 26 June 2023 it was announced that the Rottertram would have to cease running after 31 August 2023, as a result of RET and the Rotterdam Transport Museum not allowing the use of the tram; however, by the end of July a meeting had taken place, looking into ways of continuing the operation in some way.<br />
<br />
In 2023, the route of the evening tour is shown as: Willemsplein - Museumpark - Kruisplein - Rotterdam Centraal (main stop) - Weena - Heer Bokelweg - Station Noord - Molenlaan - Station Nord - Zwaanshals - Noorderbrug - Kipstraat - northwest-to-northeast curve at Oosplein - Boezemweg - Vlietlaan - Erasmus University - Woudestein - Oostlpein - Beurs - Lijnbaan - Kruisplein - 1e Middellandstraat - (street called) Claes de Vrieselaan - middle part of (street called) Mathenesserlaan - eastern side of Heemraadsplein (the square) - Delfshaven - Euromast - Vasteland - Wilhelminaplein - Stadion Feijenoord (and round loop) - Wilheminaplein - Beurs - Lijnbaan - Museumpark - Willemsplein. However, this includes some sections of route closed between either 1 May 2023 or 15 May 2023 and 29 October 2023; the exact route taken is not known, and nor is the route of the shorter Sunday lunch tour. The full evening route includes, in order, the following normally non-passenger track (not listed in the main section above):<br />
* north-to-southeast curve near Meent (not available 15 May 2023 to 29 October 2023), then along Goudesingel, northwest-to-northeast curve at Oostplein, along Boezemweg and the southwest-to-southeast curve towards Vlietlaan<br />
* northeast-to-northwest curve at Woudestein (connecting the end of route 7 with routes 21 and 24)<br />
* south-to-west curve at Kruisplein<br />
* line from 1e Middellandstraat along Claes de Vrieselaan, north-to-west curve onto Mathensesserlaan and along it, east-to-south curve onto line on east side of Heemraadsplein<br />
* north-to-west curve at southeast corner of Heenraadsplein, then along Nieuwe Binnenweg, east-to-south curve at Delfshaven<br />
* west-to-south curve at Leuvehaven<br />
* balloon loop beyond Stadion Feijenoord<br />
* east-to-south curve west of Lijnbaan <br />
<br />
[The route of the evening dining tram in February 2020 was reported as: Willemsplein (outer) - Kruisplein - (avoiding Rotterdam Centraal) - Weena - Beurs - Feijenoord loop - Vasteland - Spanjaardstraat - Ruilstraat - Eendrachtsplein - Rotterdam Centraal [D] - Weena [middle platform] - Station Hofplein - Burgemeester Van Kempensingel (inner) - Benthuizerstraat - Zagmolenbrug - Kipstraat - Oostplein loop - Boezemweg - Vlietlaan - Erasmus Universiteit - Woudestein - Keizerstraat - Leuvehaven - Vasteland - Willemsplein (outer)]<br />
<br />
====Snerttram====<br />
Operated by the same organisation as the Rottertram, the [https://snerttram.nl Snerttram] runs as another circular tram tour, operating all year round on Saturdays (departing at 14.30 and 16.00) and Sundays (departing at 14.30). The circa 90 minute trip starts and finishes at Oostplein (on the east side of the loop). In the winter "Snert" (Dutch pea soup) with bread is served during the journey, while in summer it's ice cream or sorbet. The cost in 2023 is EUR 22.50 per person, and booking in advance is needed. The exact route is not known, but the journey is reported to cover a number of normally non-passenger curves, goes south of the river over the spectacular Erasmus bridge, and uses the Feyenoord Stadium turn back loop to return north to the start point (not available between 1 May 2023 and 29 October 2023).<br />
<br />
===<br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
{{Navbox Netherlands}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Tram services over obscure routes]]</div>Theijs Europehttps://www.egtre.info/w/index.php?title=Netherlands_-_General_Information&diff=53989Netherlands - General Information2023-12-29T12:38:45Z<p>Theijs Europe: /* Metro */ update link</p>
<hr />
<div>==Country Name==<br />
Netherlands (Nederland)<br />
<br />
==National Railway System==<br />
===National Railway Operator===<br />
[https://www.ns.nl/en Nederlandse Spoorwegen] (NS) is the principal passenger carrier, which operates through various subsidiary companies, including:<br />
* NS Reizigers - Domestic passenger services <br />
* [https://www.nsinternational.com/en ''NS International''] - International passenger services.<br />
<br />
[https://www.eurostar.com/''Eurostar''] services to the Netherlands are operated by a stand-alone company owned by SNCF (62%), SNCB/NMBS (28%) and DB (10%); NS is not a partner. <br />
<br />
[https://www.europeansleeper.eu/''European Sleeper''] is a Dutch private company offering night services from Brussels via Amsterdam to Berlin and Prague.<br />
<br />
There is no longer a national freight operator. The former NS freight operation has been sold and is a subsidiary of DB (see below). Open access freight operators have a considerable market share. Current freight operators in The Netherlands as at 2023 are DB Cargo Nederland (German), Lineas Nederland (Belgian), LTE Netherlands (Austrian), Captrain (French) and RTB Cargo German) amoungst others.<br />
<br />
==Language==<br />
Dutch<br />
<br />
==Currency==<br />
Euro<br />
<br />
==UIC code==<br />
Numeric 84; alpha NL<br />
<br />
==Timetable==<br />
As of 14 December 2014, every station should be served twice an hour.<br />
<br />
===Journey Planner===<br />
* PC and smartphone: [https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information Travel Information].<br />
* Iphone application: [https://apps.apple.com/nl/app/ns/id370362301 Reisplanner].<br />
* Android application: [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=nl.ns.android.activity&utm_source=ns&utm_medium=banner&utm_campaign=rpxpagina Reisplanner]<br />
* Windows application: [https://www.microsoft.com/store/apps/9wzdncrdmbbm Treinplanner]<br />
<br />
===Actual Train Times===<br />
* [https://spoorkaart.mwnn.nl/ Actuele spoorkaart Nederland]<br />
*[https://treinenradar.nl/ Treinenradar Live]<br />
<br />
===Downloadable Timetable===<br />
By December 2023, NS no longer produces timetables in pdf format on its website.<br />
<br />
===Printed Timetable===<br />
''Rover'' offers a paper [https://www.ovshop.nl/shop/rover-spoorboekje-2024/ ''Spoorboekje''] for 2023-2024. NS discontinued paper timetables after the 2009-2010 edition. Rover took the publication over from Treinreiziger.<br />
<br />
===Engineering Information===<br />
[https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/current-situation-on-the-tracks The current situation on the tracks].<br />
[https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/maintenance-on-the-tracks/ An overview of scheduled works in the upcoming months that will effect services].<br />
<br />
===Real Time Train Information===<br />
Real time train running information is available on the [http://treinenradar.nl/ ''Treinenradar''], [https://treinposities.nl/ ''Treinposities''] and [http://spoorkaart.mwnn.nl/ Spoorkaart] websites. Moreover, public transport Apps like OV9292 and NS Reisplanner offer real time journey information.<br />
<br />
==Maps==<br />
===Printed Maps===<br />
*[[Printed Maps#ERA-E | European Railway Atlas (All-Europe Edition)]] by M.G. Ball.<br />
*[[Printed Maps#ERA-R-1 | European Railway Atlas (Regional Atlas Series, Book 1: Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Great Britain, Ireland, Portugal, Spain, France, Belgium, Netherlands and Luxembourg)]] by M.G. Ball.<br />
*A basic diagrammatic [https://www.treinreiziger.nl/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Spoorkaart-2021-v2.pdf Rail Map 2021] by Treinreiziger.nl<br />
*A fourth edition of the [https://nijverepublishers.nl/en/Books-and-maps/Benelux-Rail-Topo Benelux Rail Topo] was published in 2023 (ISBN/EAN 978 90 73280 19 9). In full colour to a scale of 1:550,000 and with a register of over 1,000 stations.<br />
<br />
===Web-based Maps===<br />
*NS provided until 2022 a map with all passenger train service numbers and frequencies. It's no longer available. <br />
*Prorail provides a [https://www.prorail.nl/siteassets/homepage/reizen/documenten/spoorkaart-2020-webversie.pdf detailed geographical map].<br />
*[http://www.sporenplan.nl/ Sporenplan] has a series of on-line maps and schematic track diagrams. Click on "Sporenplannen" on the left hand side for a map showing the countries covered.<br />
*Thorsten Büker's [http://www.bueker.net/trainspotting/maps_benelux.php Map of Benelux network] Although this remains on-line, the Büker maps are no longer being maintained. Last updated March 2018.<br />
*[[Maps and Plans#Netherlands|Maps and Plans - Netherlands]]<br />
<br />
==Ticketing==<br />
As of 2023, paying public transport journeys by debit card (check-in and check-out) has been introduced. Once every 24 hours the journeys are collected. However, buying tickets from vending machines is still possible. Transport companies offer reduced fairs via their mobile applications (Android and iOS). More information via [https://ovpay.nl/en OVpay]<br />
<br />
All railway stations are equipped with ticket machines which all accept debit and credit cards (V PAY, Maestro, Mastercard, Visa and American Express). However, some foreign Visa debit cards are not accepted. Some machines accept coins as well. All machines offer domestic tickets and some provide international tickets to Belgium, and a selection of destinations in Germany. All tickets contain a chip to validate your ticket. Booking offices at small stations have almost all been closed. A surcharge is payable at booking offices when buying a ticket which is available from a ticket machine.<br />
<br />
The smart card [https://www.ov-chipkaart.nl/ OV Chipkaart] is the normal ticket on public transport and can be bought at any ticket machine. Machines that add value to an OV Chipkaart accept debit cards issued outside the Netherlands. However, only a few machines (such as at some tobacconists) accept credit cards. Paper tickets continue to be issued from machines and booking offices for rail journeys.<br />
<br />
Information on tickets and passes can be found on the NS [https://www.ns.nl/producten/en/losse-kaartjes-toeslagen Individual tickets & supplements] page. A supplement is required to travel on the HSL between Rotterdam and Schiphol Airport unless the passenger has a valid international ticket (which includes Interrail). The supplement can be purchased from vending machines; there are red validation machines for such supplements on the platforms.<br />
<br />
'''Note''': ALL tickets from machines MUST be touched in and out with ALL operators used in the correct order, when changing operators en-route. Travellers may be fined if they do not do this.<br />
<br />
NS-Zonetaxi (formerly known as treintaxi) tickets include a taxi from/to the railway station for a fixed fare. The service is available in most mid-size towns, but not in Utrecht, Amsterdam, Den Haag and Rotterdam. When riding on single or return tickets, trein-taxi tickets should be bought at the departure station. For the return trip by taxi, tickets are best bought in advance, but the taxi driver sells tickets with a small surcharge.<br />
<br />
Although more local services are to be franchised over the next few years, a uniform ticketing system, including NS and all franchisees, is being retained.<br />
<br />
''Special offers:''<br />
At Amsterdam Schiphol Airport both NS and GVB Amsterdam sell tickets for public transport connections to Amsterdam. [http://www.treinreiziger.nl/ Treinreiziger] offers news about the Dutch railwaysystem, including the availabillity of discounted tickets.<br />
<br />
==Infrastructure==<br />
===Infrastructure Authority===<br />
[http://www.prorail.nl/ ProRail] owns and manages the NS infrastructure and is responsible for traffic control and capacity allocation, under the authority of the minister of transport. On 1 July 2015 the operation of the ''Betuweroute'' was transferred to ProRail and the previous owners, Keyrail, ceased to exist.<br />
<br />
[https://www.ilent.nl/ Inspectie Leefomgeving en Transport], part of the Ministry of Transport, is responsible for safety and rolling stock certification.<br />
<br />
===Network Statement===<br />
The Prorail Website gives access to various [http://www.prorail.nl/vervoerders/network-statement NS Network Statement] documents.<br />
<br />
===Gauge===<br />
Standard.<br />
<br />
===Electrification===<br />
1500 V dc. New high-speed lines and the Betuwe trunk freight line between Rotterdam and Zevenaar (- Emmerich (Germany)) are electrified at 25 kV 50 Hz; Zevenaar - Emmerich was converted to 25 kV in 2016 so that freight trains have to change voltage only once, although it caused passenger trains to have to change voltage twice. The Hanzelijn is not officially a high-speed line, so is 1500 V dc. Large-scale conversion to 25 kV 50 Hz in the long term was envisaged but this was abandoned in the late 1990s as too expensive. In 2014 Prorail started a feasibility study into upgrading to 3000 V dc.<br />
Metros and Tramways are 750 V dc, with third rail used on the Amsterdam and Rotterdam metros.<br />
<br />
===Rule of the road===<br />
Right, but most lines are reversibly signalled. The following lines have left-hand running:<br />
* the high speed line from Rotterdam Lombardijen (where there is a flying crossover) to the Belgian border <br />
* the fast lines between Utrecht Centraal and Bilthoven; there is a flying crossover west of Bilthoven <br />
* from Roosendaal to the Belgian border <br />
* from Maastricht to the Belgian border<br />
<br />
There are connections between the high speed line and the old line to Breda where they run parallel south of Lage Zwaluwe, at which the two lines are handed in opposite directions. This results in the two southbound lines (which are adjacent) being linked merely by a long crossover whereas the connection between the northbound lines crosses over all four tracks on a flyover.<br />
<br />
===Distances===<br />
[https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lijst_van_spoorlijnen_in_Nederland Wikipedia] gives distances for all lines in the Netherlands. Click on the line wanted, and on the right distances for stations are given. [http://www.sporenplan.nl/html_nl/sporenplan/ns/ns_nummer/start.html Sporeneplan] provides an alternative source. Click on the line wanted to reach a schematic line plan, alongside which distances for stations (named in abbreviated code) are given. ''Neither is an official page and can be out of date.'' '''If any user can point to an official source for distance information the compilers would be glad to hear.'''<br />
<br />
==Other Railways==<br />
Private operators have franchises to work a number of local passenger services over Prorail lines, thus:<br />
* Arriva Nederland: Leeuwarden - Harlingen, Leeuwarden - Stavoren, Leeuwarden - Groningen, Groningen - Roodeschool/Eemshaven/Delfzijl, Groningen - Veendam/Bad Nieuweschans - Leer (D), Apeldoorn - Zutphen, Zutphen - Winterswijk, Winterswijk - Arnhem, Arnhem - Tiel, Nijmegen - Venlo - Roermond - Maastricht/Heerlen, Maastricht Randwijck - Heerlen - Kerkrade/Aachen (D).<br />
* Blauwnet (Arriva/Keolis): Enschede - Almelo - Mariënberg, Kampen - Zwolle - Emmen, Zutphen - Hengelo - Oldenzaal.<br />
* Breng: Doetinchem - Arnhem.<br />
* Q-Buzz (R-Net): Dordrecht - Geldermalsen; Gouda - Alphen aan den Rijn.<br />
* Valleilijn (Connexxion): Amersfoort - Ede-Wageningen. <br />
<br />
In addition cross-border services are worked by the following operators: <br />
* eurobahn: Hengelo - Bielefeld (D) (RB61); Venlo - Düsseldorf - Hamm (D) (RE13)<br />
* DB Regio: Enschede - Gronau - Münster / Dortmund (D) <br />
* VIAS Rail: Arnhem - Düsseldorf (D) (RE19) <br />
* NMBS: local services Roosendaal - Antwerpen (B); Maastricht - Luik / Liège (B)<br />
<br />
The German based Bentheimer Eisenbahn (BE) owns and operates its trunk line from Bentheim to the border at Laarwald and a further 2 km on to Coevorden. The line is freight only; there has never been any significant border crossing passenger traffic, but freight has regained importance in recent times. Coevorden effectively serves as a German rail bridgehead into the Netherlands, traffic mainly consisting of containers that are subsequently road-hauled into the northern provinces. There are plans to introduce passenger services between Coevorden and Neuenhaus (D), operated by BE, by 2024.<br />
<br />
==Tourist Lines==<br />
A list of Tourist & Museum Railways and Tramways in English is available on the [http://www.railmusea.nl/en Historisch Railvervoer Nederland (HRN)] website.<br />
<br />
Rail cycling is possible on the following sections of line:<br />
*[https://grenzland-draisine.eu/ Grenzland Draisine]: based at Kranenburg in Germany, on the former Kleve [DE] - Nijmegen [NL] line, the ''Grenzenlose'' trip to Groesbeek (5.5 km one way) covers a portion in the Netherlands <br />
*[https://www.spoorfietsen.nl Spoorfietsen]: Hengelo - Twekkelo (a short stretch of Hengelo - Boekelo line, latterly serving AKZO factory)<br />
<br />
==Metro==<br />
[https://www.gvb.nl/en Amsterdam], [https://www.ret.nl/en/ Rotterdam], [https://www.ret.nl/en/home/travelling-with-the-ret.html RandstadRail].<br />
<br />
Track plans for all metro systems in the Netherlands are available on the [http://www.gleisplanweb.eu/ Gleisplanweb site].<br />
<br />
== Trams/LRT-Systems ==<br />
Amsterdam, Den Haag, Rotterdam, Utrecht.<br />
<br />
Track plans for all tram systems in the Netherlands are available on the [http://www.gleisplanweb.eu/ Gleisplanweb site].<br />
<br />
See also [[Netherlands_-_Tram_services_over_obscure_routes|Netherlands - Tram services over obscure routes]]<br />
<br />
==Recent and Future Changes==<br />
===Future changes===<br />
<br />
Passenger services are to resume between Veendam and Stadskanaal in 2024. Simultaneously introduction of passenger services between Coevorden - Neuenhaus (D) and on to Bad Bentheim (D) are expected by 2024.<br />
<br />
The proposed electrification of Nijmegen - Venlo - Roermond has been cancelled because of the increasing cost of materials and the effects of the coronavirus pandemic on the supply chain. <br />
<br />
The new 'Friesenbrücke' bridge, facilitating the passenger traffic Groningen - Bad Nieuweschans - Leer (D) should be constructed by 2024.<br />
<br />
Long term projects:<br />
On 10 October 2017, the coalition government agreed plans to reopen Weert - Hamont, with co-financing from regional authorities, following the reopening of Neerpelt - Hamont by SNCB. On 9 November the governments concluded an agreement to electrify the line.<br />
<br />
The "Iron Rhine" freight line between Roermond and Dalheim (Germany) is planned to reopened for traffic between Antwerpen and the Ruhr. However this has been delayed by a dispute between the Dutch and Belgian governments, which has gone to arbitration.<br />
<br />
===Recent changes===<br />
<br />
On 25 May 2023, [https://www.europeansleeper.eu/en European Sleeper] started to operate a night service from Brussel/Bruxelles via Rotterdam and Amsterdam to Berlin. In 2024 this service will be extended to Praha.<br />
<br />
RET Metro line B has been extended by 2.6 km from Hoek van Holland Haven to a new Hoek Van Holland Strand station, 0.9 km beyond the previous NS Strand station. Regular services commenced on 31 March 2023.<br />
<br />
Landgraaf - Herzogenrath (Germany) has been upgraded for cargo traffic in September 2022, while Arriva EMUs are running between Aachen Hbf and Maastricht since the electrification in 2018. The planned through Arriva service between Aachen and Liège has been delayed and until further notice NMBS continue to operate a separate train service between Maastricht and Liège.<br />
<br />
The last museum trains to use the Blauwkapel Kruispunt, where the line northwards from the ''Nederlands Spoorwegmuseum'' at Utrecht Maliebaan station makes a flat crossing with the Utrecht - Amersfoort line, ran on 14 May 2022. The north - south link at Blauwkapel has since been removed. This does not affect the shuttle trains between Utrecht Centraal station and the museum, which continue to run. <br />
<br />
By December 2021 Zürich - Amsterdam NightJet services were introduced, complementing the Wien - Amsterdam services which started on 25 May 2021.<br />
<br />
The (Rotterdam -) Schiedam Centrum - Hoek van Holland ''Hoekse Lijn'' line closed to passengers as an NS line on 1 April 2017 and reopened as RET Metro line B between Nesselande and Hoek van Holland on 30 September 2019, thus bringing a new connection into use between Schiedam Centrum metro station and Schiedam Nieuwland. Until the line onwards to Hoek van Holland Strand was opened on 31 March 2023, RET trains temporarily used the old Hoek van Holland International Boat Train platforms.<br />
<br />
The former passenger connection between the Metro and the ProRail/NS network has been retained for freight. From 28 November 2019, cargo trains have run to Vlaardingen Oost, where there is a connection to the Vulcaanhaven oil terminals.<br />
<br />
The new station of Lansingerland-Zoetermeer on the NS Den Haag to Gouda line opened on 9 December 2018 and the extension to tram line 4 (RandstadRail4) from Zoetermeer Javalaan to the new station opened on 19 May 2019.<br />
<br />
The 'Intercity Direct' service between Amsterdam and Brussel/Bruxelles (the successor to the former Benelux service) was diverted via the HSL Zuid and Breda [reverse] from 9 April 2018, thus opening for passenger traffic the curve southwards from Breda towards the Belgian border.<br />
<br />
===Older Changes===<br />
For details of older changes see [[Netherlands - Older General Information]].<br />
<br />
==Special notes==<br />
Many trains worked by multiple units split en route to serve more than one destination. External displays may show the destination of each portion; newer train sets are provided with internal displays as well. The number of each unit is displayed prominently in each carriage and when trains divide public address announcements usually refer to these to inform passengers where each unit is going.<br />
<br />
The freight line to Terneuzen is accessible only from Gent in Belgium.<br />
<br />
'''New trains'''<br />
<br />
NS has ordered 79 EMU 'Intercity New Generation' at Alstom, based on Coradia platform for use on the HSL by 2023. <br />
<br />
NS has ordered 20 EMU 'Intercity New Generation' at Alstom, based on Coradia platform for services to Brussels by 2025.<br />
<br />
'''Wifi'''<br />
<br />
Most stations have free internet access via KPN hotspots. NS Intercity trains have free internet by 'Wifi in de trein' provided by T-mobile; other operators like Arriva and Veolia offer free wifi in their trains. However loco hauled services are not provided with wifi.<br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
{{Navbox Netherlands}}</div>Theijs Europehttps://www.egtre.info/w/index.php?title=Netherlands_-_General_Information&diff=53988Netherlands - General Information2023-12-29T12:30:39Z<p>Theijs Europe: /* Ticketing */ introduction of OVpay ticketting</p>
<hr />
<div>==Country Name==<br />
Netherlands (Nederland)<br />
<br />
==National Railway System==<br />
===National Railway Operator===<br />
[https://www.ns.nl/en Nederlandse Spoorwegen] (NS) is the principal passenger carrier, which operates through various subsidiary companies, including:<br />
* NS Reizigers - Domestic passenger services <br />
* [https://www.nsinternational.com/en ''NS International''] - International passenger services.<br />
<br />
[https://www.eurostar.com/''Eurostar''] services to the Netherlands are operated by a stand-alone company owned by SNCF (62%), SNCB/NMBS (28%) and DB (10%); NS is not a partner. <br />
<br />
[https://www.europeansleeper.eu/''European Sleeper''] is a Dutch private company offering night services from Brussels via Amsterdam to Berlin and Prague.<br />
<br />
There is no longer a national freight operator. The former NS freight operation has been sold and is a subsidiary of DB (see below). Open access freight operators have a considerable market share. Current freight operators in The Netherlands as at 2023 are DB Cargo Nederland (German), Lineas Nederland (Belgian), LTE Netherlands (Austrian), Captrain (French) and RTB Cargo German) amoungst others.<br />
<br />
==Language==<br />
Dutch<br />
<br />
==Currency==<br />
Euro<br />
<br />
==UIC code==<br />
Numeric 84; alpha NL<br />
<br />
==Timetable==<br />
As of 14 December 2014, every station should be served twice an hour.<br />
<br />
===Journey Planner===<br />
* PC and smartphone: [https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information Travel Information].<br />
* Iphone application: [https://apps.apple.com/nl/app/ns/id370362301 Reisplanner].<br />
* Android application: [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=nl.ns.android.activity&utm_source=ns&utm_medium=banner&utm_campaign=rpxpagina Reisplanner]<br />
* Windows application: [https://www.microsoft.com/store/apps/9wzdncrdmbbm Treinplanner]<br />
<br />
===Actual Train Times===<br />
* [https://spoorkaart.mwnn.nl/ Actuele spoorkaart Nederland]<br />
*[https://treinenradar.nl/ Treinenradar Live]<br />
<br />
===Downloadable Timetable===<br />
By December 2023, NS no longer produces timetables in pdf format on its website.<br />
<br />
===Printed Timetable===<br />
''Rover'' offers a paper [https://www.ovshop.nl/shop/rover-spoorboekje-2024/ ''Spoorboekje''] for 2023-2024. NS discontinued paper timetables after the 2009-2010 edition. Rover took the publication over from Treinreiziger.<br />
<br />
===Engineering Information===<br />
[https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/current-situation-on-the-tracks The current situation on the tracks].<br />
[https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/maintenance-on-the-tracks/ An overview of scheduled works in the upcoming months that will effect services].<br />
<br />
===Real Time Train Information===<br />
Real time train running information is available on the [http://treinenradar.nl/ ''Treinenradar''], [https://treinposities.nl/ ''Treinposities''] and [http://spoorkaart.mwnn.nl/ Spoorkaart] websites. Moreover, public transport Apps like OV9292 and NS Reisplanner offer real time journey information.<br />
<br />
==Maps==<br />
===Printed Maps===<br />
*[[Printed Maps#ERA-E | European Railway Atlas (All-Europe Edition)]] by M.G. Ball.<br />
*[[Printed Maps#ERA-R-1 | European Railway Atlas (Regional Atlas Series, Book 1: Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Great Britain, Ireland, Portugal, Spain, France, Belgium, Netherlands and Luxembourg)]] by M.G. Ball.<br />
*A basic diagrammatic [https://www.treinreiziger.nl/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Spoorkaart-2021-v2.pdf Rail Map 2021] by Treinreiziger.nl<br />
*A fourth edition of the [https://nijverepublishers.nl/en/Books-and-maps/Benelux-Rail-Topo Benelux Rail Topo] was published in 2023 (ISBN/EAN 978 90 73280 19 9). In full colour to a scale of 1:550,000 and with a register of over 1,000 stations.<br />
<br />
===Web-based Maps===<br />
*NS provided until 2022 a map with all passenger train service numbers and frequencies. It's no longer available. <br />
*Prorail provides a [https://www.prorail.nl/siteassets/homepage/reizen/documenten/spoorkaart-2020-webversie.pdf detailed geographical map].<br />
*[http://www.sporenplan.nl/ Sporenplan] has a series of on-line maps and schematic track diagrams. Click on "Sporenplannen" on the left hand side for a map showing the countries covered.<br />
*Thorsten Büker's [http://www.bueker.net/trainspotting/maps_benelux.php Map of Benelux network] Although this remains on-line, the Büker maps are no longer being maintained. Last updated March 2018.<br />
*[[Maps and Plans#Netherlands|Maps and Plans - Netherlands]]<br />
<br />
==Ticketing==<br />
As of 2023, paying public transport journeys by debit card (check-in and check-out) has been introduced. Once every 24 hours the journeys are collected. However, buying tickets from vending machines is still possible. Transport companies offer reduced fairs via their mobile applications (Android and iOS). More information via [https://ovpay.nl/en OVpay]<br />
<br />
All railway stations are equipped with ticket machines which all accept debit and credit cards (V PAY, Maestro, Mastercard, Visa and American Express). However, some foreign Visa debit cards are not accepted. Some machines accept coins as well. All machines offer domestic tickets and some provide international tickets to Belgium, and a selection of destinations in Germany. All tickets contain a chip to validate your ticket. Booking offices at small stations have almost all been closed. A surcharge is payable at booking offices when buying a ticket which is available from a ticket machine.<br />
<br />
The smart card [https://www.ov-chipkaart.nl/ OV Chipkaart] is the normal ticket on public transport and can be bought at any ticket machine. Machines that add value to an OV Chipkaart accept debit cards issued outside the Netherlands. However, only a few machines (such as at some tobacconists) accept credit cards. Paper tickets continue to be issued from machines and booking offices for rail journeys.<br />
<br />
Information on tickets and passes can be found on the NS [https://www.ns.nl/producten/en/losse-kaartjes-toeslagen Individual tickets & supplements] page. A supplement is required to travel on the HSL between Rotterdam and Schiphol Airport unless the passenger has a valid international ticket (which includes Interrail). The supplement can be purchased from vending machines; there are red validation machines for such supplements on the platforms.<br />
<br />
'''Note''': ALL tickets from machines MUST be touched in and out with ALL operators used in the correct order, when changing operators en-route. Travellers may be fined if they do not do this.<br />
<br />
NS-Zonetaxi (formerly known as treintaxi) tickets include a taxi from/to the railway station for a fixed fare. The service is available in most mid-size towns, but not in Utrecht, Amsterdam, Den Haag and Rotterdam. When riding on single or return tickets, trein-taxi tickets should be bought at the departure station. For the return trip by taxi, tickets are best bought in advance, but the taxi driver sells tickets with a small surcharge.<br />
<br />
Although more local services are to be franchised over the next few years, a uniform ticketing system, including NS and all franchisees, is being retained.<br />
<br />
''Special offers:''<br />
At Amsterdam Schiphol Airport both NS and GVB Amsterdam sell tickets for public transport connections to Amsterdam. [http://www.treinreiziger.nl/ Treinreiziger] offers news about the Dutch railwaysystem, including the availabillity of discounted tickets.<br />
<br />
==Infrastructure==<br />
===Infrastructure Authority===<br />
[http://www.prorail.nl/ ProRail] owns and manages the NS infrastructure and is responsible for traffic control and capacity allocation, under the authority of the minister of transport. On 1 July 2015 the operation of the ''Betuweroute'' was transferred to ProRail and the previous owners, Keyrail, ceased to exist.<br />
<br />
[https://www.ilent.nl/ Inspectie Leefomgeving en Transport], part of the Ministry of Transport, is responsible for safety and rolling stock certification.<br />
<br />
===Network Statement===<br />
The Prorail Website gives access to various [http://www.prorail.nl/vervoerders/network-statement NS Network Statement] documents.<br />
<br />
===Gauge===<br />
Standard.<br />
<br />
===Electrification===<br />
1500 V dc. New high-speed lines and the Betuwe trunk freight line between Rotterdam and Zevenaar (- Emmerich (Germany)) are electrified at 25 kV 50 Hz; Zevenaar - Emmerich was converted to 25 kV in 2016 so that freight trains have to change voltage only once, although it caused passenger trains to have to change voltage twice. The Hanzelijn is not officially a high-speed line, so is 1500 V dc. Large-scale conversion to 25 kV 50 Hz in the long term was envisaged but this was abandoned in the late 1990s as too expensive. In 2014 Prorail started a feasibility study into upgrading to 3000 V dc.<br />
Metros and Tramways are 750 V dc, with third rail used on the Amsterdam and Rotterdam metros.<br />
<br />
===Rule of the road===<br />
Right, but most lines are reversibly signalled. The following lines have left-hand running:<br />
* the high speed line from Rotterdam Lombardijen (where there is a flying crossover) to the Belgian border <br />
* the fast lines between Utrecht Centraal and Bilthoven; there is a flying crossover west of Bilthoven <br />
* from Roosendaal to the Belgian border <br />
* from Maastricht to the Belgian border<br />
<br />
There are connections between the high speed line and the old line to Breda where they run parallel south of Lage Zwaluwe, at which the two lines are handed in opposite directions. This results in the two southbound lines (which are adjacent) being linked merely by a long crossover whereas the connection between the northbound lines crosses over all four tracks on a flyover.<br />
<br />
===Distances===<br />
[https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lijst_van_spoorlijnen_in_Nederland Wikipedia] gives distances for all lines in the Netherlands. Click on the line wanted, and on the right distances for stations are given. [http://www.sporenplan.nl/html_nl/sporenplan/ns/ns_nummer/start.html Sporeneplan] provides an alternative source. Click on the line wanted to reach a schematic line plan, alongside which distances for stations (named in abbreviated code) are given. ''Neither is an official page and can be out of date.'' '''If any user can point to an official source for distance information the compilers would be glad to hear.'''<br />
<br />
==Other Railways==<br />
Private operators have franchises to work a number of local passenger services over Prorail lines, thus:<br />
* Arriva Nederland: Leeuwarden - Harlingen, Leeuwarden - Stavoren, Leeuwarden - Groningen, Groningen - Roodeschool/Eemshaven/Delfzijl, Groningen - Veendam/Bad Nieuweschans - Leer (D), Apeldoorn - Zutphen, Zutphen - Winterswijk, Winterswijk - Arnhem, Arnhem - Tiel, Nijmegen - Venlo - Roermond - Maastricht/Heerlen, Maastricht Randwijck - Heerlen - Kerkrade/Aachen (D).<br />
* Blauwnet (Arriva/Keolis): Enschede - Almelo - Mariënberg, Kampen - Zwolle - Emmen, Zutphen - Hengelo - Oldenzaal.<br />
* Breng: Doetinchem - Arnhem.<br />
* Q-Buzz (R-Net): Dordrecht - Geldermalsen; Gouda - Alphen aan den Rijn.<br />
* Valleilijn (Connexxion): Amersfoort - Ede-Wageningen. <br />
<br />
In addition cross-border services are worked by the following operators: <br />
* eurobahn: Hengelo - Bielefeld (D) (RB61); Venlo - Düsseldorf - Hamm (D) (RE13)<br />
* DB Regio: Enschede - Gronau - Münster / Dortmund (D) <br />
* VIAS Rail: Arnhem - Düsseldorf (D) (RE19) <br />
* NMBS: local services Roosendaal - Antwerpen (B); Maastricht - Luik / Liège (B)<br />
<br />
The German based Bentheimer Eisenbahn (BE) owns and operates its trunk line from Bentheim to the border at Laarwald and a further 2 km on to Coevorden. The line is freight only; there has never been any significant border crossing passenger traffic, but freight has regained importance in recent times. Coevorden effectively serves as a German rail bridgehead into the Netherlands, traffic mainly consisting of containers that are subsequently road-hauled into the northern provinces. There are plans to introduce passenger services between Coevorden and Neuenhaus (D), operated by BE, by 2024.<br />
<br />
==Tourist Lines==<br />
A list of Tourist & Museum Railways and Tramways in English is available on the [http://www.railmusea.nl/en Historisch Railvervoer Nederland (HRN)] website.<br />
<br />
Rail cycling is possible on the following sections of line:<br />
*[https://grenzland-draisine.eu/ Grenzland Draisine]: based at Kranenburg in Germany, on the former Kleve [DE] - Nijmegen [NL] line, the ''Grenzenlose'' trip to Groesbeek (5.5 km one way) covers a portion in the Netherlands <br />
*[https://www.spoorfietsen.nl Spoorfietsen]: Hengelo - Twekkelo (a short stretch of Hengelo - Boekelo line, latterly serving AKZO factory)<br />
<br />
==Metro==<br />
[http://www.gvb.nl/ENGLISH/Pages/default.aspx Amsterdam], [https://www.ret.nl/en/ Rotterdam], [https://www.ret.nl/en/home/travelling-with-the-ret.html RandstadRail].<br />
<br />
Track plans for all metro systems in the Netherlands are available on the [http://www.gleisplanweb.eu/ Gleisplanweb site].<br />
<br />
== Trams/LRT-Systems ==<br />
Amsterdam, Den Haag, Rotterdam, Utrecht.<br />
<br />
Track plans for all tram systems in the Netherlands are available on the [http://www.gleisplanweb.eu/ Gleisplanweb site].<br />
<br />
See also [[Netherlands_-_Tram_services_over_obscure_routes|Netherlands - Tram services over obscure routes]]<br />
<br />
==Recent and Future Changes==<br />
===Future changes===<br />
<br />
Passenger services are to resume between Veendam and Stadskanaal in 2024. Simultaneously introduction of passenger services between Coevorden - Neuenhaus (D) and on to Bad Bentheim (D) are expected by 2024.<br />
<br />
The proposed electrification of Nijmegen - Venlo - Roermond has been cancelled because of the increasing cost of materials and the effects of the coronavirus pandemic on the supply chain. <br />
<br />
The new 'Friesenbrücke' bridge, facilitating the passenger traffic Groningen - Bad Nieuweschans - Leer (D) should be constructed by 2024.<br />
<br />
Long term projects:<br />
On 10 October 2017, the coalition government agreed plans to reopen Weert - Hamont, with co-financing from regional authorities, following the reopening of Neerpelt - Hamont by SNCB. On 9 November the governments concluded an agreement to electrify the line.<br />
<br />
The "Iron Rhine" freight line between Roermond and Dalheim (Germany) is planned to reopened for traffic between Antwerpen and the Ruhr. However this has been delayed by a dispute between the Dutch and Belgian governments, which has gone to arbitration.<br />
<br />
===Recent changes===<br />
<br />
On 25 May 2023, [https://www.europeansleeper.eu/en European Sleeper] started to operate a night service from Brussel/Bruxelles via Rotterdam and Amsterdam to Berlin. In 2024 this service will be extended to Praha.<br />
<br />
RET Metro line B has been extended by 2.6 km from Hoek van Holland Haven to a new Hoek Van Holland Strand station, 0.9 km beyond the previous NS Strand station. Regular services commenced on 31 March 2023.<br />
<br />
Landgraaf - Herzogenrath (Germany) has been upgraded for cargo traffic in September 2022, while Arriva EMUs are running between Aachen Hbf and Maastricht since the electrification in 2018. The planned through Arriva service between Aachen and Liège has been delayed and until further notice NMBS continue to operate a separate train service between Maastricht and Liège.<br />
<br />
The last museum trains to use the Blauwkapel Kruispunt, where the line northwards from the ''Nederlands Spoorwegmuseum'' at Utrecht Maliebaan station makes a flat crossing with the Utrecht - Amersfoort line, ran on 14 May 2022. The north - south link at Blauwkapel has since been removed. This does not affect the shuttle trains between Utrecht Centraal station and the museum, which continue to run. <br />
<br />
By December 2021 Zürich - Amsterdam NightJet services were introduced, complementing the Wien - Amsterdam services which started on 25 May 2021.<br />
<br />
The (Rotterdam -) Schiedam Centrum - Hoek van Holland ''Hoekse Lijn'' line closed to passengers as an NS line on 1 April 2017 and reopened as RET Metro line B between Nesselande and Hoek van Holland on 30 September 2019, thus bringing a new connection into use between Schiedam Centrum metro station and Schiedam Nieuwland. Until the line onwards to Hoek van Holland Strand was opened on 31 March 2023, RET trains temporarily used the old Hoek van Holland International Boat Train platforms.<br />
<br />
The former passenger connection between the Metro and the ProRail/NS network has been retained for freight. From 28 November 2019, cargo trains have run to Vlaardingen Oost, where there is a connection to the Vulcaanhaven oil terminals.<br />
<br />
The new station of Lansingerland-Zoetermeer on the NS Den Haag to Gouda line opened on 9 December 2018 and the extension to tram line 4 (RandstadRail4) from Zoetermeer Javalaan to the new station opened on 19 May 2019.<br />
<br />
The 'Intercity Direct' service between Amsterdam and Brussel/Bruxelles (the successor to the former Benelux service) was diverted via the HSL Zuid and Breda [reverse] from 9 April 2018, thus opening for passenger traffic the curve southwards from Breda towards the Belgian border.<br />
<br />
===Older Changes===<br />
For details of older changes see [[Netherlands - Older General Information]].<br />
<br />
==Special notes==<br />
Many trains worked by multiple units split en route to serve more than one destination. External displays may show the destination of each portion; newer train sets are provided with internal displays as well. The number of each unit is displayed prominently in each carriage and when trains divide public address announcements usually refer to these to inform passengers where each unit is going.<br />
<br />
The freight line to Terneuzen is accessible only from Gent in Belgium.<br />
<br />
'''New trains'''<br />
<br />
NS has ordered 79 EMU 'Intercity New Generation' at Alstom, based on Coradia platform for use on the HSL by 2023. <br />
<br />
NS has ordered 20 EMU 'Intercity New Generation' at Alstom, based on Coradia platform for services to Brussels by 2025.<br />
<br />
'''Wifi'''<br />
<br />
Most stations have free internet access via KPN hotspots. NS Intercity trains have free internet by 'Wifi in de trein' provided by T-mobile; other operators like Arriva and Veolia offer free wifi in their trains. However loco hauled services are not provided with wifi.<br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
{{Navbox Netherlands}}</div>Theijs Europehttps://www.egtre.info/w/index.php?title=Netherlands_-_General_Information&diff=53986Netherlands - General Information2023-12-29T12:03:37Z<p>Theijs Europe: /* Maps */ update link</p>
<hr />
<div>==Country Name==<br />
Netherlands (Nederland)<br />
<br />
==National Railway System==<br />
===National Railway Operator===<br />
[https://www.ns.nl/en Nederlandse Spoorwegen] (NS) is the principal passenger carrier, which operates through various subsidiary companies, including:<br />
* NS Reizigers - Domestic passenger services <br />
* [https://www.nsinternational.com/en ''NS International''] - International passenger services.<br />
<br />
[https://www.eurostar.com/''Eurostar''] services to the Netherlands are operated by a stand-alone company owned by SNCF (62%), SNCB/NMBS (28%) and DB (10%); NS is not a partner. <br />
<br />
[https://www.europeansleeper.eu/''European Sleeper''] is a Dutch private company offering night services from Brussels via Amsterdam to Berlin and Prague.<br />
<br />
There is no longer a national freight operator. The former NS freight operation has been sold and is a subsidiary of DB (see below). Open access freight operators have a considerable market share. Current freight operators in The Netherlands as at 2023 are DB Cargo Nederland (German), Lineas Nederland (Belgian), LTE Netherlands (Austrian), Captrain (French) and RTB Cargo German) amoungst others.<br />
<br />
==Language==<br />
Dutch<br />
<br />
==Currency==<br />
Euro<br />
<br />
==UIC code==<br />
Numeric 84; alpha NL<br />
<br />
==Timetable==<br />
As of 14 December 2014, every station should be served twice an hour.<br />
<br />
===Journey Planner===<br />
* PC and smartphone: [https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information Travel Information].<br />
* Iphone application: [https://apps.apple.com/nl/app/ns/id370362301 Reisplanner].<br />
* Android application: [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=nl.ns.android.activity&utm_source=ns&utm_medium=banner&utm_campaign=rpxpagina Reisplanner]<br />
* Windows application: [https://www.microsoft.com/store/apps/9wzdncrdmbbm Treinplanner]<br />
<br />
===Actual Train Times===<br />
* [https://spoorkaart.mwnn.nl/ Actuele spoorkaart Nederland]<br />
*[https://treinenradar.nl/ Treinenradar Live]<br />
<br />
===Downloadable Timetable===<br />
By December 2023, NS no longer produces timetables in pdf format on its website.<br />
<br />
===Printed Timetable===<br />
''Rover'' offers a paper [https://www.ovshop.nl/shop/rover-spoorboekje-2024/ ''Spoorboekje''] for 2023-2024. NS discontinued paper timetables after the 2009-2010 edition. Rover took the publication over from Treinreiziger.<br />
<br />
===Engineering Information===<br />
[https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/current-situation-on-the-tracks The current situation on the tracks].<br />
[https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/maintenance-on-the-tracks/ An overview of scheduled works in the upcoming months that will effect services].<br />
<br />
===Real Time Train Information===<br />
Real time train running information is available on the [http://treinenradar.nl/ ''Treinenradar''], [https://treinposities.nl/ ''Treinposities''] and [http://spoorkaart.mwnn.nl/ Spoorkaart] websites. Moreover, public transport Apps like OV9292 and NS Reisplanner offer real time journey information.<br />
<br />
==Maps==<br />
===Printed Maps===<br />
*[[Printed Maps#ERA-E | European Railway Atlas (All-Europe Edition)]] by M.G. Ball.<br />
*[[Printed Maps#ERA-R-1 | European Railway Atlas (Regional Atlas Series, Book 1: Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Great Britain, Ireland, Portugal, Spain, France, Belgium, Netherlands and Luxembourg)]] by M.G. Ball.<br />
*A basic diagrammatic [https://www.treinreiziger.nl/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Spoorkaart-2021-v2.pdf Rail Map 2021] by Treinreiziger.nl<br />
*A fourth edition of the [https://nijverepublishers.nl/en/Books-and-maps/Benelux-Rail-Topo Benelux Rail Topo] was published in 2023 (ISBN/EAN 978 90 73280 19 9). In full colour to a scale of 1:550,000 and with a register of over 1,000 stations.<br />
<br />
===Web-based Maps===<br />
*NS provided until 2022 a map with all passenger train service numbers and frequencies. It's no longer available. <br />
*Prorail provides a [https://www.prorail.nl/siteassets/homepage/reizen/documenten/spoorkaart-2020-webversie.pdf detailed geographical map].<br />
*[http://www.sporenplan.nl/ Sporenplan] has a series of on-line maps and schematic track diagrams. Click on "Sporenplannen" on the left hand side for a map showing the countries covered.<br />
*Thorsten Büker's [http://www.bueker.net/trainspotting/maps_benelux.php Map of Benelux network] Although this remains on-line, the Büker maps are no longer being maintained. Last updated March 2018.<br />
*[[Maps and Plans#Netherlands|Maps and Plans - Netherlands]]<br />
<br />
==Ticketing==<br />
In the course of 2023, paying train journeys by debit card (check-in and check-out) will be introduced. So far only public transport in Amsterdam and Den Haag has introduced this payment service. Once every 24 hours the journeys are collected.<br />
<br />
All stations are equipped with ticket machines which all accept debit and credit cards (V PAY, Maestro, Mastercard, Visa and American Express). However, some foreign Visa debit cards are not accepted. Some machines accept coins as well. All machines offer domestic tickets and some provide international tickets to Belgium, and a selection of destinations in Germany. All tickets contain a chip to validate your ticket. Booking offices at small stations have almost all been closed. A surcharge is payable at booking offices when buying a ticket which is available from a ticket machine.<br />
<br />
The smart card [https://www.ov-chipkaart.nl/home-1.htm OV Chipkaart] is the normal ticket on public transport and can be bought at any ticket machine. Machines that add value to an OV Chipkaart accept debit cards issued outside the Netherlands. However, only a few machines (such as at some tobacconists) accept credit cards. Paper tickets continue to be issued from machines and booking offices for rail journeys.<br />
<br />
Information on tickets and passes can be found on the NS [https://www.ns.nl/producten/en/losse-kaartjes-toeslagen Individual tickets & supplements] page. A supplement is required to travel on the HSL between Rotterdam and Schiphol Airport unless the passenger has a valid international ticket (which includes Interrail). The supplement can be purchased from vending machines; there are red validation machines for such supplements on the platforms.<br />
<br />
'''Note''': ALL tickets from machines MUST be touched in and out with ALL operators used in the correct order, when changing operators en-route. Travellers may be fined if they do not do this.<br />
<br />
NS-Zonetaxi (formerly known as treintaxi) tickets include a taxi from/to the railway station for a fixed fare. The service is available in most mid-size towns, but not in Utrecht, Amsterdam, Den Haag and Rotterdam. When riding on single or return tickets, trein-taxi tickets should be bought at the departure station. For the return trip by taxi, tickets are best bought in advance, but the taxi driver sells tickets with a small surcharge.<br />
<br />
Although more local services are to be franchised over the next few years, a uniform ticketing system, including NS and all franchisees, is being retained.<br />
<br />
''Special offers:''<br />
Supermarket chains may offer cheap day tickets from time to time for a limited period. At Amsterdam Schiphol Airport both NS and GVB Amsterdam sell tickets for public transport connections to Amsterdam.[https://www.spoordeelwinkel.nl/product/eindhoven-airport NS-Voordeelwinkel] has special offers for Eindhoven Airport. [http://www.treinreiziger.nl/ Treinreiziger] offers news about the Dutch railwaysystem, including the availabillity of discounted tickets.<br />
<br />
==Infrastructure==<br />
===Infrastructure Authority===<br />
[http://www.prorail.nl/ ProRail] owns and manages the NS infrastructure and is responsible for traffic control and capacity allocation, under the authority of the minister of transport. On 1 July 2015 the operation of the ''Betuweroute'' was transferred to ProRail and the previous owners, Keyrail, ceased to exist.<br />
<br />
[https://www.ilent.nl/ Inspectie Leefomgeving en Transport], part of the Ministry of Transport, is responsible for safety and rolling stock certification.<br />
<br />
===Network Statement===<br />
The Prorail Website gives access to various [http://www.prorail.nl/vervoerders/network-statement NS Network Statement] documents.<br />
<br />
===Gauge===<br />
Standard.<br />
<br />
===Electrification===<br />
1500 V dc. New high-speed lines and the Betuwe trunk freight line between Rotterdam and Zevenaar (- Emmerich (Germany)) are electrified at 25 kV 50 Hz; Zevenaar - Emmerich was converted to 25 kV in 2016 so that freight trains have to change voltage only once, although it caused passenger trains to have to change voltage twice. The Hanzelijn is not officially a high-speed line, so is 1500 V dc. Large-scale conversion to 25 kV 50 Hz in the long term was envisaged but this was abandoned in the late 1990s as too expensive. In 2014 Prorail started a feasibility study into upgrading to 3000 V dc.<br />
Metros and Tramways are 750 V dc, with third rail used on the Amsterdam and Rotterdam metros.<br />
<br />
===Rule of the road===<br />
Right, but most lines are reversibly signalled. The following lines have left-hand running:<br />
* the high speed line from Rotterdam Lombardijen (where there is a flying crossover) to the Belgian border <br />
* the fast lines between Utrecht Centraal and Bilthoven; there is a flying crossover west of Bilthoven <br />
* from Roosendaal to the Belgian border <br />
* from Maastricht to the Belgian border<br />
<br />
There are connections between the high speed line and the old line to Breda where they run parallel south of Lage Zwaluwe, at which the two lines are handed in opposite directions. This results in the two southbound lines (which are adjacent) being linked merely by a long crossover whereas the connection between the northbound lines crosses over all four tracks on a flyover.<br />
<br />
===Distances===<br />
[https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lijst_van_spoorlijnen_in_Nederland Wikipedia] gives distances for all lines in the Netherlands. Click on the line wanted, and on the right distances for stations are given. [http://www.sporenplan.nl/html_nl/sporenplan/ns/ns_nummer/start.html Sporeneplan] provides an alternative source. Click on the line wanted to reach a schematic line plan, alongside which distances for stations (named in abbreviated code) are given. ''Neither is an official page and can be out of date.'' '''If any user can point to an official source for distance information the compilers would be glad to hear.'''<br />
<br />
==Other Railways==<br />
Private operators have franchises to work a number of local passenger services over Prorail lines, thus:<br />
* Arriva Nederland: Leeuwarden - Harlingen, Leeuwarden - Stavoren, Leeuwarden - Groningen, Groningen - Roodeschool/Eemshaven/Delfzijl, Groningen - Veendam/Bad Nieuweschans - Leer (D), Apeldoorn - Zutphen, Zutphen - Winterswijk, Winterswijk - Arnhem, Arnhem - Tiel, Nijmegen - Venlo - Roermond - Maastricht/Heerlen, Maastricht Randwijck - Heerlen - Kerkrade/Aachen (D).<br />
* Blauwnet (Arriva/Keolis): Enschede - Almelo - Mariënberg, Kampen - Zwolle - Emmen, Zutphen - Hengelo - Oldenzaal.<br />
* Breng: Doetinchem - Arnhem.<br />
* Q-Buzz (R-Net): Dordrecht - Geldermalsen; Gouda - Alphen aan den Rijn.<br />
* Valleilijn (Connexxion): Amersfoort - Ede-Wageningen. <br />
<br />
In addition cross-border services are worked by the following operators: <br />
* eurobahn: Hengelo - Bielefeld (D) (RB61); Venlo - Düsseldorf - Hamm (D) (RE13)<br />
* DB Regio: Enschede - Gronau - Münster / Dortmund (D) <br />
* VIAS Rail: Arnhem - Düsseldorf (D) (RE19) <br />
* NMBS: local services Roosendaal - Antwerpen (B); Maastricht - Luik / Liège (B)<br />
<br />
The German based Bentheimer Eisenbahn (BE) owns and operates its trunk line from Bentheim to the border at Laarwald and a further 2 km on to Coevorden. The line is freight only; there has never been any significant border crossing passenger traffic, but freight has regained importance in recent times. Coevorden effectively serves as a German rail bridgehead into the Netherlands, traffic mainly consisting of containers that are subsequently road-hauled into the northern provinces. There are plans to introduce passenger services between Coevorden and Neuenhaus (D), operated by BE, by 2024.<br />
<br />
==Tourist Lines==<br />
A list of Tourist & Museum Railways and Tramways in English is available on the [http://www.railmusea.nl/en Historisch Railvervoer Nederland (HRN)] website.<br />
<br />
Rail cycling is possible on the following sections of line:<br />
*[https://grenzland-draisine.eu/ Grenzland Draisine]: based at Kranenburg in Germany, on the former Kleve [DE] - Nijmegen [NL] line, the ''Grenzenlose'' trip to Groesbeek (5.5 km one way) covers a portion in the Netherlands <br />
*[https://www.spoorfietsen.nl Spoorfietsen]: Hengelo - Twekkelo (a short stretch of Hengelo - Boekelo line, latterly serving AKZO factory)<br />
<br />
==Metro==<br />
[http://www.gvb.nl/ENGLISH/Pages/default.aspx Amsterdam], [https://www.ret.nl/en/ Rotterdam], [https://www.ret.nl/en/home/travelling-with-the-ret.html RandstadRail].<br />
<br />
Track plans for all metro systems in the Netherlands are available on the [http://www.gleisplanweb.eu/ Gleisplanweb site].<br />
<br />
== Trams/LRT-Systems ==<br />
Amsterdam, Den Haag, Rotterdam, Utrecht.<br />
<br />
Track plans for all tram systems in the Netherlands are available on the [http://www.gleisplanweb.eu/ Gleisplanweb site].<br />
<br />
See also [[Netherlands_-_Tram_services_over_obscure_routes|Netherlands - Tram services over obscure routes]]<br />
<br />
==Recent and Future Changes==<br />
===Future changes===<br />
<br />
Passenger services are to resume between Veendam and Stadskanaal in 2024. Simultaneously introduction of passenger services between Coevorden - Neuenhaus (D) and on to Bad Bentheim (D) are expected by 2024.<br />
<br />
The proposed electrification of Nijmegen - Venlo - Roermond has been cancelled because of the increasing cost of materials and the effects of the coronavirus pandemic on the supply chain. <br />
<br />
The new 'Friesenbrücke' bridge, facilitating the passenger traffic Groningen - Bad Nieuweschans - Leer (D) should be constructed by 2024.<br />
<br />
Long term projects:<br />
On 10 October 2017, the coalition government agreed plans to reopen Weert - Hamont, with co-financing from regional authorities, following the reopening of Neerpelt - Hamont by SNCB. On 9 November the governments concluded an agreement to electrify the line.<br />
<br />
The "Iron Rhine" freight line between Roermond and Dalheim (Germany) is planned to reopened for traffic between Antwerpen and the Ruhr. However this has been delayed by a dispute between the Dutch and Belgian governments, which has gone to arbitration.<br />
<br />
===Recent changes===<br />
<br />
On 25 May 2023, [https://www.europeansleeper.eu/en European Sleeper] started to operate a night service from Brussel/Bruxelles via Rotterdam and Amsterdam to Berlin. In 2024 this service will be extended to Praha.<br />
<br />
RET Metro line B has been extended by 2.6 km from Hoek van Holland Haven to a new Hoek Van Holland Strand station, 0.9 km beyond the previous NS Strand station. Regular services commenced on 31 March 2023.<br />
<br />
Landgraaf - Herzogenrath (Germany) has been upgraded for cargo traffic in September 2022, while Arriva EMUs are running between Aachen Hbf and Maastricht since the electrification in 2018. The planned through Arriva service between Aachen and Liège has been delayed and until further notice NMBS continue to operate a separate train service between Maastricht and Liège.<br />
<br />
The last museum trains to use the Blauwkapel Kruispunt, where the line northwards from the ''Nederlands Spoorwegmuseum'' at Utrecht Maliebaan station makes a flat crossing with the Utrecht - Amersfoort line, ran on 14 May 2022. The north - south link at Blauwkapel has since been removed. This does not affect the shuttle trains between Utrecht Centraal station and the museum, which continue to run. <br />
<br />
By December 2021 Zürich - Amsterdam NightJet services were introduced, complementing the Wien - Amsterdam services which started on 25 May 2021.<br />
<br />
The (Rotterdam -) Schiedam Centrum - Hoek van Holland ''Hoekse Lijn'' line closed to passengers as an NS line on 1 April 2017 and reopened as RET Metro line B between Nesselande and Hoek van Holland on 30 September 2019, thus bringing a new connection into use between Schiedam Centrum metro station and Schiedam Nieuwland. Until the line onwards to Hoek van Holland Strand was opened on 31 March 2023, RET trains temporarily used the old Hoek van Holland International Boat Train platforms.<br />
<br />
The former passenger connection between the Metro and the ProRail/NS network has been retained for freight. From 28 November 2019, cargo trains have run to Vlaardingen Oost, where there is a connection to the Vulcaanhaven oil terminals.<br />
<br />
The new station of Lansingerland-Zoetermeer on the NS Den Haag to Gouda line opened on 9 December 2018 and the extension to tram line 4 (RandstadRail4) from Zoetermeer Javalaan to the new station opened on 19 May 2019.<br />
<br />
The 'Intercity Direct' service between Amsterdam and Brussel/Bruxelles (the successor to the former Benelux service) was diverted via the HSL Zuid and Breda [reverse] from 9 April 2018, thus opening for passenger traffic the curve southwards from Breda towards the Belgian border.<br />
<br />
===Older Changes===<br />
For details of older changes see [[Netherlands - Older General Information]].<br />
<br />
==Special notes==<br />
Many trains worked by multiple units split en route to serve more than one destination. External displays may show the destination of each portion; newer train sets are provided with internal displays as well. The number of each unit is displayed prominently in each carriage and when trains divide public address announcements usually refer to these to inform passengers where each unit is going.<br />
<br />
The freight line to Terneuzen is accessible only from Gent in Belgium.<br />
<br />
'''New trains'''<br />
<br />
NS has ordered 79 EMU 'Intercity New Generation' at Alstom, based on Coradia platform for use on the HSL by 2023. <br />
<br />
NS has ordered 20 EMU 'Intercity New Generation' at Alstom, based on Coradia platform for services to Brussels by 2025.<br />
<br />
'''Wifi'''<br />
<br />
Most stations have free internet access via KPN hotspots. NS Intercity trains have free internet by 'Wifi in de trein' provided by T-mobile; other operators like Arriva and Veolia offer free wifi in their trains. However loco hauled services are not provided with wifi.<br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
{{Navbox Netherlands}}</div>Theijs Europehttps://www.egtre.info/w/index.php?title=Netherlands_-_General_Information&diff=53981Netherlands - General Information2023-12-29T11:19:45Z<p>Theijs Europe: /* Printed Maps */ update link</p>
<hr />
<div>==Country Name==<br />
Netherlands (Nederland)<br />
<br />
==National Railway System==<br />
===National Railway Operator===<br />
[https://www.ns.nl/en Nederlandse Spoorwegen] (NS) is the principal passenger carrier, which operates through various subsidiary companies, including:<br />
* NS Reizigers - Domestic passenger services <br />
* [https://www.nsinternational.com/en ''NS International''] - International passenger services.<br />
<br />
[https://www.eurostar.com/''Eurostar''] services to the Netherlands are operated by a stand-alone company owned by SNCF (62%), SNCB/NMBS (28%) and DB (10%); NS is not a partner. <br />
<br />
[https://www.europeansleeper.eu/''European Sleeper''] is a Dutch private company offering night services from Brussels via Amsterdam to Berlin and Prague.<br />
<br />
There is no longer a national freight operator. The former NS freight operation has been sold and is a subsidiary of DB (see below). Open access freight operators have a considerable market share. Current freight operators in The Netherlands as at 2023 are DB Cargo Nederland (German), Lineas Nederland (Belgian), LTE Netherlands (Austrian), Captrain (French) and RTB Cargo German) amoungst others.<br />
<br />
==Language==<br />
Dutch<br />
<br />
==Currency==<br />
Euro<br />
<br />
==UIC code==<br />
Numeric 84; alpha NL<br />
<br />
==Timetable==<br />
As of 14 December 2014, every station should be served twice an hour.<br />
<br />
===Journey Planner===<br />
* PC and smartphone: [https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information Travel Information].<br />
* Iphone application: [https://apps.apple.com/nl/app/ns/id370362301 Reisplanner].<br />
* Android application: [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=nl.ns.android.activity&utm_source=ns&utm_medium=banner&utm_campaign=rpxpagina Reisplanner]<br />
* Windows application: [https://www.microsoft.com/store/apps/9wzdncrdmbbm Treinplanner]<br />
<br />
===Actual Train Times===<br />
* [https://spoorkaart.mwnn.nl/ Actuele spoorkaart Nederland]<br />
*[https://treinenradar.nl/ Treinenradar Live]<br />
<br />
===Downloadable Timetable===<br />
By December 2023, NS no longer produces timetables in pdf format on its website.<br />
<br />
===Printed Timetable===<br />
''Rover'' offers a paper [https://www.ovshop.nl/shop/rover-spoorboekje-2024/ ''Spoorboekje''] for 2023-2024. NS discontinued paper timetables after the 2009-2010 edition. Rover took the publication over from Treinreiziger.<br />
<br />
===Engineering Information===<br />
[https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/current-situation-on-the-tracks The current situation on the tracks].<br />
[https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/maintenance-on-the-tracks/ An overview of scheduled works in the upcoming months that will effect services].<br />
<br />
===Real Time Train Information===<br />
Real time train running information is available on the [http://treinenradar.nl/ ''Treinenradar''], [https://treinposities.nl/ ''Treinposities''] and [http://spoorkaart.mwnn.nl/ Spoorkaart] websites. Moreover, public transport Apps like OV9292 and NS Reisplanner offer real time journey information.<br />
<br />
==Maps==<br />
===Printed Maps===<br />
*[[Printed Maps#ERA-E | European Railway Atlas (All-Europe Edition)]] by M.G. Ball.<br />
*[[Printed Maps#ERA-R-1 | European Railway Atlas (Regional Atlas Series, Book 1: Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Great Britain, Ireland, Portugal, Spain, France, Belgium, Netherlands and Luxembourg)]] by M.G. Ball.<br />
*A basic diagrammatic [https://www.treinreiziger.nl/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Spoorkaart-2021-v2.pdf Rail Map 2021] by Treinreiziger.nl<br />
*A fourth edition of the [https://nijverepublishers.nl/en/Books-and-maps/Benelux-Rail-Topo Benelux Rail Topo] was published in 2023 (ISBN/EAN 978 90 73280 19 9). In full colour to a scale of 1:550,000 and with a register of over 1,000 stations.<br />
<br />
===Web-based Maps===<br />
*NS provides a map with all passenger train service numbers and frequencies: [https://www.ns.nl/binaries/_ht_1642770500516/content/assets/ns-nl/dienstregeling/nieuwe-dienstregeling/ns-spoorkaart-2022.pdf Spoorkaart 2022]. <br />
*Prorail provides a [https://www.prorail.nl/siteassets/homepage/reizen/documenten/spoorkaart-2020-webversie.pdf detailed geographical map].<br />
*[http://www.sporenplan.nl/ Sporenplan] has a series of on-line maps and schematic track diagrams. Click on "Sporenplannen" on the left hand side for a map showing the countries covered.<br />
*Thorsten Büker's [http://www.bueker.net/trainspotting/maps_benelux.php Map of Benelux network] Although this remains on-line, the Büker maps are no longer being maintained. Last updated March 2018.<br />
*[[Maps and Plans#Netherlands|Maps and Plans - Netherlands]]<br />
<br />
==Ticketing==<br />
In the course of 2023, paying train journeys by debit card (check-in and check-out) will be introduced. So far only public transport in Amsterdam and Den Haag has introduced this payment service. Once every 24 hours the journeys are collected.<br />
<br />
All stations are equipped with ticket machines which all accept debit and credit cards (V PAY, Maestro, Mastercard, Visa and American Express). However, some foreign Visa debit cards are not accepted. Some machines accept coins as well. All machines offer domestic tickets and some provide international tickets to Belgium, and a selection of destinations in Germany. All tickets contain a chip to validate your ticket. Booking offices at small stations have almost all been closed. A surcharge is payable at booking offices when buying a ticket which is available from a ticket machine.<br />
<br />
The smart card [https://www.ov-chipkaart.nl/home-1.htm OV Chipkaart] is the normal ticket on public transport and can be bought at any ticket machine. Machines that add value to an OV Chipkaart accept debit cards issued outside the Netherlands. However, only a few machines (such as at some tobacconists) accept credit cards. Paper tickets continue to be issued from machines and booking offices for rail journeys.<br />
<br />
Information on tickets and passes can be found on the NS [https://www.ns.nl/producten/en/losse-kaartjes-toeslagen Individual tickets & supplements] page. A supplement is required to travel on the HSL between Rotterdam and Schiphol Airport unless the passenger has a valid international ticket (which includes Interrail). The supplement can be purchased from vending machines; there are red validation machines for such supplements on the platforms.<br />
<br />
'''Note''': ALL tickets from machines MUST be touched in and out with ALL operators used in the correct order, when changing operators en-route. Travellers may be fined if they do not do this.<br />
<br />
NS-Zonetaxi (formerly known as treintaxi) tickets include a taxi from/to the railway station for a fixed fare. The service is available in most mid-size towns, but not in Utrecht, Amsterdam, Den Haag and Rotterdam. When riding on single or return tickets, trein-taxi tickets should be bought at the departure station. For the return trip by taxi, tickets are best bought in advance, but the taxi driver sells tickets with a small surcharge.<br />
<br />
Although more local services are to be franchised over the next few years, a uniform ticketing system, including NS and all franchisees, is being retained.<br />
<br />
''Special offers:''<br />
Supermarket chains may offer cheap day tickets from time to time for a limited period. At Amsterdam Schiphol Airport both NS and GVB Amsterdam sell tickets for public transport connections to Amsterdam.[https://www.spoordeelwinkel.nl/product/eindhoven-airport NS-Voordeelwinkel] has special offers for Eindhoven Airport. [http://www.treinreiziger.nl/ Treinreiziger] offers news about the Dutch railwaysystem, including the availabillity of discounted tickets.<br />
<br />
==Infrastructure==<br />
===Infrastructure Authority===<br />
[http://www.prorail.nl/ ProRail] owns and manages the NS infrastructure and is responsible for traffic control and capacity allocation, under the authority of the minister of transport. On 1 July 2015 the operation of the ''Betuweroute'' was transferred to ProRail and the previous owners, Keyrail, ceased to exist.<br />
<br />
[https://www.ilent.nl/ Inspectie Leefomgeving en Transport], part of the Ministry of Transport, is responsible for safety and rolling stock certification.<br />
<br />
===Network Statement===<br />
The Prorail Website gives access to various [http://www.prorail.nl/vervoerders/network-statement NS Network Statement] documents.<br />
<br />
===Gauge===<br />
Standard.<br />
<br />
===Electrification===<br />
1500 V dc. New high-speed lines and the Betuwe trunk freight line between Rotterdam and Zevenaar (- Emmerich (Germany)) are electrified at 25 kV 50 Hz; Zevenaar - Emmerich was converted to 25 kV in 2016 so that freight trains have to change voltage only once, although it caused passenger trains to have to change voltage twice. The Hanzelijn is not officially a high-speed line, so is 1500 V dc. Large-scale conversion to 25 kV 50 Hz in the long term was envisaged but this was abandoned in the late 1990s as too expensive. In 2014 Prorail started a feasibility study into upgrading to 3000 V dc.<br />
Metros and Tramways are 750 V dc, with third rail used on the Amsterdam and Rotterdam metros.<br />
<br />
===Rule of the road===<br />
Right, but most lines are reversibly signalled. The following lines have left-hand running:<br />
* the high speed line from Rotterdam Lombardijen (where there is a flying crossover) to the Belgian border <br />
* the fast lines between Utrecht Centraal and Bilthoven; there is a flying crossover west of Bilthoven <br />
* from Roosendaal to the Belgian border <br />
* from Maastricht to the Belgian border<br />
<br />
There are connections between the high speed line and the old line to Breda where they run parallel south of Lage Zwaluwe, at which the two lines are handed in opposite directions. This results in the two southbound lines (which are adjacent) being linked merely by a long crossover whereas the connection between the northbound lines crosses over all four tracks on a flyover.<br />
<br />
===Distances===<br />
[https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lijst_van_spoorlijnen_in_Nederland Wikipedia] gives distances for all lines in the Netherlands. Click on the line wanted, and on the right distances for stations are given. [http://www.sporenplan.nl/html_nl/sporenplan/ns/ns_nummer/start.html Sporeneplan] provides an alternative source. Click on the line wanted to reach a schematic line plan, alongside which distances for stations (named in abbreviated code) are given. ''Neither is an official page and can be out of date.'' '''If any user can point to an official source for distance information the compilers would be glad to hear.'''<br />
<br />
==Other Railways==<br />
Private operators have franchises to work a number of local passenger services over Prorail lines, thus:<br />
* Arriva Nederland: Leeuwarden - Harlingen, Leeuwarden - Stavoren, Leeuwarden - Groningen, Groningen - Roodeschool/Eemshaven/Delfzijl, Groningen - Veendam/Bad Nieuweschans - Leer (D), Apeldoorn - Zutphen, Zutphen - Winterswijk, Winterswijk - Arnhem, Arnhem - Tiel, Nijmegen - Venlo - Roermond - Maastricht/Heerlen, Maastricht Randwijck - Heerlen - Kerkrade/Aachen (D).<br />
* Blauwnet (Arriva/Keolis): Enschede - Almelo - Mariënberg, Kampen - Zwolle - Emmen, Zutphen - Hengelo - Oldenzaal.<br />
* Breng: Doetinchem - Arnhem.<br />
* Q-Buzz (R-Net): Dordrecht - Geldermalsen; Gouda - Alphen aan den Rijn.<br />
* Valleilijn (Connexxion): Amersfoort - Ede-Wageningen. <br />
<br />
In addition cross-border services are worked by the following operators: <br />
* eurobahn: Hengelo - Bielefeld (D) (RB61); Venlo - Düsseldorf - Hamm (D) (RE13)<br />
* DB Regio: Enschede - Gronau - Münster / Dortmund (D) <br />
* VIAS Rail: Arnhem - Düsseldorf (D) (RE19) <br />
* NMBS: local services Roosendaal - Antwerpen (B); Maastricht - Luik / Liège (B)<br />
<br />
The German based Bentheimer Eisenbahn (BE) owns and operates its trunk line from Bentheim to the border at Laarwald and a further 2 km on to Coevorden. The line is freight only; there has never been any significant border crossing passenger traffic, but freight has regained importance in recent times. Coevorden effectively serves as a German rail bridgehead into the Netherlands, traffic mainly consisting of containers that are subsequently road-hauled into the northern provinces. There are plans to introduce passenger services between Coevorden and Neuenhaus (D), operated by BE, by 2024.<br />
<br />
==Tourist Lines==<br />
A list of Tourist & Museum Railways and Tramways in English is available on the [http://www.railmusea.nl/en Historisch Railvervoer Nederland (HRN)] website.<br />
<br />
Rail cycling is possible on the following sections of line:<br />
*[https://grenzland-draisine.eu/ Grenzland Draisine]: based at Kranenburg in Germany, on the former Kleve [DE] - Nijmegen [NL] line, the ''Grenzenlose'' trip to Groesbeek (5.5 km one way) covers a portion in the Netherlands <br />
*[https://www.spoorfietsen.nl Spoorfietsen]: Hengelo - Twekkelo (a short stretch of Hengelo - Boekelo line, latterly serving AKZO factory)<br />
<br />
==Metro==<br />
[http://www.gvb.nl/ENGLISH/Pages/default.aspx Amsterdam], [https://www.ret.nl/en/ Rotterdam], [https://www.ret.nl/en/home/travelling-with-the-ret.html RandstadRail].<br />
<br />
Track plans for all metro systems in the Netherlands are available on the [http://www.gleisplanweb.eu/ Gleisplanweb site].<br />
<br />
== Trams/LRT-Systems ==<br />
Amsterdam, Den Haag, Rotterdam, Utrecht.<br />
<br />
Track plans for all tram systems in the Netherlands are available on the [http://www.gleisplanweb.eu/ Gleisplanweb site].<br />
<br />
See also [[Netherlands_-_Tram_services_over_obscure_routes|Netherlands - Tram services over obscure routes]]<br />
<br />
==Recent and Future Changes==<br />
===Future changes===<br />
<br />
Passenger services are to resume between Veendam and Stadskanaal in 2024. Simultaneously introduction of passenger services between Coevorden - Neuenhaus (D) and on to Bad Bentheim (D) are expected by 2024.<br />
<br />
The proposed electrification of Nijmegen - Venlo - Roermond has been cancelled because of the increasing cost of materials and the effects of the coronavirus pandemic on the supply chain. <br />
<br />
The new 'Friesenbrücke' bridge, facilitating the passenger traffic Groningen - Bad Nieuweschans - Leer (D) should be constructed by 2024.<br />
<br />
Long term projects:<br />
On 10 October 2017, the coalition government agreed plans to reopen Weert - Hamont, with co-financing from regional authorities, following the reopening of Neerpelt - Hamont by SNCB. On 9 November the governments concluded an agreement to electrify the line.<br />
<br />
The "Iron Rhine" freight line between Roermond and Dalheim (Germany) is planned to reopened for traffic between Antwerpen and the Ruhr. However this has been delayed by a dispute between the Dutch and Belgian governments, which has gone to arbitration.<br />
<br />
===Recent changes===<br />
<br />
On 25 May 2023, [https://www.europeansleeper.eu/en European Sleeper] started to operate a night service from Brussel/Bruxelles via Rotterdam and Amsterdam to Berlin. In 2024 this service will be extended to Praha.<br />
<br />
RET Metro line B has been extended by 2.6 km from Hoek van Holland Haven to a new Hoek Van Holland Strand station, 0.9 km beyond the previous NS Strand station. Regular services commenced on 31 March 2023.<br />
<br />
Landgraaf - Herzogenrath (Germany) has been upgraded for cargo traffic in September 2022, while Arriva EMUs are running between Aachen Hbf and Maastricht since the electrification in 2018. The planned through Arriva service between Aachen and Liège has been delayed and until further notice NMBS continue to operate a separate train service between Maastricht and Liège.<br />
<br />
The last museum trains to use the Blauwkapel Kruispunt, where the line northwards from the ''Nederlands Spoorwegmuseum'' at Utrecht Maliebaan station makes a flat crossing with the Utrecht - Amersfoort line, ran on 14 May 2022. The north - south link at Blauwkapel has since been removed. This does not affect the shuttle trains between Utrecht Centraal station and the museum, which continue to run. <br />
<br />
By December 2021 Zürich - Amsterdam NightJet services were introduced, complementing the Wien - Amsterdam services which started on 25 May 2021.<br />
<br />
The (Rotterdam -) Schiedam Centrum - Hoek van Holland ''Hoekse Lijn'' line closed to passengers as an NS line on 1 April 2017 and reopened as RET Metro line B between Nesselande and Hoek van Holland on 30 September 2019, thus bringing a new connection into use between Schiedam Centrum metro station and Schiedam Nieuwland. Until the line onwards to Hoek van Holland Strand was opened on 31 March 2023, RET trains temporarily used the old Hoek van Holland International Boat Train platforms.<br />
<br />
The former passenger connection between the Metro and the ProRail/NS network has been retained for freight. From 28 November 2019, cargo trains have run to Vlaardingen Oost, where there is a connection to the Vulcaanhaven oil terminals.<br />
<br />
The new station of Lansingerland-Zoetermeer on the NS Den Haag to Gouda line opened on 9 December 2018 and the extension to tram line 4 (RandstadRail4) from Zoetermeer Javalaan to the new station opened on 19 May 2019.<br />
<br />
The 'Intercity Direct' service between Amsterdam and Brussel/Bruxelles (the successor to the former Benelux service) was diverted via the HSL Zuid and Breda [reverse] from 9 April 2018, thus opening for passenger traffic the curve southwards from Breda towards the Belgian border.<br />
<br />
===Older Changes===<br />
For details of older changes see [[Netherlands - Older General Information]].<br />
<br />
==Special notes==<br />
Many trains worked by multiple units split en route to serve more than one destination. External displays may show the destination of each portion; newer train sets are provided with internal displays as well. The number of each unit is displayed prominently in each carriage and when trains divide public address announcements usually refer to these to inform passengers where each unit is going.<br />
<br />
The freight line to Terneuzen is accessible only from Gent in Belgium.<br />
<br />
'''New trains'''<br />
<br />
NS has ordered 79 EMU 'Intercity New Generation' at Alstom, based on Coradia platform for use on the HSL by 2023. <br />
<br />
NS has ordered 20 EMU 'Intercity New Generation' at Alstom, based on Coradia platform for services to Brussels by 2025.<br />
<br />
'''Wifi'''<br />
<br />
Most stations have free internet access via KPN hotspots. NS Intercity trains have free internet by 'Wifi in de trein' provided by T-mobile; other operators like Arriva and Veolia offer free wifi in their trains. However loco hauled services are not provided with wifi.<br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
{{Navbox Netherlands}}</div>Theijs Europehttps://www.egtre.info/w/index.php?title=Netherlands_-_General_Information&diff=53980Netherlands - General Information2023-12-29T11:00:24Z<p>Theijs Europe: /* Printed Timetable */</p>
<hr />
<div>==Country Name==<br />
Netherlands (Nederland)<br />
<br />
==National Railway System==<br />
===National Railway Operator===<br />
[https://www.ns.nl/en Nederlandse Spoorwegen] (NS) is the principal passenger carrier, which operates through various subsidiary companies, including:<br />
* NS Reizigers - Domestic passenger services <br />
* [https://www.nsinternational.com/en ''NS International''] - International passenger services.<br />
<br />
[https://www.eurostar.com/''Eurostar''] services to the Netherlands are operated by a stand-alone company owned by SNCF (62%), SNCB/NMBS (28%) and DB (10%); NS is not a partner. <br />
<br />
[https://www.europeansleeper.eu/''European Sleeper''] is a Dutch private company offering night services from Brussels via Amsterdam to Berlin and Prague.<br />
<br />
There is no longer a national freight operator. The former NS freight operation has been sold and is a subsidiary of DB (see below). Open access freight operators have a considerable market share. Current freight operators in The Netherlands as at 2023 are DB Cargo Nederland (German), Lineas Nederland (Belgian), LTE Netherlands (Austrian), Captrain (French) and RTB Cargo German) amoungst others.<br />
<br />
==Language==<br />
Dutch<br />
<br />
==Currency==<br />
Euro<br />
<br />
==UIC code==<br />
Numeric 84; alpha NL<br />
<br />
==Timetable==<br />
As of 14 December 2014, every station should be served twice an hour.<br />
<br />
===Journey Planner===<br />
* PC and smartphone: [https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information Travel Information].<br />
* Iphone application: [https://apps.apple.com/nl/app/ns/id370362301 Reisplanner].<br />
* Android application: [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=nl.ns.android.activity&utm_source=ns&utm_medium=banner&utm_campaign=rpxpagina Reisplanner]<br />
* Windows application: [https://www.microsoft.com/store/apps/9wzdncrdmbbm Treinplanner]<br />
<br />
===Actual Train Times===<br />
* [https://spoorkaart.mwnn.nl/ Actuele spoorkaart Nederland]<br />
*[https://treinenradar.nl/ Treinenradar Live]<br />
<br />
===Downloadable Timetable===<br />
By December 2023, NS no longer produces timetables in pdf format on its website.<br />
<br />
===Printed Timetable===<br />
''Rover'' offers a paper [https://www.ovshop.nl/shop/rover-spoorboekje-2024/ ''Spoorboekje''] for 2023-2024. NS discontinued paper timetables after the 2009-2010 edition. Rover took the publication over from Treinreiziger.<br />
<br />
===Engineering Information===<br />
[https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/current-situation-on-the-tracks The current situation on the tracks].<br />
[https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/maintenance-on-the-tracks/ An overview of scheduled works in the upcoming months that will effect services].<br />
<br />
===Real Time Train Information===<br />
Real time train running information is available on the [http://treinenradar.nl/ ''Treinenradar''], [https://treinposities.nl/ ''Treinposities''] and [http://spoorkaart.mwnn.nl/ Spoorkaart] websites. Moreover, public transport Apps like OV9292 and NS Reisplanner offer real time journey information.<br />
<br />
==Maps==<br />
===Printed Maps===<br />
*[[Printed Maps#ERA-E | European Railway Atlas (All-Europe Edition)]] by M.G. Ball.<br />
*[[Printed Maps#ERA-R-1 | European Railway Atlas (Regional Atlas Series, Book 1: Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Great Britain, Ireland, Portugal, Spain, France, Belgium, Netherlands and Luxembourg)]] by M.G. Ball.<br />
*A basic diagrammatic [https://treinwebshop.nl/product/poster-spoorkaart-2021/ Rail Map 2021] by Treinreiziger.nl<br />
*A fourth edition of the [https://nijverepublishers.nl/en/Books-and-maps/Benelux-Rail-Topo Benelux Rail Topo] was published in 2023 (ISBN/EAN 978 90 73280 19 9). In full colour to a scale of 1:550,000 and with a register of over 1,000 stations.<br />
<br />
===Web-based Maps===<br />
*NS provides a map with all passenger train service numbers and frequencies: [https://www.ns.nl/binaries/_ht_1642770500516/content/assets/ns-nl/dienstregeling/nieuwe-dienstregeling/ns-spoorkaart-2022.pdf Spoorkaart 2022]. <br />
*Prorail provides a [https://www.prorail.nl/siteassets/homepage/reizen/documenten/spoorkaart-2020-webversie.pdf detailed geographical map].<br />
*[http://www.sporenplan.nl/ Sporenplan] has a series of on-line maps and schematic track diagrams. Click on "Sporenplannen" on the left hand side for a map showing the countries covered.<br />
*Thorsten Büker's [http://www.bueker.net/trainspotting/maps_benelux.php Map of Benelux network] Although this remains on-line, the Büker maps are no longer being maintained. Last updated March 2018.<br />
*[[Maps and Plans#Netherlands|Maps and Plans - Netherlands]]<br />
<br />
==Ticketing==<br />
In the course of 2023, paying train journeys by debit card (check-in and check-out) will be introduced. So far only public transport in Amsterdam and Den Haag has introduced this payment service. Once every 24 hours the journeys are collected.<br />
<br />
All stations are equipped with ticket machines which all accept debit and credit cards (V PAY, Maestro, Mastercard, Visa and American Express). However, some foreign Visa debit cards are not accepted. Some machines accept coins as well. All machines offer domestic tickets and some provide international tickets to Belgium, and a selection of destinations in Germany. All tickets contain a chip to validate your ticket. Booking offices at small stations have almost all been closed. A surcharge is payable at booking offices when buying a ticket which is available from a ticket machine.<br />
<br />
The smart card [https://www.ov-chipkaart.nl/home-1.htm OV Chipkaart] is the normal ticket on public transport and can be bought at any ticket machine. Machines that add value to an OV Chipkaart accept debit cards issued outside the Netherlands. However, only a few machines (such as at some tobacconists) accept credit cards. Paper tickets continue to be issued from machines and booking offices for rail journeys.<br />
<br />
Information on tickets and passes can be found on the NS [https://www.ns.nl/producten/en/losse-kaartjes-toeslagen Individual tickets & supplements] page. A supplement is required to travel on the HSL between Rotterdam and Schiphol Airport unless the passenger has a valid international ticket (which includes Interrail). The supplement can be purchased from vending machines; there are red validation machines for such supplements on the platforms.<br />
<br />
'''Note''': ALL tickets from machines MUST be touched in and out with ALL operators used in the correct order, when changing operators en-route. Travellers may be fined if they do not do this.<br />
<br />
NS-Zonetaxi (formerly known as treintaxi) tickets include a taxi from/to the railway station for a fixed fare. The service is available in most mid-size towns, but not in Utrecht, Amsterdam, Den Haag and Rotterdam. When riding on single or return tickets, trein-taxi tickets should be bought at the departure station. For the return trip by taxi, tickets are best bought in advance, but the taxi driver sells tickets with a small surcharge.<br />
<br />
Although more local services are to be franchised over the next few years, a uniform ticketing system, including NS and all franchisees, is being retained.<br />
<br />
''Special offers:''<br />
Supermarket chains may offer cheap day tickets from time to time for a limited period. At Amsterdam Schiphol Airport both NS and GVB Amsterdam sell tickets for public transport connections to Amsterdam.[https://www.spoordeelwinkel.nl/product/eindhoven-airport NS-Voordeelwinkel] has special offers for Eindhoven Airport. [http://www.treinreiziger.nl/ Treinreiziger] offers news about the Dutch railwaysystem, including the availabillity of discounted tickets.<br />
<br />
==Infrastructure==<br />
===Infrastructure Authority===<br />
[http://www.prorail.nl/ ProRail] owns and manages the NS infrastructure and is responsible for traffic control and capacity allocation, under the authority of the minister of transport. On 1 July 2015 the operation of the ''Betuweroute'' was transferred to ProRail and the previous owners, Keyrail, ceased to exist.<br />
<br />
[https://www.ilent.nl/ Inspectie Leefomgeving en Transport], part of the Ministry of Transport, is responsible for safety and rolling stock certification.<br />
<br />
===Network Statement===<br />
The Prorail Website gives access to various [http://www.prorail.nl/vervoerders/network-statement NS Network Statement] documents.<br />
<br />
===Gauge===<br />
Standard.<br />
<br />
===Electrification===<br />
1500 V dc. New high-speed lines and the Betuwe trunk freight line between Rotterdam and Zevenaar (- Emmerich (Germany)) are electrified at 25 kV 50 Hz; Zevenaar - Emmerich was converted to 25 kV in 2016 so that freight trains have to change voltage only once, although it caused passenger trains to have to change voltage twice. The Hanzelijn is not officially a high-speed line, so is 1500 V dc. Large-scale conversion to 25 kV 50 Hz in the long term was envisaged but this was abandoned in the late 1990s as too expensive. In 2014 Prorail started a feasibility study into upgrading to 3000 V dc.<br />
Metros and Tramways are 750 V dc, with third rail used on the Amsterdam and Rotterdam metros.<br />
<br />
===Rule of the road===<br />
Right, but most lines are reversibly signalled. The following lines have left-hand running:<br />
* the high speed line from Rotterdam Lombardijen (where there is a flying crossover) to the Belgian border <br />
* the fast lines between Utrecht Centraal and Bilthoven; there is a flying crossover west of Bilthoven <br />
* from Roosendaal to the Belgian border <br />
* from Maastricht to the Belgian border<br />
<br />
There are connections between the high speed line and the old line to Breda where they run parallel south of Lage Zwaluwe, at which the two lines are handed in opposite directions. This results in the two southbound lines (which are adjacent) being linked merely by a long crossover whereas the connection between the northbound lines crosses over all four tracks on a flyover.<br />
<br />
===Distances===<br />
[https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lijst_van_spoorlijnen_in_Nederland Wikipedia] gives distances for all lines in the Netherlands. Click on the line wanted, and on the right distances for stations are given. [http://www.sporenplan.nl/html_nl/sporenplan/ns/ns_nummer/start.html Sporeneplan] provides an alternative source. Click on the line wanted to reach a schematic line plan, alongside which distances for stations (named in abbreviated code) are given. ''Neither is an official page and can be out of date.'' '''If any user can point to an official source for distance information the compilers would be glad to hear.'''<br />
<br />
==Other Railways==<br />
Private operators have franchises to work a number of local passenger services over Prorail lines, thus:<br />
* Arriva Nederland: Leeuwarden - Harlingen, Leeuwarden - Stavoren, Leeuwarden - Groningen, Groningen - Roodeschool/Eemshaven/Delfzijl, Groningen - Veendam/Bad Nieuweschans - Leer (D), Apeldoorn - Zutphen, Zutphen - Winterswijk, Winterswijk - Arnhem, Arnhem - Tiel, Nijmegen - Venlo - Roermond - Maastricht/Heerlen, Maastricht Randwijck - Heerlen - Kerkrade/Aachen (D).<br />
* Blauwnet (Arriva/Keolis): Enschede - Almelo - Mariënberg, Kampen - Zwolle - Emmen, Zutphen - Hengelo - Oldenzaal.<br />
* Breng: Doetinchem - Arnhem.<br />
* Q-Buzz (R-Net): Dordrecht - Geldermalsen; Gouda - Alphen aan den Rijn.<br />
* Valleilijn (Connexxion): Amersfoort - Ede-Wageningen. <br />
<br />
In addition cross-border services are worked by the following operators: <br />
* eurobahn: Hengelo - Bielefeld (D) (RB61); Venlo - Düsseldorf - Hamm (D) (RE13)<br />
* DB Regio: Enschede - Gronau - Münster / Dortmund (D) <br />
* VIAS Rail: Arnhem - Düsseldorf (D) (RE19) <br />
* NMBS: local services Roosendaal - Antwerpen (B); Maastricht - Luik / Liège (B)<br />
<br />
The German based Bentheimer Eisenbahn (BE) owns and operates its trunk line from Bentheim to the border at Laarwald and a further 2 km on to Coevorden. The line is freight only; there has never been any significant border crossing passenger traffic, but freight has regained importance in recent times. Coevorden effectively serves as a German rail bridgehead into the Netherlands, traffic mainly consisting of containers that are subsequently road-hauled into the northern provinces. There are plans to introduce passenger services between Coevorden and Neuenhaus (D), operated by BE, by 2024.<br />
<br />
==Tourist Lines==<br />
A list of Tourist & Museum Railways and Tramways in English is available on the [http://www.railmusea.nl/en Historisch Railvervoer Nederland (HRN)] website.<br />
<br />
Rail cycling is possible on the following sections of line:<br />
*[https://grenzland-draisine.eu/ Grenzland Draisine]: based at Kranenburg in Germany, on the former Kleve [DE] - Nijmegen [NL] line, the ''Grenzenlose'' trip to Groesbeek (5.5 km one way) covers a portion in the Netherlands <br />
*[https://www.spoorfietsen.nl Spoorfietsen]: Hengelo - Twekkelo (a short stretch of Hengelo - Boekelo line, latterly serving AKZO factory)<br />
<br />
==Metro==<br />
[http://www.gvb.nl/ENGLISH/Pages/default.aspx Amsterdam], [https://www.ret.nl/en/ Rotterdam], [https://www.ret.nl/en/home/travelling-with-the-ret.html RandstadRail].<br />
<br />
Track plans for all metro systems in the Netherlands are available on the [http://www.gleisplanweb.eu/ Gleisplanweb site].<br />
<br />
== Trams/LRT-Systems ==<br />
Amsterdam, Den Haag, Rotterdam, Utrecht.<br />
<br />
Track plans for all tram systems in the Netherlands are available on the [http://www.gleisplanweb.eu/ Gleisplanweb site].<br />
<br />
See also [[Netherlands_-_Tram_services_over_obscure_routes|Netherlands - Tram services over obscure routes]]<br />
<br />
==Recent and Future Changes==<br />
===Future changes===<br />
<br />
Passenger services are to resume between Veendam and Stadskanaal in 2024. Simultaneously introduction of passenger services between Coevorden - Neuenhaus (D) and on to Bad Bentheim (D) are expected by 2024.<br />
<br />
The proposed electrification of Nijmegen - Venlo - Roermond has been cancelled because of the increasing cost of materials and the effects of the coronavirus pandemic on the supply chain. <br />
<br />
The new 'Friesenbrücke' bridge, facilitating the passenger traffic Groningen - Bad Nieuweschans - Leer (D) should be constructed by 2024.<br />
<br />
Long term projects:<br />
On 10 October 2017, the coalition government agreed plans to reopen Weert - Hamont, with co-financing from regional authorities, following the reopening of Neerpelt - Hamont by SNCB. On 9 November the governments concluded an agreement to electrify the line.<br />
<br />
The "Iron Rhine" freight line between Roermond and Dalheim (Germany) is planned to reopened for traffic between Antwerpen and the Ruhr. However this has been delayed by a dispute between the Dutch and Belgian governments, which has gone to arbitration.<br />
<br />
===Recent changes===<br />
<br />
On 25 May 2023, [https://www.europeansleeper.eu/en European Sleeper] started to operate a night service from Brussel/Bruxelles via Rotterdam and Amsterdam to Berlin. In 2024 this service will be extended to Praha.<br />
<br />
RET Metro line B has been extended by 2.6 km from Hoek van Holland Haven to a new Hoek Van Holland Strand station, 0.9 km beyond the previous NS Strand station. Regular services commenced on 31 March 2023.<br />
<br />
Landgraaf - Herzogenrath (Germany) has been upgraded for cargo traffic in September 2022, while Arriva EMUs are running between Aachen Hbf and Maastricht since the electrification in 2018. The planned through Arriva service between Aachen and Liège has been delayed and until further notice NMBS continue to operate a separate train service between Maastricht and Liège.<br />
<br />
The last museum trains to use the Blauwkapel Kruispunt, where the line northwards from the ''Nederlands Spoorwegmuseum'' at Utrecht Maliebaan station makes a flat crossing with the Utrecht - Amersfoort line, ran on 14 May 2022. The north - south link at Blauwkapel has since been removed. This does not affect the shuttle trains between Utrecht Centraal station and the museum, which continue to run. <br />
<br />
By December 2021 Zürich - Amsterdam NightJet services were introduced, complementing the Wien - Amsterdam services which started on 25 May 2021.<br />
<br />
The (Rotterdam -) Schiedam Centrum - Hoek van Holland ''Hoekse Lijn'' line closed to passengers as an NS line on 1 April 2017 and reopened as RET Metro line B between Nesselande and Hoek van Holland on 30 September 2019, thus bringing a new connection into use between Schiedam Centrum metro station and Schiedam Nieuwland. Until the line onwards to Hoek van Holland Strand was opened on 31 March 2023, RET trains temporarily used the old Hoek van Holland International Boat Train platforms.<br />
<br />
The former passenger connection between the Metro and the ProRail/NS network has been retained for freight. From 28 November 2019, cargo trains have run to Vlaardingen Oost, where there is a connection to the Vulcaanhaven oil terminals.<br />
<br />
The new station of Lansingerland-Zoetermeer on the NS Den Haag to Gouda line opened on 9 December 2018 and the extension to tram line 4 (RandstadRail4) from Zoetermeer Javalaan to the new station opened on 19 May 2019.<br />
<br />
The 'Intercity Direct' service between Amsterdam and Brussel/Bruxelles (the successor to the former Benelux service) was diverted via the HSL Zuid and Breda [reverse] from 9 April 2018, thus opening for passenger traffic the curve southwards from Breda towards the Belgian border.<br />
<br />
===Older Changes===<br />
For details of older changes see [[Netherlands - Older General Information]].<br />
<br />
==Special notes==<br />
Many trains worked by multiple units split en route to serve more than one destination. External displays may show the destination of each portion; newer train sets are provided with internal displays as well. The number of each unit is displayed prominently in each carriage and when trains divide public address announcements usually refer to these to inform passengers where each unit is going.<br />
<br />
The freight line to Terneuzen is accessible only from Gent in Belgium.<br />
<br />
'''New trains'''<br />
<br />
NS has ordered 79 EMU 'Intercity New Generation' at Alstom, based on Coradia platform for use on the HSL by 2023. <br />
<br />
NS has ordered 20 EMU 'Intercity New Generation' at Alstom, based on Coradia platform for services to Brussels by 2025.<br />
<br />
'''Wifi'''<br />
<br />
Most stations have free internet access via KPN hotspots. NS Intercity trains have free internet by 'Wifi in de trein' provided by T-mobile; other operators like Arriva and Veolia offer free wifi in their trains. However loco hauled services are not provided with wifi.<br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
{{Navbox Netherlands}}</div>Theijs Europehttps://www.egtre.info/w/index.php?title=Netherlands_-_General_Information&diff=53979Netherlands - General Information2023-12-29T10:56:41Z<p>Theijs Europe: /* National Railway Operator */ add European Sleeper</p>
<hr />
<div>==Country Name==<br />
Netherlands (Nederland)<br />
<br />
==National Railway System==<br />
===National Railway Operator===<br />
[https://www.ns.nl/en Nederlandse Spoorwegen] (NS) is the principal passenger carrier, which operates through various subsidiary companies, including:<br />
* NS Reizigers - Domestic passenger services <br />
* [https://www.nsinternational.com/en ''NS International''] - International passenger services.<br />
<br />
[https://www.eurostar.com/''Eurostar''] services to the Netherlands are operated by a stand-alone company owned by SNCF (62%), SNCB/NMBS (28%) and DB (10%); NS is not a partner. <br />
<br />
[https://www.europeansleeper.eu/''European Sleeper''] is a Dutch private company offering night services from Brussels via Amsterdam to Berlin and Prague.<br />
<br />
There is no longer a national freight operator. The former NS freight operation has been sold and is a subsidiary of DB (see below). Open access freight operators have a considerable market share. Current freight operators in The Netherlands as at 2023 are DB Cargo Nederland (German), Lineas Nederland (Belgian), LTE Netherlands (Austrian), Captrain (French) and RTB Cargo German) amoungst others.<br />
<br />
==Language==<br />
Dutch<br />
<br />
==Currency==<br />
Euro<br />
<br />
==UIC code==<br />
Numeric 84; alpha NL<br />
<br />
==Timetable==<br />
As of 14 December 2014, every station should be served twice an hour.<br />
<br />
===Journey Planner===<br />
* PC and smartphone: [https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information Travel Information].<br />
* Iphone application: [https://apps.apple.com/nl/app/ns/id370362301 Reisplanner].<br />
* Android application: [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=nl.ns.android.activity&utm_source=ns&utm_medium=banner&utm_campaign=rpxpagina Reisplanner]<br />
* Windows application: [https://www.microsoft.com/store/apps/9wzdncrdmbbm Treinplanner]<br />
<br />
===Actual Train Times===<br />
* [https://spoorkaart.mwnn.nl/ Actuele spoorkaart Nederland]<br />
*[https://treinenradar.nl/ Treinenradar Live]<br />
<br />
===Downloadable Timetable===<br />
By December 2023, NS no longer produces timetables in pdf format on its website.<br />
<br />
===Printed Timetable===<br />
''Rover'' offers a paper [https://www.ovshop.nl/shop/rover-spoorboekje-2023/ ''Spoorboekje''] for 2022-2023. NS discontinued paper timetables after the 2009-2010 edition. Rover took the publication over from Treinreiziger.<br />
<br />
===Engineering Information===<br />
[https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/current-situation-on-the-tracks The current situation on the tracks].<br />
[https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/maintenance-on-the-tracks/ An overview of scheduled works in the upcoming months that will effect services].<br />
<br />
===Real Time Train Information===<br />
Real time train running information is available on the [http://treinenradar.nl/ ''Treinenradar''], [https://treinposities.nl/ ''Treinposities''] and [http://spoorkaart.mwnn.nl/ Spoorkaart] websites. Moreover, public transport Apps like OV9292 and NS Reisplanner offer real time journey information.<br />
<br />
==Maps==<br />
===Printed Maps===<br />
*[[Printed Maps#ERA-E | European Railway Atlas (All-Europe Edition)]] by M.G. Ball.<br />
*[[Printed Maps#ERA-R-1 | European Railway Atlas (Regional Atlas Series, Book 1: Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Great Britain, Ireland, Portugal, Spain, France, Belgium, Netherlands and Luxembourg)]] by M.G. Ball.<br />
*A basic diagrammatic [https://treinwebshop.nl/product/poster-spoorkaart-2021/ Rail Map 2021] by Treinreiziger.nl<br />
*A fourth edition of the [https://nijverepublishers.nl/en/Books-and-maps/Benelux-Rail-Topo Benelux Rail Topo] was published in 2023 (ISBN/EAN 978 90 73280 19 9). In full colour to a scale of 1:550,000 and with a register of over 1,000 stations.<br />
<br />
===Web-based Maps===<br />
*NS provides a map with all passenger train service numbers and frequencies: [https://www.ns.nl/binaries/_ht_1642770500516/content/assets/ns-nl/dienstregeling/nieuwe-dienstregeling/ns-spoorkaart-2022.pdf Spoorkaart 2022]. <br />
*Prorail provides a [https://www.prorail.nl/siteassets/homepage/reizen/documenten/spoorkaart-2020-webversie.pdf detailed geographical map].<br />
*[http://www.sporenplan.nl/ Sporenplan] has a series of on-line maps and schematic track diagrams. Click on "Sporenplannen" on the left hand side for a map showing the countries covered.<br />
*Thorsten Büker's [http://www.bueker.net/trainspotting/maps_benelux.php Map of Benelux network] Although this remains on-line, the Büker maps are no longer being maintained. Last updated March 2018.<br />
*[[Maps and Plans#Netherlands|Maps and Plans - Netherlands]]<br />
<br />
==Ticketing==<br />
In the course of 2023, paying train journeys by debit card (check-in and check-out) will be introduced. So far only public transport in Amsterdam and Den Haag has introduced this payment service. Once every 24 hours the journeys are collected.<br />
<br />
All stations are equipped with ticket machines which all accept debit and credit cards (V PAY, Maestro, Mastercard, Visa and American Express). However, some foreign Visa debit cards are not accepted. Some machines accept coins as well. All machines offer domestic tickets and some provide international tickets to Belgium, and a selection of destinations in Germany. All tickets contain a chip to validate your ticket. Booking offices at small stations have almost all been closed. A surcharge is payable at booking offices when buying a ticket which is available from a ticket machine.<br />
<br />
The smart card [https://www.ov-chipkaart.nl/home-1.htm OV Chipkaart] is the normal ticket on public transport and can be bought at any ticket machine. Machines that add value to an OV Chipkaart accept debit cards issued outside the Netherlands. However, only a few machines (such as at some tobacconists) accept credit cards. Paper tickets continue to be issued from machines and booking offices for rail journeys.<br />
<br />
Information on tickets and passes can be found on the NS [https://www.ns.nl/producten/en/losse-kaartjes-toeslagen Individual tickets & supplements] page. A supplement is required to travel on the HSL between Rotterdam and Schiphol Airport unless the passenger has a valid international ticket (which includes Interrail). The supplement can be purchased from vending machines; there are red validation machines for such supplements on the platforms.<br />
<br />
'''Note''': ALL tickets from machines MUST be touched in and out with ALL operators used in the correct order, when changing operators en-route. Travellers may be fined if they do not do this.<br />
<br />
NS-Zonetaxi (formerly known as treintaxi) tickets include a taxi from/to the railway station for a fixed fare. The service is available in most mid-size towns, but not in Utrecht, Amsterdam, Den Haag and Rotterdam. When riding on single or return tickets, trein-taxi tickets should be bought at the departure station. For the return trip by taxi, tickets are best bought in advance, but the taxi driver sells tickets with a small surcharge.<br />
<br />
Although more local services are to be franchised over the next few years, a uniform ticketing system, including NS and all franchisees, is being retained.<br />
<br />
''Special offers:''<br />
Supermarket chains may offer cheap day tickets from time to time for a limited period. At Amsterdam Schiphol Airport both NS and GVB Amsterdam sell tickets for public transport connections to Amsterdam.[https://www.spoordeelwinkel.nl/product/eindhoven-airport NS-Voordeelwinkel] has special offers for Eindhoven Airport. [http://www.treinreiziger.nl/ Treinreiziger] offers news about the Dutch railwaysystem, including the availabillity of discounted tickets.<br />
<br />
==Infrastructure==<br />
===Infrastructure Authority===<br />
[http://www.prorail.nl/ ProRail] owns and manages the NS infrastructure and is responsible for traffic control and capacity allocation, under the authority of the minister of transport. On 1 July 2015 the operation of the ''Betuweroute'' was transferred to ProRail and the previous owners, Keyrail, ceased to exist.<br />
<br />
[https://www.ilent.nl/ Inspectie Leefomgeving en Transport], part of the Ministry of Transport, is responsible for safety and rolling stock certification.<br />
<br />
===Network Statement===<br />
The Prorail Website gives access to various [http://www.prorail.nl/vervoerders/network-statement NS Network Statement] documents.<br />
<br />
===Gauge===<br />
Standard.<br />
<br />
===Electrification===<br />
1500 V dc. New high-speed lines and the Betuwe trunk freight line between Rotterdam and Zevenaar (- Emmerich (Germany)) are electrified at 25 kV 50 Hz; Zevenaar - Emmerich was converted to 25 kV in 2016 so that freight trains have to change voltage only once, although it caused passenger trains to have to change voltage twice. The Hanzelijn is not officially a high-speed line, so is 1500 V dc. Large-scale conversion to 25 kV 50 Hz in the long term was envisaged but this was abandoned in the late 1990s as too expensive. In 2014 Prorail started a feasibility study into upgrading to 3000 V dc.<br />
Metros and Tramways are 750 V dc, with third rail used on the Amsterdam and Rotterdam metros.<br />
<br />
===Rule of the road===<br />
Right, but most lines are reversibly signalled. The following lines have left-hand running:<br />
* the high speed line from Rotterdam Lombardijen (where there is a flying crossover) to the Belgian border <br />
* the fast lines between Utrecht Centraal and Bilthoven; there is a flying crossover west of Bilthoven <br />
* from Roosendaal to the Belgian border <br />
* from Maastricht to the Belgian border<br />
<br />
There are connections between the high speed line and the old line to Breda where they run parallel south of Lage Zwaluwe, at which the two lines are handed in opposite directions. This results in the two southbound lines (which are adjacent) being linked merely by a long crossover whereas the connection between the northbound lines crosses over all four tracks on a flyover.<br />
<br />
===Distances===<br />
[https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lijst_van_spoorlijnen_in_Nederland Wikipedia] gives distances for all lines in the Netherlands. Click on the line wanted, and on the right distances for stations are given. [http://www.sporenplan.nl/html_nl/sporenplan/ns/ns_nummer/start.html Sporeneplan] provides an alternative source. Click on the line wanted to reach a schematic line plan, alongside which distances for stations (named in abbreviated code) are given. ''Neither is an official page and can be out of date.'' '''If any user can point to an official source for distance information the compilers would be glad to hear.'''<br />
<br />
==Other Railways==<br />
Private operators have franchises to work a number of local passenger services over Prorail lines, thus:<br />
* Arriva Nederland: Leeuwarden - Harlingen, Leeuwarden - Stavoren, Leeuwarden - Groningen, Groningen - Roodeschool/Eemshaven/Delfzijl, Groningen - Veendam/Bad Nieuweschans - Leer (D), Apeldoorn - Zutphen, Zutphen - Winterswijk, Winterswijk - Arnhem, Arnhem - Tiel, Nijmegen - Venlo - Roermond - Maastricht/Heerlen, Maastricht Randwijck - Heerlen - Kerkrade/Aachen (D).<br />
* Blauwnet (Arriva/Keolis): Enschede - Almelo - Mariënberg, Kampen - Zwolle - Emmen, Zutphen - Hengelo - Oldenzaal.<br />
* Breng: Doetinchem - Arnhem.<br />
* Q-Buzz (R-Net): Dordrecht - Geldermalsen; Gouda - Alphen aan den Rijn.<br />
* Valleilijn (Connexxion): Amersfoort - Ede-Wageningen. <br />
<br />
In addition cross-border services are worked by the following operators: <br />
* eurobahn: Hengelo - Bielefeld (D) (RB61); Venlo - Düsseldorf - Hamm (D) (RE13)<br />
* DB Regio: Enschede - Gronau - Münster / Dortmund (D) <br />
* VIAS Rail: Arnhem - Düsseldorf (D) (RE19) <br />
* NMBS: local services Roosendaal - Antwerpen (B); Maastricht - Luik / Liège (B)<br />
<br />
The German based Bentheimer Eisenbahn (BE) owns and operates its trunk line from Bentheim to the border at Laarwald and a further 2 km on to Coevorden. The line is freight only; there has never been any significant border crossing passenger traffic, but freight has regained importance in recent times. Coevorden effectively serves as a German rail bridgehead into the Netherlands, traffic mainly consisting of containers that are subsequently road-hauled into the northern provinces. There are plans to introduce passenger services between Coevorden and Neuenhaus (D), operated by BE, by 2024.<br />
<br />
==Tourist Lines==<br />
A list of Tourist & Museum Railways and Tramways in English is available on the [http://www.railmusea.nl/en Historisch Railvervoer Nederland (HRN)] website.<br />
<br />
Rail cycling is possible on the following sections of line:<br />
*[https://grenzland-draisine.eu/ Grenzland Draisine]: based at Kranenburg in Germany, on the former Kleve [DE] - Nijmegen [NL] line, the ''Grenzenlose'' trip to Groesbeek (5.5 km one way) covers a portion in the Netherlands <br />
*[https://www.spoorfietsen.nl Spoorfietsen]: Hengelo - Twekkelo (a short stretch of Hengelo - Boekelo line, latterly serving AKZO factory)<br />
<br />
==Metro==<br />
[http://www.gvb.nl/ENGLISH/Pages/default.aspx Amsterdam], [https://www.ret.nl/en/ Rotterdam], [https://www.ret.nl/en/home/travelling-with-the-ret.html RandstadRail].<br />
<br />
Track plans for all metro systems in the Netherlands are available on the [http://www.gleisplanweb.eu/ Gleisplanweb site].<br />
<br />
== Trams/LRT-Systems ==<br />
Amsterdam, Den Haag, Rotterdam, Utrecht.<br />
<br />
Track plans for all tram systems in the Netherlands are available on the [http://www.gleisplanweb.eu/ Gleisplanweb site].<br />
<br />
See also [[Netherlands_-_Tram_services_over_obscure_routes|Netherlands - Tram services over obscure routes]]<br />
<br />
==Recent and Future Changes==<br />
===Future changes===<br />
<br />
Passenger services are to resume between Veendam and Stadskanaal in 2024. Simultaneously introduction of passenger services between Coevorden - Neuenhaus (D) and on to Bad Bentheim (D) are expected by 2024.<br />
<br />
The proposed electrification of Nijmegen - Venlo - Roermond has been cancelled because of the increasing cost of materials and the effects of the coronavirus pandemic on the supply chain. <br />
<br />
The new 'Friesenbrücke' bridge, facilitating the passenger traffic Groningen - Bad Nieuweschans - Leer (D) should be constructed by 2024.<br />
<br />
Long term projects:<br />
On 10 October 2017, the coalition government agreed plans to reopen Weert - Hamont, with co-financing from regional authorities, following the reopening of Neerpelt - Hamont by SNCB. On 9 November the governments concluded an agreement to electrify the line.<br />
<br />
The "Iron Rhine" freight line between Roermond and Dalheim (Germany) is planned to reopened for traffic between Antwerpen and the Ruhr. However this has been delayed by a dispute between the Dutch and Belgian governments, which has gone to arbitration.<br />
<br />
===Recent changes===<br />
<br />
On 25 May 2023, [https://www.europeansleeper.eu/en European Sleeper] started to operate a night service from Brussel/Bruxelles via Rotterdam and Amsterdam to Berlin. In 2024 this service will be extended to Praha.<br />
<br />
RET Metro line B has been extended by 2.6 km from Hoek van Holland Haven to a new Hoek Van Holland Strand station, 0.9 km beyond the previous NS Strand station. Regular services commenced on 31 March 2023.<br />
<br />
Landgraaf - Herzogenrath (Germany) has been upgraded for cargo traffic in September 2022, while Arriva EMUs are running between Aachen Hbf and Maastricht since the electrification in 2018. The planned through Arriva service between Aachen and Liège has been delayed and until further notice NMBS continue to operate a separate train service between Maastricht and Liège.<br />
<br />
The last museum trains to use the Blauwkapel Kruispunt, where the line northwards from the ''Nederlands Spoorwegmuseum'' at Utrecht Maliebaan station makes a flat crossing with the Utrecht - Amersfoort line, ran on 14 May 2022. The north - south link at Blauwkapel has since been removed. This does not affect the shuttle trains between Utrecht Centraal station and the museum, which continue to run. <br />
<br />
By December 2021 Zürich - Amsterdam NightJet services were introduced, complementing the Wien - Amsterdam services which started on 25 May 2021.<br />
<br />
The (Rotterdam -) Schiedam Centrum - Hoek van Holland ''Hoekse Lijn'' line closed to passengers as an NS line on 1 April 2017 and reopened as RET Metro line B between Nesselande and Hoek van Holland on 30 September 2019, thus bringing a new connection into use between Schiedam Centrum metro station and Schiedam Nieuwland. Until the line onwards to Hoek van Holland Strand was opened on 31 March 2023, RET trains temporarily used the old Hoek van Holland International Boat Train platforms.<br />
<br />
The former passenger connection between the Metro and the ProRail/NS network has been retained for freight. From 28 November 2019, cargo trains have run to Vlaardingen Oost, where there is a connection to the Vulcaanhaven oil terminals.<br />
<br />
The new station of Lansingerland-Zoetermeer on the NS Den Haag to Gouda line opened on 9 December 2018 and the extension to tram line 4 (RandstadRail4) from Zoetermeer Javalaan to the new station opened on 19 May 2019.<br />
<br />
The 'Intercity Direct' service between Amsterdam and Brussel/Bruxelles (the successor to the former Benelux service) was diverted via the HSL Zuid and Breda [reverse] from 9 April 2018, thus opening for passenger traffic the curve southwards from Breda towards the Belgian border.<br />
<br />
===Older Changes===<br />
For details of older changes see [[Netherlands - Older General Information]].<br />
<br />
==Special notes==<br />
Many trains worked by multiple units split en route to serve more than one destination. External displays may show the destination of each portion; newer train sets are provided with internal displays as well. The number of each unit is displayed prominently in each carriage and when trains divide public address announcements usually refer to these to inform passengers where each unit is going.<br />
<br />
The freight line to Terneuzen is accessible only from Gent in Belgium.<br />
<br />
'''New trains'''<br />
<br />
NS has ordered 79 EMU 'Intercity New Generation' at Alstom, based on Coradia platform for use on the HSL by 2023. <br />
<br />
NS has ordered 20 EMU 'Intercity New Generation' at Alstom, based on Coradia platform for services to Brussels by 2025.<br />
<br />
'''Wifi'''<br />
<br />
Most stations have free internet access via KPN hotspots. NS Intercity trains have free internet by 'Wifi in de trein' provided by T-mobile; other operators like Arriva and Veolia offer free wifi in their trains. However loco hauled services are not provided with wifi.<br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
{{Navbox Netherlands}}</div>Theijs Europehttps://www.egtre.info/w/index.php?title=Netherlands_-_General_Information&diff=53978Netherlands - General Information2023-12-29T10:54:14Z<p>Theijs Europe: /* National Railway Operator */ Eurostart</p>
<hr />
<div>==Country Name==<br />
Netherlands (Nederland)<br />
<br />
==National Railway System==<br />
===National Railway Operator===<br />
[https://www.ns.nl/en Nederlandse Spoorwegen] (NS) is the principal passenger carrier, which operates through various subsidiary companies, including:<br />
* NS Reizigers - Domestic passenger services <br />
* [https://www.nsinternational.com/en ''NS International''] - International passenger services.<br />
<br />
[https://www.eurostar.com/''Eurostar''] services to the Netherlands are operated by a stand-alone company owned by SNCF (62%), SNCB/NMBS (28%) and DB (10%); NS is not a partner. <br />
<br />
There is no longer a national freight operator. The former NS freight operation has been sold and is a subsidiary of DB (see below). Open access freight operators have a considerable market share. Current freight operators in The Netherlands as at 2023 are DB Cargo Nederland (German), Lineas Nederland (Belgian), LTE Netherlands (Austrian), Captrain (French) and RTB Cargo German) amoungst others.<br />
<br />
==Language==<br />
Dutch<br />
<br />
==Currency==<br />
Euro<br />
<br />
==UIC code==<br />
Numeric 84; alpha NL<br />
<br />
==Timetable==<br />
As of 14 December 2014, every station should be served twice an hour.<br />
<br />
===Journey Planner===<br />
* PC and smartphone: [https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information Travel Information].<br />
* Iphone application: [https://apps.apple.com/nl/app/ns/id370362301 Reisplanner].<br />
* Android application: [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=nl.ns.android.activity&utm_source=ns&utm_medium=banner&utm_campaign=rpxpagina Reisplanner]<br />
* Windows application: [https://www.microsoft.com/store/apps/9wzdncrdmbbm Treinplanner]<br />
<br />
===Actual Train Times===<br />
* [https://spoorkaart.mwnn.nl/ Actuele spoorkaart Nederland]<br />
*[https://treinenradar.nl/ Treinenradar Live]<br />
<br />
===Downloadable Timetable===<br />
By December 2023, NS no longer produces timetables in pdf format on its website.<br />
<br />
===Printed Timetable===<br />
''Rover'' offers a paper [https://www.ovshop.nl/shop/rover-spoorboekje-2023/ ''Spoorboekje''] for 2022-2023. NS discontinued paper timetables after the 2009-2010 edition. Rover took the publication over from Treinreiziger.<br />
<br />
===Engineering Information===<br />
[https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/current-situation-on-the-tracks The current situation on the tracks].<br />
[https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/maintenance-on-the-tracks/ An overview of scheduled works in the upcoming months that will effect services].<br />
<br />
===Real Time Train Information===<br />
Real time train running information is available on the [http://treinenradar.nl/ ''Treinenradar''], [https://treinposities.nl/ ''Treinposities''] and [http://spoorkaart.mwnn.nl/ Spoorkaart] websites. Moreover, public transport Apps like OV9292 and NS Reisplanner offer real time journey information.<br />
<br />
==Maps==<br />
===Printed Maps===<br />
*[[Printed Maps#ERA-E | European Railway Atlas (All-Europe Edition)]] by M.G. Ball.<br />
*[[Printed Maps#ERA-R-1 | European Railway Atlas (Regional Atlas Series, Book 1: Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Great Britain, Ireland, Portugal, Spain, France, Belgium, Netherlands and Luxembourg)]] by M.G. Ball.<br />
*A basic diagrammatic [https://treinwebshop.nl/product/poster-spoorkaart-2021/ Rail Map 2021] by Treinreiziger.nl<br />
*A fourth edition of the [https://nijverepublishers.nl/en/Books-and-maps/Benelux-Rail-Topo Benelux Rail Topo] was published in 2023 (ISBN/EAN 978 90 73280 19 9). In full colour to a scale of 1:550,000 and with a register of over 1,000 stations.<br />
<br />
===Web-based Maps===<br />
*NS provides a map with all passenger train service numbers and frequencies: [https://www.ns.nl/binaries/_ht_1642770500516/content/assets/ns-nl/dienstregeling/nieuwe-dienstregeling/ns-spoorkaart-2022.pdf Spoorkaart 2022]. <br />
*Prorail provides a [https://www.prorail.nl/siteassets/homepage/reizen/documenten/spoorkaart-2020-webversie.pdf detailed geographical map].<br />
*[http://www.sporenplan.nl/ Sporenplan] has a series of on-line maps and schematic track diagrams. Click on "Sporenplannen" on the left hand side for a map showing the countries covered.<br />
*Thorsten Büker's [http://www.bueker.net/trainspotting/maps_benelux.php Map of Benelux network] Although this remains on-line, the Büker maps are no longer being maintained. Last updated March 2018.<br />
*[[Maps and Plans#Netherlands|Maps and Plans - Netherlands]]<br />
<br />
==Ticketing==<br />
In the course of 2023, paying train journeys by debit card (check-in and check-out) will be introduced. So far only public transport in Amsterdam and Den Haag has introduced this payment service. Once every 24 hours the journeys are collected.<br />
<br />
All stations are equipped with ticket machines which all accept debit and credit cards (V PAY, Maestro, Mastercard, Visa and American Express). However, some foreign Visa debit cards are not accepted. Some machines accept coins as well. All machines offer domestic tickets and some provide international tickets to Belgium, and a selection of destinations in Germany. All tickets contain a chip to validate your ticket. Booking offices at small stations have almost all been closed. A surcharge is payable at booking offices when buying a ticket which is available from a ticket machine.<br />
<br />
The smart card [https://www.ov-chipkaart.nl/home-1.htm OV Chipkaart] is the normal ticket on public transport and can be bought at any ticket machine. Machines that add value to an OV Chipkaart accept debit cards issued outside the Netherlands. However, only a few machines (such as at some tobacconists) accept credit cards. Paper tickets continue to be issued from machines and booking offices for rail journeys.<br />
<br />
Information on tickets and passes can be found on the NS [https://www.ns.nl/producten/en/losse-kaartjes-toeslagen Individual tickets & supplements] page. A supplement is required to travel on the HSL between Rotterdam and Schiphol Airport unless the passenger has a valid international ticket (which includes Interrail). The supplement can be purchased from vending machines; there are red validation machines for such supplements on the platforms.<br />
<br />
'''Note''': ALL tickets from machines MUST be touched in and out with ALL operators used in the correct order, when changing operators en-route. Travellers may be fined if they do not do this.<br />
<br />
NS-Zonetaxi (formerly known as treintaxi) tickets include a taxi from/to the railway station for a fixed fare. The service is available in most mid-size towns, but not in Utrecht, Amsterdam, Den Haag and Rotterdam. When riding on single or return tickets, trein-taxi tickets should be bought at the departure station. For the return trip by taxi, tickets are best bought in advance, but the taxi driver sells tickets with a small surcharge.<br />
<br />
Although more local services are to be franchised over the next few years, a uniform ticketing system, including NS and all franchisees, is being retained.<br />
<br />
''Special offers:''<br />
Supermarket chains may offer cheap day tickets from time to time for a limited period. At Amsterdam Schiphol Airport both NS and GVB Amsterdam sell tickets for public transport connections to Amsterdam.[https://www.spoordeelwinkel.nl/product/eindhoven-airport NS-Voordeelwinkel] has special offers for Eindhoven Airport. [http://www.treinreiziger.nl/ Treinreiziger] offers news about the Dutch railwaysystem, including the availabillity of discounted tickets.<br />
<br />
==Infrastructure==<br />
===Infrastructure Authority===<br />
[http://www.prorail.nl/ ProRail] owns and manages the NS infrastructure and is responsible for traffic control and capacity allocation, under the authority of the minister of transport. On 1 July 2015 the operation of the ''Betuweroute'' was transferred to ProRail and the previous owners, Keyrail, ceased to exist.<br />
<br />
[https://www.ilent.nl/ Inspectie Leefomgeving en Transport], part of the Ministry of Transport, is responsible for safety and rolling stock certification.<br />
<br />
===Network Statement===<br />
The Prorail Website gives access to various [http://www.prorail.nl/vervoerders/network-statement NS Network Statement] documents.<br />
<br />
===Gauge===<br />
Standard.<br />
<br />
===Electrification===<br />
1500 V dc. New high-speed lines and the Betuwe trunk freight line between Rotterdam and Zevenaar (- Emmerich (Germany)) are electrified at 25 kV 50 Hz; Zevenaar - Emmerich was converted to 25 kV in 2016 so that freight trains have to change voltage only once, although it caused passenger trains to have to change voltage twice. The Hanzelijn is not officially a high-speed line, so is 1500 V dc. Large-scale conversion to 25 kV 50 Hz in the long term was envisaged but this was abandoned in the late 1990s as too expensive. In 2014 Prorail started a feasibility study into upgrading to 3000 V dc.<br />
Metros and Tramways are 750 V dc, with third rail used on the Amsterdam and Rotterdam metros.<br />
<br />
===Rule of the road===<br />
Right, but most lines are reversibly signalled. The following lines have left-hand running:<br />
* the high speed line from Rotterdam Lombardijen (where there is a flying crossover) to the Belgian border <br />
* the fast lines between Utrecht Centraal and Bilthoven; there is a flying crossover west of Bilthoven <br />
* from Roosendaal to the Belgian border <br />
* from Maastricht to the Belgian border<br />
<br />
There are connections between the high speed line and the old line to Breda where they run parallel south of Lage Zwaluwe, at which the two lines are handed in opposite directions. This results in the two southbound lines (which are adjacent) being linked merely by a long crossover whereas the connection between the northbound lines crosses over all four tracks on a flyover.<br />
<br />
===Distances===<br />
[https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lijst_van_spoorlijnen_in_Nederland Wikipedia] gives distances for all lines in the Netherlands. Click on the line wanted, and on the right distances for stations are given. [http://www.sporenplan.nl/html_nl/sporenplan/ns/ns_nummer/start.html Sporeneplan] provides an alternative source. Click on the line wanted to reach a schematic line plan, alongside which distances for stations (named in abbreviated code) are given. ''Neither is an official page and can be out of date.'' '''If any user can point to an official source for distance information the compilers would be glad to hear.'''<br />
<br />
==Other Railways==<br />
Private operators have franchises to work a number of local passenger services over Prorail lines, thus:<br />
* Arriva Nederland: Leeuwarden - Harlingen, Leeuwarden - Stavoren, Leeuwarden - Groningen, Groningen - Roodeschool/Eemshaven/Delfzijl, Groningen - Veendam/Bad Nieuweschans - Leer (D), Apeldoorn - Zutphen, Zutphen - Winterswijk, Winterswijk - Arnhem, Arnhem - Tiel, Nijmegen - Venlo - Roermond - Maastricht/Heerlen, Maastricht Randwijck - Heerlen - Kerkrade/Aachen (D).<br />
* Blauwnet (Arriva/Keolis): Enschede - Almelo - Mariënberg, Kampen - Zwolle - Emmen, Zutphen - Hengelo - Oldenzaal.<br />
* Breng: Doetinchem - Arnhem.<br />
* Q-Buzz (R-Net): Dordrecht - Geldermalsen; Gouda - Alphen aan den Rijn.<br />
* Valleilijn (Connexxion): Amersfoort - Ede-Wageningen. <br />
<br />
In addition cross-border services are worked by the following operators: <br />
* eurobahn: Hengelo - Bielefeld (D) (RB61); Venlo - Düsseldorf - Hamm (D) (RE13)<br />
* DB Regio: Enschede - Gronau - Münster / Dortmund (D) <br />
* VIAS Rail: Arnhem - Düsseldorf (D) (RE19) <br />
* NMBS: local services Roosendaal - Antwerpen (B); Maastricht - Luik / Liège (B)<br />
<br />
The German based Bentheimer Eisenbahn (BE) owns and operates its trunk line from Bentheim to the border at Laarwald and a further 2 km on to Coevorden. The line is freight only; there has never been any significant border crossing passenger traffic, but freight has regained importance in recent times. Coevorden effectively serves as a German rail bridgehead into the Netherlands, traffic mainly consisting of containers that are subsequently road-hauled into the northern provinces. There are plans to introduce passenger services between Coevorden and Neuenhaus (D), operated by BE, by 2024.<br />
<br />
==Tourist Lines==<br />
A list of Tourist & Museum Railways and Tramways in English is available on the [http://www.railmusea.nl/en Historisch Railvervoer Nederland (HRN)] website.<br />
<br />
Rail cycling is possible on the following sections of line:<br />
*[https://grenzland-draisine.eu/ Grenzland Draisine]: based at Kranenburg in Germany, on the former Kleve [DE] - Nijmegen [NL] line, the ''Grenzenlose'' trip to Groesbeek (5.5 km one way) covers a portion in the Netherlands <br />
*[https://www.spoorfietsen.nl Spoorfietsen]: Hengelo - Twekkelo (a short stretch of Hengelo - Boekelo line, latterly serving AKZO factory)<br />
<br />
==Metro==<br />
[http://www.gvb.nl/ENGLISH/Pages/default.aspx Amsterdam], [https://www.ret.nl/en/ Rotterdam], [https://www.ret.nl/en/home/travelling-with-the-ret.html RandstadRail].<br />
<br />
Track plans for all metro systems in the Netherlands are available on the [http://www.gleisplanweb.eu/ Gleisplanweb site].<br />
<br />
== Trams/LRT-Systems ==<br />
Amsterdam, Den Haag, Rotterdam, Utrecht.<br />
<br />
Track plans for all tram systems in the Netherlands are available on the [http://www.gleisplanweb.eu/ Gleisplanweb site].<br />
<br />
See also [[Netherlands_-_Tram_services_over_obscure_routes|Netherlands - Tram services over obscure routes]]<br />
<br />
==Recent and Future Changes==<br />
===Future changes===<br />
<br />
Passenger services are to resume between Veendam and Stadskanaal in 2024. Simultaneously introduction of passenger services between Coevorden - Neuenhaus (D) and on to Bad Bentheim (D) are expected by 2024.<br />
<br />
The proposed electrification of Nijmegen - Venlo - Roermond has been cancelled because of the increasing cost of materials and the effects of the coronavirus pandemic on the supply chain. <br />
<br />
The new 'Friesenbrücke' bridge, facilitating the passenger traffic Groningen - Bad Nieuweschans - Leer (D) should be constructed by 2024.<br />
<br />
Long term projects:<br />
On 10 October 2017, the coalition government agreed plans to reopen Weert - Hamont, with co-financing from regional authorities, following the reopening of Neerpelt - Hamont by SNCB. On 9 November the governments concluded an agreement to electrify the line.<br />
<br />
The "Iron Rhine" freight line between Roermond and Dalheim (Germany) is planned to reopened for traffic between Antwerpen and the Ruhr. However this has been delayed by a dispute between the Dutch and Belgian governments, which has gone to arbitration.<br />
<br />
===Recent changes===<br />
<br />
On 25 May 2023, [https://www.europeansleeper.eu/en European Sleeper] started to operate a night service from Brussel/Bruxelles via Rotterdam and Amsterdam to Berlin. In 2024 this service will be extended to Praha.<br />
<br />
RET Metro line B has been extended by 2.6 km from Hoek van Holland Haven to a new Hoek Van Holland Strand station, 0.9 km beyond the previous NS Strand station. Regular services commenced on 31 March 2023.<br />
<br />
Landgraaf - Herzogenrath (Germany) has been upgraded for cargo traffic in September 2022, while Arriva EMUs are running between Aachen Hbf and Maastricht since the electrification in 2018. The planned through Arriva service between Aachen and Liège has been delayed and until further notice NMBS continue to operate a separate train service between Maastricht and Liège.<br />
<br />
The last museum trains to use the Blauwkapel Kruispunt, where the line northwards from the ''Nederlands Spoorwegmuseum'' at Utrecht Maliebaan station makes a flat crossing with the Utrecht - Amersfoort line, ran on 14 May 2022. The north - south link at Blauwkapel has since been removed. This does not affect the shuttle trains between Utrecht Centraal station and the museum, which continue to run. <br />
<br />
By December 2021 Zürich - Amsterdam NightJet services were introduced, complementing the Wien - Amsterdam services which started on 25 May 2021.<br />
<br />
The (Rotterdam -) Schiedam Centrum - Hoek van Holland ''Hoekse Lijn'' line closed to passengers as an NS line on 1 April 2017 and reopened as RET Metro line B between Nesselande and Hoek van Holland on 30 September 2019, thus bringing a new connection into use between Schiedam Centrum metro station and Schiedam Nieuwland. Until the line onwards to Hoek van Holland Strand was opened on 31 March 2023, RET trains temporarily used the old Hoek van Holland International Boat Train platforms.<br />
<br />
The former passenger connection between the Metro and the ProRail/NS network has been retained for freight. From 28 November 2019, cargo trains have run to Vlaardingen Oost, where there is a connection to the Vulcaanhaven oil terminals.<br />
<br />
The new station of Lansingerland-Zoetermeer on the NS Den Haag to Gouda line opened on 9 December 2018 and the extension to tram line 4 (RandstadRail4) from Zoetermeer Javalaan to the new station opened on 19 May 2019.<br />
<br />
The 'Intercity Direct' service between Amsterdam and Brussel/Bruxelles (the successor to the former Benelux service) was diverted via the HSL Zuid and Breda [reverse] from 9 April 2018, thus opening for passenger traffic the curve southwards from Breda towards the Belgian border.<br />
<br />
===Older Changes===<br />
For details of older changes see [[Netherlands - Older General Information]].<br />
<br />
==Special notes==<br />
Many trains worked by multiple units split en route to serve more than one destination. External displays may show the destination of each portion; newer train sets are provided with internal displays as well. The number of each unit is displayed prominently in each carriage and when trains divide public address announcements usually refer to these to inform passengers where each unit is going.<br />
<br />
The freight line to Terneuzen is accessible only from Gent in Belgium.<br />
<br />
'''New trains'''<br />
<br />
NS has ordered 79 EMU 'Intercity New Generation' at Alstom, based on Coradia platform for use on the HSL by 2023. <br />
<br />
NS has ordered 20 EMU 'Intercity New Generation' at Alstom, based on Coradia platform for services to Brussels by 2025.<br />
<br />
'''Wifi'''<br />
<br />
Most stations have free internet access via KPN hotspots. NS Intercity trains have free internet by 'Wifi in de trein' provided by T-mobile; other operators like Arriva and Veolia offer free wifi in their trains. However loco hauled services are not provided with wifi.<br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
{{Navbox Netherlands}}</div>Theijs Europehttps://www.egtre.info/w/index.php?title=Netherlands_-_General_Information&diff=49654Netherlands - General Information2023-03-24T11:13:49Z<p>Theijs Europe: /* Future changes */ opening date metro extension</p>
<hr />
<div>==Country Name==<br />
Netherlands (Nederland)<br />
<br />
==National Railway System==<br />
===National Railway Operator===<br />
Nederlandse Spoorwegen (https://www.ns.nl/en NS]) is the principal passenger carrier, which operates through various subsidiary companies, including:<br />
* NS Reizigers - Domestic passenger services <br />
* [https://www.nsinternational.com/en ''NS International''] - International passenger services.<br />
<br />
[https://www.thalys.com/nl/en ''Thalys''] services to the Netherlands are operated by a stand-alone company owned by SNCF (62%), SNCB/NMBS (28%) and DB (10%); NS is not a partner. <br />
<br />
There is no longer a national freight operator. The former NS freight operation has been sold and is a subsidiary of DB (see below). Open access freight operators have a considerable market share. Current freight operators in The Netherlands as at 2023 are DB Cargo Nederland (German), Lineas Nederland (Belgian), LTE Netherlands (Austrian), Captrain (French) and RTB Cargo German) amoungst others.<br />
<br />
==Language==<br />
Dutch<br />
<br />
==Currency==<br />
Euro<br />
<br />
==UIC code==<br />
Numeric 84; alpha NL<br />
<br />
==Timetable==<br />
As of 14 December 2014, every station should be served twice an hour.<br />
<br />
===Journey Planner===<br />
* PC and smartphone: [https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information Travel Information].<br />
* Iphone application: [https://apps.apple.com/nl/app/ns/id370362301 Reisplanner].<br />
* Android application: [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=nl.ns.android.activity&utm_source=ns&utm_medium=banner&utm_campaign=rpxpagina Reisplanner]<br />
* Windows application: [https://www.microsoft.com/store/apps/9wzdncrdmbbm Treinplanner]<br />
<br />
===Actual Train Times===<br />
* [https://spoorkaart.mwnn.nl/ Actuele spoorkaart Nederland]<br />
*[https://treinenradar.nl/ Treinenradar Live]<br />
<br />
===Downloadable Timetable===<br />
By December 2023, NS no longer produces timetables in pdf format on its website.<br />
<br />
===Printed Timetable===<br />
''Rover'' offers a paper [https://www.ovshop.nl/shop/rover-spoorboekje-2023/ ''Spoorboekje''] for 2022-2023. NS discontinued paper timetables after the 2009-2010 edition. Rover took the publication over from Treinreiziger.<br />
<br />
===Engineering Information===<br />
[https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/current-situation-on-the-tracks The current situation on the tracks].<br />
[https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/maintenance-on-the-tracks/ An overview of scheduled works in the upcoming months that will effect services].<br />
<br />
===Real Time Train Information===<br />
Real time train running information is available on the [http://treinenradar.nl/ ''Treinenradar''], [https://treinposities.nl/ ''Treinposities''] and [http://spoorkaart.mwnn.nl/ Spoorkaart] websites. Moreover, public transport Apps like OV9292 and NS Reisplanner offer real time journey information.<br />
<br />
==Maps==<br />
===Printed Maps===<br />
*[[Printed Maps#ERA-E | European Railway Atlas (All-Europe Edition)]] by M.G. Ball.<br />
*[[Printed Maps#ERA-R-FR-BE-NL-LU | European Railway Atlas (Regional Series - France and Benelux)]] by M.G. Ball.<br />
*[https://treinwebshop.nl/product/poster-spoorkaart-2021/ Rail Map 2021] by Treinreiziger.nl<br />
<br />
===Web-based Maps===<br />
*NS provides a map with all passenger train service numbers and frequencies: [https://www.ns.nl/binaries/_ht_1642770500516/content/assets/ns-nl/dienstregeling/nieuwe-dienstregeling/ns-spoorkaart-2022.pdf Spoorkaart 2022]. <br />
*Prorail provides a [https://www.prorail.nl/siteassets/homepage/reizen/documenten/spoorkaart-2020-webversie.pdf detailed geographical map].<br />
*[http://www.sporenplan.nl/ Sporenplan] has a series of on-line maps and schematic track diagrams. Click on "Sporenplannen" on the left hand side for a map showing the countries covered.<br />
*Thorsten Büker's [http://www.bueker.net/trainspotting/maps_benelux.php Map of Benelux network] Although this remains on-line, the Büker maps are no longer being maintained. Last updated March 2018.<br />
*[[Maps and Plans#Netherlands|Maps and Plans - Netherlands]]<br />
<br />
==Ticketing==<br />
In the course of 2023, paying train journeys by debit card (check-in and check-out) will be introduced. So far only public transport in Amsterdam and Den Haag has introduced this payment service. Once every 24 hours the journeys are collected.<br />
<br />
All stations are equipped with ticket machines which all accept debit and credit cards (V PAY, Maestro, Mastercard, Visa and American Express). However, some foreign Visa debit cards are not accepted. Some machines accept coins as well. All machines offer domestic tickets and some provide international tickets to Belgium, and a selection of destinations in Germany. All tickets contain a chip to validate your ticket. Booking offices at small stations have almost all been closed. A surcharge is payable at booking offices when buying a ticket which is available from a ticket machine.<br />
<br />
The smart card [https://www.ov-chipkaart.nl/home-1.htm OV Chipkaart] is the normal ticket on public transport and can be bought at any ticket machine. Machines that add value to an OV Chipkaart accept debit cards issued outside the Netherlands. However, only a few machines (such as at some tobacconists) accept credit cards. Paper tickets continue to be issued from machines and booking offices for rail journeys.<br />
<br />
Information on tickets and passes can be found on the NS [https://www.ns.nl/producten/en/losse-kaartjes-toeslagen Individual tickets & supplements] page. A supplement is required to travel on the HSL between Rotterdam and Schiphol Airport unless the passenger has a valid international ticket (which includes Interrail). The supplement can be purchased from vending machines; there are red validation machines for such supplements on the platforms.<br />
<br />
'''Note''': ALL tickets from machines MUST be touched in and out with ALL operators used in the correct order, when changing operators en-route. Travellers may be fined if they do not do this.<br />
<br />
NS-Zonetaxi (formerly known as treintaxi) tickets include a taxi from/to the railway station for a fixed fare. The service is available in most mid-size towns, but not in Utrecht, Amsterdam, Den Haag and Rotterdam. When riding on single or return tickets, trein-taxi tickets should be bought at the departure station. For the return trip by taxi, tickets are best bought in advance, but the taxi driver sells tickets with a small surcharge.<br />
<br />
Although more local services are to be franchised over the next few years, a uniform ticketing system, including NS and all franchisees, is being retained.<br />
<br />
''Special offers:''<br />
Supermarket chains may offer cheap day tickets from time to time for a limited period. At Amsterdam Schiphol Airport both NS and GVB Amsterdam sell tickets for public transport connections to Amsterdam.[https://www.spoordeelwinkel.nl/product/eindhoven-airport NS-Voordeelwinkel] has special offers for Eindhoven Airport. [http://www.treinreiziger.nl/ Treinreiziger] offers news about the Dutch railwaysystem, including the availabillity of discounted tickets.<br />
<br />
==Infrastructure==<br />
===Infrastructure Authority===<br />
[http://www.prorail.nl/ ProRail] owns and manages the NS infrastructure and is responsible for traffic control and capacity allocation, under the authority of the minister of transport. On 1 July 2015 the operation of the ''Betuweroute'' was transferred to ProRail and the previous owners, Keyrail, ceased to exist.<br />
<br />
[https://www.ilent.nl/ Inspectie Leefomgeving en Transport], part of the Ministry of Transport, is responsible for safety and rolling stock certification.<br />
<br />
===Network Statement===<br />
The Prorail Website gives access to various [http://www.prorail.nl/vervoerders/network-statement NS Network Statement] documents.<br />
<br />
===Gauge===<br />
Standard.<br />
<br />
===Electrification===<br />
1500 V dc. New high-speed lines and the Betuwe trunk freight line between Rotterdam and Zevenaar (- Emmerich (Germany)) are electrified at 25 kV 50 Hz; Zevenaar - Emmerich was converted to 25 kV in 2016 so that freight trains have to change voltage only once, although it caused passenger trains to have to change voltage twice. The Hanzelijn is not officially a high-speed line, so is 1500 V dc. Large-scale conversion to 25 kV 50 Hz in the long term was envisaged but this was abandoned in the late 1990s as too expensive. In 2014 Prorail started a feasibility study into upgrading to 3000 V dc.<br />
Metros and Tramways are 750 V dc, with third rail used on the Amsterdam and Rotterdam metros.<br />
<br />
===Rule of the road===<br />
Right, but most lines are reversibly signalled. The following lines have left-hand running:<br />
* the high speed line from Rotterdam Lombardijen (where there is a flying crossover) to the Belgian border <br />
* the fast lines between Utrecht Centraal and Bilthoven; there is a flying crossover west of Bilthoven <br />
* from Roosendaal to the Belgian border <br />
* from Maastricht to the Belgian border<br />
<br />
There are connections between the high speed line and the old line to Breda where they run parallel south of Lage Zwaluwe, at which the two lines are handed in opposite directions. This results in the two southbound lines (which are adjacent) being linked merely by a long crossover whereas the connection between the northbound lines crosses over all four tracks on a flyover.<br />
<br />
===Distances===<br />
[https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lijst_van_spoorlijnen_in_Nederland Wikipedia] gives distances for all lines in the Netherlands. Click on the line wanted, and on the right distances for stations are given. [http://www.sporenplan.nl/html_nl/sporenplan/ns/ns_nummer/start.html Sporeneplan] provides an alternative source. Click on the line wanted to reach a schematic line plan, alongside which distances for stations (named in abbreviated code) are given. ''Neither is an official page and can be out of date.'' '''If any user can point to an official source for distance information the compilers would be glad to hear.'''<br />
<br />
==Other Railways==<br />
Private operators have franchises to work a number of local passenger services over NS lines, thus:<br />
* Arriva Nederland: Leeuwarden - Harlingen, Leeuwarden - Stavoren, Leeuwarden - Groningen, Groningen - Roodeschool/Eemshaven/Delfzijl, Groningen - Veendam/Bad Nieuweschans - Leer (D), Apeldoorn - Zutphen, Zutphen - Winterswijk, Winterswijk - Arnhem, Arnhem - Tiel, Nijmegen - Venlo - Roermond - Maastricht/Heerlen, Maastricht Randwijck - Heerlen - Kerkrade/Aachen (D).<br />
* Abellio (part of NS): Gouda - Alphen aan den Rijn, Arnhem - Emmerich (D).<br />
* Blauwnet (Arriva/Keolis/Syntus): Enschede - Almelo - Mariënberg, Kampen - Zwolle - Emmen, Zutphen - Hengelo - Oldenzaal.<br />
* Breng: Doetinchem - Arnhem.<br />
* Q-Buzz (R-Net): Dordrecht - Geldermalsen<br />
* Valleilijn (Connexxion): Amersfoort - Ede-Wageningen. <br />
<br />
In addition next cross border services are operated: <br />
Keolis: Hengelo - Bielefeld(D), <br />
DB Regio: Enschede - Gronau - Münster / Dortmund <br />
Abellio: Arnhem - Düsseldorf (RE19) <br />
Regiobahn: Venlo - Düsseldorf - Hamm (RE13)(D),<br />
NMBS: local services Roosendaal - Antwerpen (B)<br />
NMBS: local services Maastricht - Luik / Liège (B)<br />
<br />
The German based Bentheimer Eisenbahn owns and operates its trunk line from Bentheim to the border at Laarwald and a further 2 km on to Coevorden. The line is freight only; there has never been any significant border crossing passenger traffic, but freight has regained importance in recent times. Coevorden effectively serves as a German rail bridgehead into the Netherlands, traffic mainly consisting of containers that are subsequently road-hauled into the northern provinces. There are plans to introduce passenger services between Coevorden en Neuenhaus (D) by BE by 2024.<br />
<br />
==Tourist Lines==<br />
A list of Tourist & Museum Railways and Tramways in English is available on the [http://www.railmusea.nl/en Historisch Railvervoer Nederland (HRN)] website.<br />
<br />
Rail cycling is possible on the following sections of line:<br />
*[https://grenzland-draisine.eu/ Grenzland Draisine]: based at Kranenburg in Germany, on the former Kleve [DE] - Nijmegen [NL] line, the ''Grenzenlose'' trip to Groesbeek (5.5 km one way) covers a portion in the Netherlands <br />
*[https://www.spoorfietsen.nl Spoorfietsen]: Hengelo - Twekkelo (a short stretch of Hengelo - Boekelo line, latterly serving AKZO factory)<br />
<br />
==Metro==<br />
[http://www.gvb.nl/ENGLISH/Pages/default.aspx Amsterdam], [https://www.ret.nl/en/ Rotterdam], [https://www.ret.nl/en/home/travelling-with-the-ret.html RandstadRail].<br />
<br />
Track plans for all metro systems in the Netherlands are available on the [http://www.gleisplanweb.eu/ Gleisplanweb site].<br />
<br />
== Trams/LRT-Systems ==<br />
Amsterdam, Den Haag, Rotterdam, Utrecht.<br />
<br />
Track plans for all tram systems in the Netherlands are available on the [http://www.gleisplanweb.eu/ Gleisplanweb site].<br />
<br />
See also [[Netherlands_-_Tram_services_over_obscure_routes|Netherlands - Tram services over obscure routes]]<br />
<br />
==Recent and Future Changes==<br />
===Future changes===<br />
Work is in progress to extend RET Metro line B from Hoek van Holland Haven to the site of the former Hoek Van Holland Strand (a further 1.1km to the beach), opening of regular service is expected to commence at 31st of March 2023.<br />
<br />
European Sleeper will start to operate from 25 May 2023 a night service from Brussels via Roosendaal, Rotterdam, The Hague via Bad Bentheim to Berlin, and in 2024 extended to Prague.<br />
<br />
Passenger services are to resume between Veendam and Stadskanaal in 2024. Simultaneously introduction of passenger services between Coevorden - Neuenhaus (D) and on to Bad Bentheim (D) are expected by 2024.<br />
<br />
The proposed electrification of Nijmegen - Venlo - Roermond has been cancelled because of the increasing cost of materials and the effects of the coronavirus pandemic on the supply chain. <br />
<br />
The new 'Friesenbrücke' bridge, facilitating the passenger traffic Groningen - Bad Nieuweschans - Leer (D) should be constructed by 2024.<br />
<br />
Long term projects:<br />
On 10 October 2017, the coalition government agreed plans to reopen Weert - Hamont, with co-financing from regional authorities, following the reopening of Neerpelt - Hamont by SNCB. On 9 November the governments concluded an agreement to electrify the line.<br />
<br />
The "Iron Rhine" freight line between Roermond and Dalheim (Germany) is planned to reopened for traffic between Antwerpen and the Ruhr. However this has been delayed by a dispute between the Dutch and Belgian governments, which has gone to arbitration.<br />
<br />
===Recent changes===<br />
Landgraaf - Herzogenrath (Germany) has been upgraded for cargo traffic in September 2022, while Arriva EMUs are running between Aachen Hbf and Maastricht since the electrification in 2018. The planned through Arriva service between Aachen and Liège has been delayed and until further notice NMBS continue to operate a separate train service between Maastricht and Liège.<br />
<br />
The last museum trains to use the Blauwkapel Kruispunt, where the line northwards from the ''Nederlands Spoorwegmuseum'' at Utrecht Maliebaan station makes a flat crossing with the Utrecht - Amersfoort line, ran on 14 May 2022. The north - south link at Blauwkapel is to be removed. This will not affect the shuttle trains between Utrecht Centraal station and the museum, which will continue to run. <br />
<br />
By December 2021 Zürich - Amsterdam NightJet services were introduced, complementing the Vienna - Amsterdam services which started on 25th of May 2021.<br />
As of November 28, cargo trains can run via RET Metro line B to Vlaardingen Oost. There is a switch to the Vulcaanhaven emplacement, connecting the nearby oil terminals.<br />
<br />
The (Rotterdam -) Schiedam Centrum - Hoek van Holland ''Hoekse Lijn'' line closed to passengers as an NS line on 1 April 2017 and reopened as RET Metro line B between Nesselande and Hoek van Holland on 30 September 2019, thus bringing a new connection into use between Schiedam Centrum metro station and Schiedam Nieuwland. The former passenger connection between the Metro and the ProRail/NS network is retained for freight. Until the line onwards to Hoek van Holland Strand plus a 1km extension to a station much nearer the Beach is opened, RET trains are temporarily using the old Hoek van Holland International Boat Train platforms.<br />
<br />
The new station of Lansingerland-Zoetermeer on the NS Den Haag to Gouda line opened on 9 December 2018 and the extension to tram line 4 (RandstadRail4) from Zoetermeer Javalaan to the new station opened on 19 May 2019.<br />
<br />
The 'Intercity Direct' service between Amsterdam and Brussel/Bruxelles (the successor to the former Benelux service) was diverted via the HSL Zuid and Breda [reverse] from 9 April 2018, thus opening for passenger traffic the curve southwards from Breda towards the Belgian border.<br />
<br />
===Older Changes===<br />
For details of older changes see [[Netherlands - Older General Information]].<br />
<br />
==Special notes==<br />
Many trains worked by multiple units split en route to serve more than one destination. External displays may show the destination of each portion; newer train sets are provided with internal displays as well. The number of each unit is displayed prominently in each carriage and when trains divide public address announcements usually refer to these to inform passengers where each unit is going.<br />
<br />
The freight line to Terneuzen is accessible only from Gent in Belgium.<br />
<br />
'''New trains'''<br />
<br />
NS has ordered 79 EMU 'Intercity New Generation' at Alstom, based on Coradia platform for use on the HSL by 2023. <br />
<br />
NS has ordered 20 EMU 'Intercity New Generation' at Alstom, based on Coradia platform for services to Brussels by 2025.<br />
<br />
'''Wifi'''<br />
<br />
Most stations have free internet access via KPN hotspots. NS Intercity trains have free internet by 'Wifi in de trein' provided by T-mobile; other operators like Arriva and Veolia offer free wifi in their trains. However loco hauled services are not provided with wifi.<br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
{{Navbox Netherlands}}</div>Theijs Europehttps://www.egtre.info/w/index.php?title=Netherlands_-_General_Information&diff=49252Netherlands - General Information2023-02-15T20:43:17Z<p>Theijs Europe: /* Future changes */ RET Metro B: HvH</p>
<hr />
<div>==Country Name==<br />
Netherlands (Nederland)<br />
<br />
==National Railway System==<br />
===National Railway Operator===<br />
Nederlandse Spoorwegen (https://www.ns.nl/en NS]) is the principal passenger carrier, which operates through various subsidiary companies, including:<br />
* NS Reizigers - Domestic passenger services <br />
* [https://www.nsinternational.com/en ''NS International''] - International passenger services.<br />
<br />
[https://www.thalys.com/nl/en ''Thalys''] services to the Netherlands are operated by a stand-alone company owned by SNCF (62%), SNCB/NMBS (28%) and DB (10%); NS is not a partner. <br />
<br />
There is no longer a national freight operator. The former NS freight operation has been sold and is a subsidiary of DB (see below). Open access freight operators have a considerable market share. Current freight operators in The Netherlands as at 2023 are DB Cargo Nederland (German), Lineas Nederland (Belgian), LTE Netherlands (Austrian), Captrain (French) and RTB Cargo German) amoungst others.<br />
<br />
==Language==<br />
Dutch<br />
<br />
==Currency==<br />
Euro<br />
<br />
==UIC code==<br />
Numeric 84; alpha NL<br />
<br />
==Timetable==<br />
As of 14 December 2014, every station should be served twice an hour.<br />
<br />
===Journey Planner===<br />
* PC and smartphone: [https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information Travel Information].<br />
* Iphone application: [https://apps.apple.com/nl/app/ns/id370362301 Reisplanner].<br />
* Android application: [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=nl.ns.android.activity&utm_source=ns&utm_medium=banner&utm_campaign=rpxpagina Reisplanner]<br />
* Windows application: [https://www.microsoft.com/store/apps/9wzdncrdmbbm Treinplanner]<br />
<br />
===Actual Train Times===<br />
* [https://spoorkaart.mwnn.nl/ Actuele spoorkaart Nederland]<br />
*[https://treinenradar.nl/ Treinenradar Live]<br />
<br />
===Downloadable Timetable===<br />
By December 2023, NS no longer produces timetables in pdf format on its website.<br />
<br />
===Printed Timetable===<br />
''Rover'' offers a paper [https://www.ovshop.nl/shop/rover-spoorboekje-2023/ ''Spoorboekje''] for 2022-2023. NS discontinued paper timetables after the 2009-2010 edition. Rover took the publication over from Treinreiziger.<br />
<br />
===Engineering Information===<br />
[https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/current-situation-on-the-tracks The current situation on the tracks].<br />
[https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/maintenance-on-the-tracks/ An overview of scheduled works in the upcoming months that will effect services].<br />
<br />
===Real Time Train Information===<br />
Real time train running information is available on the [http://treinenradar.nl/ ''Treinenradar''], [https://treinposities.nl/ ''Treinposities''] and [http://spoorkaart.mwnn.nl/ Spoorkaart] websites. Moreover, public transport Apps like OV9292 and NS Reisplanner offer real time journey information.<br />
<br />
==Maps==<br />
===Printed Maps===<br />
*[[Printed Maps#ERA-E | European Railway Atlas (All-Europe Edition)]] by M.G. Ball.<br />
*[[Printed Maps#ERA-R-FR-BE-NL-LU | European Railway Atlas (Regional Series - France and Benelux)]] by M.G. Ball.<br />
*[https://treinwebshop.nl/product/poster-spoorkaart-2021/ Rail Map 2021] by Treinreiziger.nl<br />
<br />
===Web-based Maps===<br />
*NS provides a map with all passenger train service numbers and frequencies: [https://www.ns.nl/binaries/_ht_1642770500516/content/assets/ns-nl/dienstregeling/nieuwe-dienstregeling/ns-spoorkaart-2022.pdf Spoorkaart 2022]. <br />
*Prorail provides a [https://www.prorail.nl/siteassets/homepage/reizen/documenten/spoorkaart-2020-webversie.pdf detailed geographical map].<br />
*[http://www.sporenplan.nl/ Sporenplan] has a series of on-line maps and schematic track diagrams. Click on "Sporenplannen" on the left hand side for a map showing the countries covered.<br />
*Thorsten Büker's [http://www.bueker.net/trainspotting/maps_benelux.php Map of Benelux network] Although this remains on-line, the Büker maps are no longer being maintained. Last updated March 2018.<br />
*[[Maps and Plans#Netherlands|Maps and Plans - Netherlands]]<br />
<br />
==Ticketing==<br />
In the course of 2023, paying train journeys by debit card (check-in and check-out) will be introduced. So far only public transport in Amsterdam and Den Haag has introduced this payment service. Once every 24 hours the journeys are collected.<br />
<br />
All stations are equipped with ticket machines which all accept debit and credit cards (V PAY, Maestro, Mastercard, Visa and American Express). However, some foreign Visa debit cards are not accepted. Some machines accept coins as well. All machines offer domestic tickets and some provide international tickets to Belgium, and a selection of destinations in Germany. All tickets contain a chip to validate your ticket. Booking offices at small stations have almost all been closed. A surcharge is payable at booking offices when buying a ticket which is available from a ticket machine.<br />
<br />
The smart card [https://www.ov-chipkaart.nl/home-1.htm OV Chipkaart] is the normal ticket on public transport and can be bought at any ticket machine. Machines that add value to an OV Chipkaart accept debit cards issued outside the Netherlands. However, only a few machines (such as at some tobacconists) accept credit cards. Paper tickets continue to be issued from machines and booking offices for rail journeys.<br />
<br />
Information on tickets and passes can be found on the NS [https://www.ns.nl/producten/en/losse-kaartjes-toeslagen Individual tickets & supplements] page. A supplement is required to travel on the HSL between Rotterdam and Schiphol Airport unless the passenger has a valid international ticket (which includes Interrail). The supplement can be purchased from vending machines; there are red validation machines for such supplements on the platforms.<br />
<br />
'''Note''': ALL tickets from machines MUST be touched in and out with ALL operators used in the correct order, when changing operators en-route. Travellers may be fined if they do not do this.<br />
<br />
NS-Zonetaxi (formerly known as treintaxi) tickets include a taxi from/to the railway station for a fixed fare. The service is available in most mid-size towns, but not in Utrecht, Amsterdam, Den Haag and Rotterdam. When riding on single or return tickets, trein-taxi tickets should be bought at the departure station. For the return trip by taxi, tickets are best bought in advance, but the taxi driver sells tickets with a small surcharge.<br />
<br />
Although more local services are to be franchised over the next few years, a uniform ticketing system, including NS and all franchisees, is being retained.<br />
<br />
''Special offers:''<br />
Supermarket chains may offer cheap day tickets from time to time for a limited period. At Amsterdam Schiphol Airport both NS and GVB Amsterdam sell tickets for public transport connections to Amsterdam.[https://www.spoordeelwinkel.nl/product/eindhoven-airport NS-Voordeelwinkel] has special offers for Eindhoven Airport. [http://www.treinreiziger.nl/ Treinreiziger] offers news about the Dutch railwaysystem, including the availabillity of discounted tickets.<br />
<br />
==Infrastructure==<br />
===Infrastructure Authority===<br />
[http://www.prorail.nl/ ProRail] owns and manages the NS infrastructure and is responsible for traffic control and capacity allocation, under the authority of the minister of transport. On 1 July 2015 the operation of the ''Betuweroute'' was transferred to ProRail and the previous owners, Keyrail, ceased to exist.<br />
<br />
[https://www.ilent.nl/ Inspectie Leefomgeving en Transport], part of the Ministry of Transport, is responsible for safety and rolling stock certification.<br />
<br />
===Network Statement===<br />
The Prorail Website gives access to various [http://www.prorail.nl/vervoerders/network-statement NS Network Statement] documents.<br />
<br />
===Gauge===<br />
Standard.<br />
<br />
===Electrification===<br />
1500 V dc. New high-speed lines and the Betuwe trunk freight line between Rotterdam and Zevenaar (- Emmerich (Germany)) are electrified at 25 kV 50 Hz; Zevenaar - Emmerich was converted to 25 kV in 2016 so that freight trains have to change voltage only once, although it caused passenger trains to have to change voltage twice. The Hanzelijn is not officially a high-speed line, so is 1500 V dc. Large-scale conversion to 25 kV 50 Hz in the long term was envisaged but this was abandoned in the late 1990s as too expensive. In 2014 Prorail started a feasibility study into upgrading to 3000 V dc.<br />
Metros and Tramways are 750 V dc, with third rail used on the Amsterdam and Rotterdam metros.<br />
<br />
===Rule of the road===<br />
Right, but most lines are reversibly signalled. The following lines have left-hand running:<br />
* the high speed line from Rotterdam Lombardijen (where there is a flying crossover) to the Belgian border <br />
* the fast lines between Utrecht Centraal and Bilthoven; there is a flying crossover west of Bilthoven <br />
* from Roosendaal to the Belgian border <br />
* from Maastricht to the Belgian border<br />
<br />
There are connections between the high speed line and the old line to Breda where they run parallel south of Lage Zwaluwe, at which the two lines are handed in opposite directions. This results in the two southbound lines (which are adjacent) being linked merely by a long crossover whereas the connection between the northbound lines crosses over all four tracks on a flyover.<br />
<br />
===Distances===<br />
[https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lijst_van_spoorlijnen_in_Nederland Wikipedia] gives distances for all lines in the Netherlands. Click on the line wanted, and on the right distances for stations are given. [http://www.sporenplan.nl/html_nl/sporenplan/ns/ns_nummer/start.html Sporeneplan] provides an alternative source. Click on the line wanted to reach a schematic line plan, alongside which distances for stations (named in abbreviated code) are given. ''Neither is an official page and can be out of date.'' '''If any user can point to an official source for distance information the compilers would be glad to hear.'''<br />
<br />
==Other Railways==<br />
Private operators have franchises to work a number of local passenger services over NS lines, thus:<br />
* Arriva Nederland: Leeuwarden - Harlingen, Leeuwarden - Stavoren, Leeuwarden - Groningen, Groningen - Roodeschool/Eemshaven/Delfzijl, Groningen - Veendam/Bad Nieuweschans - Leer (D), Apeldoorn - Zutphen, Zutphen - Winterswijk, Winterswijk - Arnhem, Arnhem - Tiel, Nijmegen - Venlo - Roermond - Maastricht/Heerlen, Maastricht Randwijck - Heerlen - Kerkrade/Aachen (D).<br />
* Abellio (part of NS): Gouda - Alphen aan den Rijn, Arnhem - Emmerich (D).<br />
* Blauwnet (Arriva/Keolis/Syntus): Enschede - Almelo - Mariënberg, Kampen - Zwolle - Emmen, Zutphen - Hengelo - Oldenzaal.<br />
* Breng: Doetinchem - Arnhem.<br />
* Q-Buzz (R-Net): Dordrecht - Geldermalsen<br />
* Valleilijn (Connexxion): Amersfoort - Ede-Wageningen. <br />
<br />
In addition next cross border services are operated: <br />
Keolis: Hengelo - Bielefeld(D), <br />
DB Regio: Enschede - Gronau - Münster / Dortmund <br />
Abellio: Arnhem - Düsseldorf (RE19) <br />
Regiobahn: Venlo - Düsseldorf - Hamm (RE13)(D),<br />
NMBS: local services Roosendaal - Antwerpen (B)<br />
NMBS: local services Maastricht - Luik / Liège (B)<br />
<br />
The German based Bentheimer Eisenbahn owns and operates its trunk line from Bentheim to the border at Laarwald and a further 2 km on to Coevorden. The line is freight only; there has never been any significant border crossing passenger traffic, but freight has regained importance in recent times. Coevorden effectively serves as a German rail bridgehead into the Netherlands, traffic mainly consisting of containers that are subsequently road-hauled into the northern provinces. There are plans to introduce passenger services between Coevorden en Neuenhaus (D) by BE by 2024.<br />
<br />
==Tourist Lines==<br />
A list of Tourist & Museum Railways and Tramways in English is available on the [http://www.railmusea.nl/en Historisch Railvervoer Nederland (HRN)] website.<br />
<br />
Rail cycling is possible on the following sections of line:<br />
*[https://grenzland-draisine.eu/ Grenzland Draisine]: based at Kranenburg in Germany, on the former Kleve [DE] - Nijmegen [NL] line, the ''Grenzenlose'' trip to Groesbeek (5.5 km one way) covers a portion in the Netherlands <br />
*[https://www.spoorfietsen.nl Spoorfietsen]: Hengelo - Twekkelo (a short stretch of Hengelo - Boekelo line, latterly serving AKZO factory)<br />
<br />
==Metro==<br />
[http://www.gvb.nl/ENGLISH/Pages/default.aspx Amsterdam], [https://www.ret.nl/en/ Rotterdam], [https://www.ret.nl/en/home/travelling-with-the-ret.html RandstadRail].<br />
<br />
Track plans for all metro systems in the Netherlands are available on the [http://www.gleisplanweb.eu/ Gleisplanweb site].<br />
<br />
== Trams/LRT-Systems ==<br />
Amsterdam, Den Haag, Rotterdam, Utrecht.<br />
<br />
Track plans for all tram systems in the Netherlands are available on the [http://www.gleisplanweb.eu/ Gleisplanweb site].<br />
<br />
See also [[Netherlands_-_Tram_services_over_obscure_routes|Netherlands - Tram services over obscure routes]]<br />
<br />
==Recent and Future Changes==<br />
===Future changes===<br />
Work is in progress to extend RET Metro line B from Hoek van Holland Haven to the site of the former Hoek Van Holland Strand, and then a further 1.1km to the beach, opening is expected by the summer of 2023.<br />
<br />
European Sleeper will start to operate from 25 May 2023 a night service from Brussels via Roosendaal, Rotterdam, The Hague via Bad Bentheim to Berlin, and in 2024 extended to Prague.<br />
<br />
Passenger services are to resume between Veendam and Stadskanaal in 2024. Simultaneously introduction of passenger services between Coevorden - Neuenhaus (D) and on to Bad Bentheim (D) are expected by 2024.<br />
<br />
The proposed electrification of Nijmegen - Venlo - Roermond has been cancelled because of the increasing cost of materials and the effects of the coronavirus pandemic on the supply chain. <br />
<br />
The new 'Friesenbrücke' bridge, facilitating the passenger traffic Groningen - Bad Nieuweschans - Leer (D) should be constructed by 2024.<br />
<br />
Long term projects:<br />
On 10 October 2017, the coalition government agreed plans to reopen Weert - Hamont, with co-financing from regional authorities, following the reopening of Neerpelt - Hamont by SNCB. On 9 November the governments concluded an agreement to electrify the line.<br />
<br />
The "Iron Rhine" freight line between Roermond and Dalheim (Germany) is planned to reopened for traffic between Antwerpen and the Ruhr. However this has been delayed by a dispute between the Dutch and Belgian governments, which has gone to arbitration.<br />
<br />
===Recent changes===<br />
Landgraaf - Herzogenrath (Germany) has been upgraded for cargo traffic in September 2022, while Arriva EMUs are running between Aachen Hbf and Maastricht since the electrification in 2018. The planned through Arriva service between Aachen and Liège has been delayed and until further notice NMBS continue to operate a separate train service between Maastricht and Liège.<br />
<br />
The last museum trains to use the Blauwkapel Kruispunt, where the line northwards from the ''Nederlands Spoorwegmuseum'' at Utrecht Maliebaan station makes a flat crossing with the Utrecht - Amersfoort line, ran on 14 May 2022. The north - south link at Blauwkapel is to be removed. This will not affect the shuttle trains between Utrecht Centraal station and the museum, which will continue to run. <br />
<br />
By December 2021 Zürich - Amsterdam NightJet services were introduced, complementing the Vienna - Amsterdam services which started on 25th of May 2021.<br />
As of November 28, cargo trains can run via RET Metro line B to Vlaardingen Oost. There is a switch to the Vulcaanhaven emplacement, connecting the nearby oil terminals.<br />
<br />
The (Rotterdam -) Schiedam Centrum - Hoek van Holland ''Hoekse Lijn'' line closed to passengers as an NS line on 1 April 2017 and reopened as RET Metro line B between Nesselande and Hoek van Holland on 30 September 2019, thus bringing a new connection into use between Schiedam Centrum metro station and Schiedam Nieuwland. The former passenger connection between the Metro and the ProRail/NS network is retained for freight. Until the line onwards to Hoek van Holland Strand plus a 1km extension to a station much nearer the Beach is opened, RET trains are temporarily using the old Hoek van Holland International Boat Train platforms.<br />
<br />
The new station of Lansingerland-Zoetermeer on the NS Den Haag to Gouda line opened on 9 December 2018 and the extension to tram line 4 (RandstadRail4) from Zoetermeer Javalaan to the new station opened on 19 May 2019.<br />
<br />
The 'Intercity Direct' service between Amsterdam and Brussel/Bruxelles (the successor to the former Benelux service) was diverted via the HSL Zuid and Breda [reverse] from 9 April 2018, thus opening for passenger traffic the curve southwards from Breda towards the Belgian border.<br />
<br />
===Older Changes===<br />
For details of older changes see [[Netherlands - Older General Information]].<br />
<br />
==Special notes==<br />
Many trains worked by multiple units split en route to serve more than one destination. External displays may show the destination of each portion; newer train sets are provided with internal displays as well. The number of each unit is displayed prominently in each carriage and when trains divide public address announcements usually refer to these to inform passengers where each unit is going.<br />
<br />
The freight line to Terneuzen is accessible only from Gent in Belgium.<br />
<br />
'''New trains'''<br />
<br />
NS has ordered 79 EMU 'Intercity New Generation' at Alstom, based on Coradia platform for use on the HSL by 2023. <br />
<br />
NS has ordered 20 EMU 'Intercity New Generation' at Alstom, based on Coradia platform for services to Brussels by 2025.<br />
<br />
'''Wifi'''<br />
<br />
Most stations have free internet access via KPN hotspots. NS Intercity trains have free internet by 'Wifi in de trein' provided by T-mobile; other operators like Arriva and Veolia offer free wifi in their trains. However loco hauled services are not provided with wifi.<br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
{{Navbox Netherlands}}</div>Theijs Europehttps://www.egtre.info/w/index.php?title=Border_Crossings:_Germany_-_Netherlands&diff=49251Border Crossings: Germany - Netherlands2023-02-15T20:42:11Z<p>Theijs Europe: /* (Aachen -) Herzogenrath DB - Landgraaf NS (- Heerlen) */ update cargo</p>
<hr />
<div>==Vetschau DB - Simpelveld NS (- Schin op Geul)==<br />
[D] This is part of the line used by passenger trains between Aachen and Maastricht until they were diverted to run to Heerlen via Herzogenrath. The junction at Aachen West has been removed. Zuid Limburgse Stoomtrein Maatschappij now runs tourist steam trains between Schin op Geul and Kerkrade via Simpelveld, in addition to a branch service from Simpelveld over the border to Vetschau.<br />
<br />
==(Aachen -) Herzogenrath DB - Landgraaf NS (- Heerlen)==<br />
[E*] This crossing replaced Aachen West - Simpelveld [Maastricht] on 31 May 1992 - see previous item. With the electrification of Herzogenrath to Landgraaf in 2018, since January 2019 an Aachen - Heerlen - Maastricht passenger service has been operated by Arriva with EMUs. These units are able to operate off the Dutch, German and Belgian electrification systems, thus permitting a future extension of the service to Liège. The changeover between DB and NS systems is at Haanrade, just west of the border. A second track has been brought into use between Landgraaf and Heerlen in September 2022 which permits a half-hourly cross-border service to run. The idea to run a second hourly service that starts back in Eindhoven and will initially run only to Herzogenrath because of pathing problems on the Herzogenrath to Aachen line has been postponed. NS is not interested to run Intercity trains towards Aachen. Instead, the extra capacity will be used to divert cargo trains once works will be caried out to upgrade the Zevenaar - Emmerich - Oberhausen route with a 3rd track.<br />
<br />
==(Mönchengladbach -) Dalheim DB - Roermond NS==<br />
[D] This line, the so-called "Iron Rhine Route", has a passenger service operated by VIAS Rail GmbH between Mönchengladbach and Dalheim, but has been out of use since 1991 between Dalheim and Roermond. Proposals for reopening for freight trains between Belgium and Germany have been on the table for many years, without much progress having been made.<br />
<br />
==(Mönchengladbach -) Kaldenkirchen DB - Venlo NS==<br />
[E*] Eurobahn works ''RE13'' passenger services to Venlo; there are no through services unless the route via Emmerich is blocked, when this line may be used as a diversionary route to Utrecht. Voltage switching is provided in the Venlo station area.<br />
<br />
==(Kleve -) Kranenburg DB - Groesbeek NS - Nijmegen==<br />
Line closed. However, Grenzland Draisine, based at Kranenburg, offers the ''Grenzenlose'' trip to Groesbeek (5.5 km one way). See [[Netherlands_-_General_Information#Tourist_Lines|Netherlands - Tourist_Lines]]. The line regularly appears in lists of reopening candidates, but no definite plans have materialised.<br />
<br />
==Emmerich DB - Zevenaar NS (- Arnhem or Kijfhoek)==<br />
[E*] ''ICE'' services, worked by multi-system ''ICE3M'' units, run non-stop between Arnhem and Oberhausen. Until 31 January 2022, Abellio Rail NRW ran the ''RE19'' local service between Arnhem and Düsseldorf with tri-system Stadler Flirt EMUs. From 1 February 2022, with the withdrawal of Abellio from all Nordrhein-Westfalen services, ''RE19'' has been operated by VIAS Rail GmbH.<br />
<br />
The freight-only 25 kV ac ''Betuweroute'' from Kijfhoek yard joins the Arnhem line just east of Zevenaar station, and Zevenaar Oost - Emmerich was converted from 1.5 kV dc to 25 kV ac in 2016. Therefore all electric trains which run to and from Arnhem must be able to operate under three electrification systems (1.5kV dc, 15kV 16.7Hz ac and 25kV 50Hz ac), but those to and from the ''Betuweroute'' need only be compatible with the two ac voltages.<br />
<br />
Freight services are generally worked throughout by modern multi-system electric locomotives.<br />
<br />
==Borken DB - Winterswijk NS==<br />
Line closed.<br />
<br />
==Gronau (Westf) DB - Glanerbrug NS (- Enschede)==<br />
[D] This railway re-opened for advertised passenger traffic in November 2001. DB works to Enschede with DMUs. The infrastructure between the border and Enschede is owned by NS, although there is no through running connection between this line and the rest of the NS network at Enschede. There is therefore no freight traffic.<br />
<br />
==Bad Bentheim DB - Oldenzaal NS (- Hengelo)==<br />
[E*] NS works the two-hourly ''IC'' services between Amsterdam and Berlin with electric locomotives as far as Bad Bentheim, where various tracks have switchable catenary. ''Eurobahn'' operates an hourly Hengelo - Bad Bentheim - Bielefeld service using multi-system electric units.<br />
<br />
==(Bad Bentheim -) Laarwald BE - Coevorden BE==<br />
[D] The Bentheimer Eisenbahn AG owns and operates this freight line. Plans exist to re-open the line to passengers.<br />
<br />
==(Leer -) Weener DB - Nieuweschans NS (- Groningen)==<br />
[D] Temporarily closed.<br />
<br />
Passenger services between Leer and Groningen are operated by Arriva. This line was rebuilt in 2001; previously, this line was temporarily closed whenever a particularly large new vessel was being delivered from the Meyer Werft shipyard [http://www.meyerwerft.com www.meyerwerft.com] at Papenburg, because this required the main span of the railway bridge over the River Ems at Weener to be removed.<br />
<br />
The lifting span of the Ems bridge was destroyed when hit by a ship on 3 December 2015. Direct passenger services between Leer and Groningen are currently operated by bus whilst trains run as far as Weener. As a replacement, Deutsche Bahn are constructing a long swing bridge, one of the largest in Europe with a length of 160 m. It would provide a 71 m channel for shipping, wider than the 46 m of the old bridge thus enabling larger cruise ships to be built at the shipyard, and planned to open in 2024.<br />
<br />
Once the bridge has reopened a direct Bremen – Groningen service is planned, to be known as the "Wunderline". Initially a journey time of 2h30 is foreseen, reducing to 2h15 with line improvements. These include double-tracking the section between the border and Ihrhove as well as other sections within Germany.<br />
<br />
== See also ==<br />
* [[Border Crossings - General Information]]<br />
<br />
{{Navbox Germany}}<br />
{{Navbox Netherlands}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Border Crossings|Germany - Netherlands]]</div>Theijs Europehttps://www.egtre.info/w/index.php?title=Netherlands_-_General_Information&diff=49250Netherlands - General Information2023-02-15T20:36:40Z<p>Theijs Europe: /* Recent changes */ update Landgraaf - Herzogenrath</p>
<hr />
<div>==Country Name==<br />
Netherlands (Nederland)<br />
<br />
==National Railway System==<br />
===National Railway Operator===<br />
Nederlandse Spoorwegen (https://www.ns.nl/en NS]) is the principal passenger carrier, which operates through various subsidiary companies, including:<br />
* NS Reizigers - Domestic passenger services <br />
* [https://www.nsinternational.com/en ''NS International''] - International passenger services.<br />
<br />
[https://www.thalys.com/nl/en ''Thalys''] services to the Netherlands are operated by a stand-alone company owned by SNCF (62%), SNCB/NMBS (28%) and DB (10%); NS is not a partner. <br />
<br />
There is no longer a national freight operator. The former NS freight operation has been sold and is a subsidiary of DB (see below). Open access freight operators have a considerable market share. Current freight operators in The Netherlands as at 2023 are DB Cargo Nederland (German), Lineas Nederland (Belgian), LTE Netherlands (Austrian), Captrain (French) and RTB Cargo German) amoungst others.<br />
<br />
==Language==<br />
Dutch<br />
<br />
==Currency==<br />
Euro<br />
<br />
==UIC code==<br />
Numeric 84; alpha NL<br />
<br />
==Timetable==<br />
As of 14 December 2014, every station should be served twice an hour.<br />
<br />
===Journey Planner===<br />
* PC and smartphone: [https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information Travel Information].<br />
* Iphone application: [https://apps.apple.com/nl/app/ns/id370362301 Reisplanner].<br />
* Android application: [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=nl.ns.android.activity&utm_source=ns&utm_medium=banner&utm_campaign=rpxpagina Reisplanner]<br />
* Windows application: [https://www.microsoft.com/store/apps/9wzdncrdmbbm Treinplanner]<br />
<br />
===Actual Train Times===<br />
* [https://spoorkaart.mwnn.nl/ Actuele spoorkaart Nederland]<br />
*[https://treinenradar.nl/ Treinenradar Live]<br />
<br />
===Downloadable Timetable===<br />
By December 2023, NS no longer produces timetables in pdf format on its website.<br />
<br />
===Printed Timetable===<br />
''Rover'' offers a paper [https://www.ovshop.nl/shop/rover-spoorboekje-2023/ ''Spoorboekje''] for 2022-2023. NS discontinued paper timetables after the 2009-2010 edition. Rover took the publication over from Treinreiziger.<br />
<br />
===Engineering Information===<br />
[https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/current-situation-on-the-tracks The current situation on the tracks].<br />
[https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/maintenance-on-the-tracks/ An overview of scheduled works in the upcoming months that will effect services].<br />
<br />
===Real Time Train Information===<br />
Real time train running information is available on the [http://treinenradar.nl/ ''Treinenradar''], [https://treinposities.nl/ ''Treinposities''] and [http://spoorkaart.mwnn.nl/ Spoorkaart] websites. Moreover, public transport Apps like OV9292 and NS Reisplanner offer real time journey information.<br />
<br />
==Maps==<br />
===Printed Maps===<br />
*[[Printed Maps#ERA-E | European Railway Atlas (All-Europe Edition)]] by M.G. Ball.<br />
*[[Printed Maps#ERA-R-FR-BE-NL-LU | European Railway Atlas (Regional Series - France and Benelux)]] by M.G. Ball.<br />
*[https://treinwebshop.nl/product/poster-spoorkaart-2021/ Rail Map 2021] by Treinreiziger.nl<br />
<br />
===Web-based Maps===<br />
*NS provides a map with all passenger train service numbers and frequencies: [https://www.ns.nl/binaries/_ht_1642770500516/content/assets/ns-nl/dienstregeling/nieuwe-dienstregeling/ns-spoorkaart-2022.pdf Spoorkaart 2022]. <br />
*Prorail provides a [https://www.prorail.nl/siteassets/homepage/reizen/documenten/spoorkaart-2020-webversie.pdf detailed geographical map].<br />
*[http://www.sporenplan.nl/ Sporenplan] has a series of on-line maps and schematic track diagrams. Click on "Sporenplannen" on the left hand side for a map showing the countries covered.<br />
*Thorsten Büker's [http://www.bueker.net/trainspotting/maps_benelux.php Map of Benelux network] Although this remains on-line, the Büker maps are no longer being maintained. Last updated March 2018.<br />
*[[Maps and Plans#Netherlands|Maps and Plans - Netherlands]]<br />
<br />
==Ticketing==<br />
In the course of 2023, paying train journeys by debit card (check-in and check-out) will be introduced. So far only public transport in Amsterdam and Den Haag has introduced this payment service. Once every 24 hours the journeys are collected.<br />
<br />
All stations are equipped with ticket machines which all accept debit and credit cards (V PAY, Maestro, Mastercard, Visa and American Express). However, some foreign Visa debit cards are not accepted. Some machines accept coins as well. All machines offer domestic tickets and some provide international tickets to Belgium, and a selection of destinations in Germany. All tickets contain a chip to validate your ticket. Booking offices at small stations have almost all been closed. A surcharge is payable at booking offices when buying a ticket which is available from a ticket machine.<br />
<br />
The smart card [https://www.ov-chipkaart.nl/home-1.htm OV Chipkaart] is the normal ticket on public transport and can be bought at any ticket machine. Machines that add value to an OV Chipkaart accept debit cards issued outside the Netherlands. However, only a few machines (such as at some tobacconists) accept credit cards. Paper tickets continue to be issued from machines and booking offices for rail journeys.<br />
<br />
Information on tickets and passes can be found on the NS [https://www.ns.nl/producten/en/losse-kaartjes-toeslagen Individual tickets & supplements] page. A supplement is required to travel on the HSL between Rotterdam and Schiphol Airport unless the passenger has a valid international ticket (which includes Interrail). The supplement can be purchased from vending machines; there are red validation machines for such supplements on the platforms.<br />
<br />
'''Note''': ALL tickets from machines MUST be touched in and out with ALL operators used in the correct order, when changing operators en-route. Travellers may be fined if they do not do this.<br />
<br />
NS-Zonetaxi (formerly known as treintaxi) tickets include a taxi from/to the railway station for a fixed fare. The service is available in most mid-size towns, but not in Utrecht, Amsterdam, Den Haag and Rotterdam. When riding on single or return tickets, trein-taxi tickets should be bought at the departure station. For the return trip by taxi, tickets are best bought in advance, but the taxi driver sells tickets with a small surcharge.<br />
<br />
Although more local services are to be franchised over the next few years, a uniform ticketing system, including NS and all franchisees, is being retained.<br />
<br />
''Special offers:''<br />
Supermarket chains may offer cheap day tickets from time to time for a limited period. At Amsterdam Schiphol Airport both NS and GVB Amsterdam sell tickets for public transport connections to Amsterdam.[https://www.spoordeelwinkel.nl/product/eindhoven-airport NS-Voordeelwinkel] has special offers for Eindhoven Airport. [http://www.treinreiziger.nl/ Treinreiziger] offers news about the Dutch railwaysystem, including the availabillity of discounted tickets.<br />
<br />
==Infrastructure==<br />
===Infrastructure Authority===<br />
[http://www.prorail.nl/ ProRail] owns and manages the NS infrastructure and is responsible for traffic control and capacity allocation, under the authority of the minister of transport. On 1 July 2015 the operation of the ''Betuweroute'' was transferred to ProRail and the previous owners, Keyrail, ceased to exist.<br />
<br />
[https://www.ilent.nl/ Inspectie Leefomgeving en Transport], part of the Ministry of Transport, is responsible for safety and rolling stock certification.<br />
<br />
===Network Statement===<br />
The Prorail Website gives access to various [http://www.prorail.nl/vervoerders/network-statement NS Network Statement] documents.<br />
<br />
===Gauge===<br />
Standard.<br />
<br />
===Electrification===<br />
1500 V dc. New high-speed lines and the Betuwe trunk freight line between Rotterdam and Zevenaar (- Emmerich (Germany)) are electrified at 25 kV 50 Hz; Zevenaar - Emmerich was converted to 25 kV in 2016 so that freight trains have to change voltage only once, although it caused passenger trains to have to change voltage twice. The Hanzelijn is not officially a high-speed line, so is 1500 V dc. Large-scale conversion to 25 kV 50 Hz in the long term was envisaged but this was abandoned in the late 1990s as too expensive. In 2014 Prorail started a feasibility study into upgrading to 3000 V dc.<br />
Metros and Tramways are 750 V dc, with third rail used on the Amsterdam and Rotterdam metros.<br />
<br />
===Rule of the road===<br />
Right, but most lines are reversibly signalled. The following lines have left-hand running:<br />
* the high speed line from Rotterdam Lombardijen (where there is a flying crossover) to the Belgian border <br />
* the fast lines between Utrecht Centraal and Bilthoven; there is a flying crossover west of Bilthoven <br />
* from Roosendaal to the Belgian border <br />
* from Maastricht to the Belgian border<br />
<br />
There are connections between the high speed line and the old line to Breda where they run parallel south of Lage Zwaluwe, at which the two lines are handed in opposite directions. This results in the two southbound lines (which are adjacent) being linked merely by a long crossover whereas the connection between the northbound lines crosses over all four tracks on a flyover.<br />
<br />
===Distances===<br />
[https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lijst_van_spoorlijnen_in_Nederland Wikipedia] gives distances for all lines in the Netherlands. Click on the line wanted, and on the right distances for stations are given. [http://www.sporenplan.nl/html_nl/sporenplan/ns/ns_nummer/start.html Sporeneplan] provides an alternative source. Click on the line wanted to reach a schematic line plan, alongside which distances for stations (named in abbreviated code) are given. ''Neither is an official page and can be out of date.'' '''If any user can point to an official source for distance information the compilers would be glad to hear.'''<br />
<br />
==Other Railways==<br />
Private operators have franchises to work a number of local passenger services over NS lines, thus:<br />
* Arriva Nederland: Leeuwarden - Harlingen, Leeuwarden - Stavoren, Leeuwarden - Groningen, Groningen - Roodeschool/Eemshaven/Delfzijl, Groningen - Veendam/Bad Nieuweschans - Leer (D), Apeldoorn - Zutphen, Zutphen - Winterswijk, Winterswijk - Arnhem, Arnhem - Tiel, Nijmegen - Venlo - Roermond - Maastricht/Heerlen, Maastricht Randwijck - Heerlen - Kerkrade/Aachen (D).<br />
* Abellio (part of NS): Gouda - Alphen aan den Rijn, Arnhem - Emmerich (D).<br />
* Blauwnet (Arriva/Keolis/Syntus): Enschede - Almelo - Mariënberg, Kampen - Zwolle - Emmen, Zutphen - Hengelo - Oldenzaal.<br />
* Breng: Doetinchem - Arnhem.<br />
* Q-Buzz (R-Net): Dordrecht - Geldermalsen<br />
* Valleilijn (Connexxion): Amersfoort - Ede-Wageningen. <br />
<br />
In addition next cross border services are operated: <br />
Keolis: Hengelo - Bielefeld(D), <br />
DB Regio: Enschede - Gronau - Münster / Dortmund <br />
Abellio: Arnhem - Düsseldorf (RE19) <br />
Regiobahn: Venlo - Düsseldorf - Hamm (RE13)(D),<br />
NMBS: local services Roosendaal - Antwerpen (B)<br />
NMBS: local services Maastricht - Luik / Liège (B)<br />
<br />
The German based Bentheimer Eisenbahn owns and operates its trunk line from Bentheim to the border at Laarwald and a further 2 km on to Coevorden. The line is freight only; there has never been any significant border crossing passenger traffic, but freight has regained importance in recent times. Coevorden effectively serves as a German rail bridgehead into the Netherlands, traffic mainly consisting of containers that are subsequently road-hauled into the northern provinces. There are plans to introduce passenger services between Coevorden en Neuenhaus (D) by BE by 2024.<br />
<br />
==Tourist Lines==<br />
A list of Tourist & Museum Railways and Tramways in English is available on the [http://www.railmusea.nl/en Historisch Railvervoer Nederland (HRN)] website.<br />
<br />
Rail cycling is possible on the following sections of line:<br />
*[https://grenzland-draisine.eu/ Grenzland Draisine]: based at Kranenburg in Germany, on the former Kleve [DE] - Nijmegen [NL] line, the ''Grenzenlose'' trip to Groesbeek (5.5 km one way) covers a portion in the Netherlands <br />
*[https://www.spoorfietsen.nl Spoorfietsen]: Hengelo - Twekkelo (a short stretch of Hengelo - Boekelo line, latterly serving AKZO factory)<br />
<br />
==Metro==<br />
[http://www.gvb.nl/ENGLISH/Pages/default.aspx Amsterdam], [https://www.ret.nl/en/ Rotterdam], [https://www.ret.nl/en/home/travelling-with-the-ret.html RandstadRail].<br />
<br />
Track plans for all metro systems in the Netherlands are available on the [http://www.gleisplanweb.eu/ Gleisplanweb site].<br />
<br />
== Trams/LRT-Systems ==<br />
Amsterdam, Den Haag, Rotterdam, Utrecht.<br />
<br />
Track plans for all tram systems in the Netherlands are available on the [http://www.gleisplanweb.eu/ Gleisplanweb site].<br />
<br />
See also [[Netherlands_-_Tram_services_over_obscure_routes|Netherlands - Tram services over obscure routes]]<br />
<br />
==Recent and Future Changes==<br />
===Future changes===<br />
Work is in progress to extend RET Metro line B from Hoek van Holland Haven to the site of the former Hoek Van Holland Strand, and then a further 1.1km to the beach, opening is expected in the first half of 2023.<br />
<br />
European Sleeper will start to operate from 25 May 2023 a night service from Brussels via Roosendaal, Rotterdam, The Hague via Bad Bentheim to Berlin, and in 2024 extended to Prague.<br />
<br />
Passenger services are to resume between Veendam and Stadskanaal in 2024. Simultaneously introduction of passenger services between Coevorden - Neuenhaus (D) and on to Bad Bentheim (D) are expected by 2024.<br />
<br />
The proposed electrification of Nijmegen - Venlo - Roermond has been cancelled because of the increasing cost of materials and the effects of the coronavirus pandemic on the supply chain. <br />
<br />
The new 'Friesenbrücke' bridge, facilitating the passenger traffic Groningen - Bad Nieuweschans - Leer (D) should be constructed by 2024.<br />
<br />
Long term projects:<br />
On 10 October 2017, the coalition government agreed plans to reopen Weert - Hamont, with co-financing from regional authorities, following the reopening of Neerpelt - Hamont by SNCB. On 9 November the governments concluded an agreement to electrify the line.<br />
<br />
The "Iron Rhine" freight line between Roermond and Dalheim (Germany) is planned to reopened for traffic between Antwerpen and the Ruhr. However this has been delayed by a dispute between the Dutch and Belgian governments, which has gone to arbitration.<br />
<br />
===Recent changes===<br />
Landgraaf - Herzogenrath (Germany) has been upgraded for cargo traffic in September 2022, while Arriva EMUs are running between Aachen Hbf and Maastricht since the electrification in 2018. The planned through Arriva service between Aachen and Liège has been delayed and until further notice NMBS continue to operate a separate train service between Maastricht and Liège.<br />
<br />
The last museum trains to use the Blauwkapel Kruispunt, where the line northwards from the ''Nederlands Spoorwegmuseum'' at Utrecht Maliebaan station makes a flat crossing with the Utrecht - Amersfoort line, ran on 14 May 2022. The north - south link at Blauwkapel is to be removed. This will not affect the shuttle trains between Utrecht Centraal station and the museum, which will continue to run. <br />
<br />
By December 2021 Zürich - Amsterdam NightJet services were introduced, complementing the Vienna - Amsterdam services which started on 25th of May 2021.<br />
As of November 28, cargo trains can run via RET Metro line B to Vlaardingen Oost. There is a switch to the Vulcaanhaven emplacement, connecting the nearby oil terminals.<br />
<br />
The (Rotterdam -) Schiedam Centrum - Hoek van Holland ''Hoekse Lijn'' line closed to passengers as an NS line on 1 April 2017 and reopened as RET Metro line B between Nesselande and Hoek van Holland on 30 September 2019, thus bringing a new connection into use between Schiedam Centrum metro station and Schiedam Nieuwland. The former passenger connection between the Metro and the ProRail/NS network is retained for freight. Until the line onwards to Hoek van Holland Strand plus a 1km extension to a station much nearer the Beach is opened, RET trains are temporarily using the old Hoek van Holland International Boat Train platforms.<br />
<br />
The new station of Lansingerland-Zoetermeer on the NS Den Haag to Gouda line opened on 9 December 2018 and the extension to tram line 4 (RandstadRail4) from Zoetermeer Javalaan to the new station opened on 19 May 2019.<br />
<br />
The 'Intercity Direct' service between Amsterdam and Brussel/Bruxelles (the successor to the former Benelux service) was diverted via the HSL Zuid and Breda [reverse] from 9 April 2018, thus opening for passenger traffic the curve southwards from Breda towards the Belgian border.<br />
<br />
===Older Changes===<br />
For details of older changes see [[Netherlands - Older General Information]].<br />
<br />
==Special notes==<br />
Many trains worked by multiple units split en route to serve more than one destination. External displays may show the destination of each portion; newer train sets are provided with internal displays as well. The number of each unit is displayed prominently in each carriage and when trains divide public address announcements usually refer to these to inform passengers where each unit is going.<br />
<br />
The freight line to Terneuzen is accessible only from Gent in Belgium.<br />
<br />
'''New trains'''<br />
<br />
NS has ordered 79 EMU 'Intercity New Generation' at Alstom, based on Coradia platform for use on the HSL by 2023. <br />
<br />
NS has ordered 20 EMU 'Intercity New Generation' at Alstom, based on Coradia platform for services to Brussels by 2025.<br />
<br />
'''Wifi'''<br />
<br />
Most stations have free internet access via KPN hotspots. NS Intercity trains have free internet by 'Wifi in de trein' provided by T-mobile; other operators like Arriva and Veolia offer free wifi in their trains. However loco hauled services are not provided with wifi.<br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
{{Navbox Netherlands}}</div>Theijs Europehttps://www.egtre.info/w/index.php?title=Moldova_-_General_Information&diff=49111Moldova - General Information2023-01-31T10:59:18Z<p>Theijs Europe: /* Network Statement */ Annual report</p>
<hr />
<div>==Country Name==<br />
Moldova (Republica Moldova)<br />
<br />
==National railway system==<br />
===National Railway Operator===<br />
[http://www.railway.md/ CFM - Caile Ferată Moldova].<br />
<br />
==Language==<br />
The Constitution of 1994 states that "the national language of the Republic of Moldova is Moldovan, and its writing is based on the Latin alphabet," while the 1991 Declaration of Independence names the official language Romanian. The 1989 State Language Law speaks of a Moldo-Romanian linguistic identity. Russian is provided with the status of a "language of interethnic communication" (alongside the official language), and in practice remains widely used. Gagauz and Ukrainian have significant regional speaker populations and are granted official status together with Russian in Gagauzia and Transnistria respectively.<br />
<br />
==Currency==<br />
Moldova Leu (MDL; plural Lei), 1 Leu = 100 Bani (singular Ban). In Transnistria, a partially recognized state claimed in whole by Moldova, the Transnistrian rouble is used instead.<br />
<br />
==UIC code==<br />
numeric 23; alpha CFM.<br />
<br />
==Timetable==<br />
===Journey Planner===<br />
A station to station timetable facility including days of running is available at [http://www.railway.md/]. On the menu bar select 'Transportul de Pasageri' then select 'Mersul Trenilor'.<br />
<br />
===Downloadable Timetable===<br />
None<br />
<br />
However, a good [https://drive.google.com/open?id=1r3NiwZLbodz0Pd5H-k05T4BByU4I-0clVQ2nJnMiq6s privately compiled timetable] is available (as at 19 December 2019, not updated since August 2019).<br />
<br />
===Printed Timetable===<br />
There is no public timetable as such.<br />
<br />
===Engineering Information===<br />
None.<br />
<br />
===Bus Information===<br />
None known.<br />
<br />
==Maps==<br />
===Printed Maps===<br />
*[[Printed Maps#ERA-E | European Railway Atlas (All-Europe Edition)]] by M.G. Ball.<br />
*[[Printed Maps#ERA-R-EE-LV-LT-BY-UA-MD | European Railway Atlas (Regional Series - Baltic States, Belarus and Ukraine)]] by M.G. Ball.<br />
*[[Printed Maps#UA-BY-MD | Ukraine, Belarus and Moldova Railway Atlas]] by Quail Map Company. A comprehensive atlas of the Moldova rail network in English and German, which records the evolution of the network and place-names on it, published December 1995, but now out of print. <br />
*An excellent 1:200.000 Moldova map, produced by the Kiev map publishers, can be found in book shops in Chişinău or in larger Ukrainian towns. It is very like the popular Ukraine Oblast maps.<br />
<br />
===Web-based Maps===<br />
* Map offered by CFM [https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipPSYBdbm8K76IElApA8N1DF6u8f1KBDp9oxkaGx0_Aw7M7Iz4KNQs0KVIOOT13NOQ?key=WkNfQ3ZnRGllSUIzdWg5MjBrQ3Q2cmEtUy1LeGR3 CFM Network Map] dated November 2022<br />
*Thorsten Büker's single sheet [http://www.bueker.net/trainspotting/maps_ukraine.php Map of Ukraine and Moldova] dated March 2018.<br />
<br />
==Ticketing==<br />
Online tickets are available for the international trains from Chisinau to Iasi Socola and Chisinau - Bucharest via the [http://www.railway.md CFM website]<br />
<br />
Opportunities to use credit or debit cards at ticket offices may be limited, particularly in Transnistria. Normally, payment is possible only in local currency. Purchase of tickets from Transnistria to Chisinau may be possible only at limited times.<br />
<br />
==Infrastructure==<br />
===Infrastructure Authority===<br />
Not known.<br />
<br />
===Network Statement===<br />
An [http://cfm.md/content/ro/report_18011429.pdf annual report] over the activities and results carried out in 2022 has been published.<br />
<br />
===Gauge===<br />
"Russian" gauge (1520mm). There is a gauge changer at Ungheni, where bogies are changed.<br />
<br />
===Electrification===<br />
None. Electrification had been planned into Moldova from the Ukraine border at Kuchurhan, and electrification masts were installed from the end of the UZ electrification at Kuchurhan through Tiraspol to Bender, but no further work has been done for many years.<br />
<br />
===Rule of the road===<br />
There is a section of effectively double track between [[Moldova_-_Lines_with_Obscure_or_Sparse_passenger_services#Chişinău-Revaca | Chişinău and Revaca (see Obscure Services)]], and between Cornești and Pîrlița on the line between Chișinău to Ungheni with right-hand running, but otherwise all lines are single track.<br />
<br />
===Distances===<br />
Some distances are visible via the Network Map<br />
<br />
==Other railways==<br />
None.<br />
<br />
==Tourist lines==<br />
None.<br />
<br />
==Metro==<br />
None.<br />
<br />
== Trams/LRT-Systems ==<br />
None.<br />
<br />
==Recent and future changes (latest first)==<br />
On 10 November 2022 the night train 351/352 Chişinău - Kyiv was reinstated, operated by UZ. <br />
<br />
On 22 August 2022 the cross border line Basarabeasca - Berezino (- Odessa), avoiding Transnistria, was reopened for through freight traffic.<br />
<br />
On 18 May 2022 modernisation work on the 233 km Bender (Tighina) – Basarabeasca – Giurgiulești line was officially launched. This will remove weight and speed restrictions, increasing the line speed to 120 km/h for passenger trains and 90 km/h for freight.<br />
<br />
All train traffic from Chişinău/Tiraspol towards Odessa was halted in late February 2022 as a result of the collapsed cross border bridge at Cuciurgan. <br />
<br />
Starting from 12 December 2021, trains 105/106 Chisinau-Bucharest resumed.<br />
<br />
The Moldovan parliament has voted (October 2021)to bring CFM into line with EU legislation by breaking the railway into passenger, freight and infrastructure divisions. Passenger and freight may be opened to private operators.<br />
<br />
On 2 August 2021 services were restored Bălți Slobozia - Ocnița - Bălți Slobozia, Bălți Slobozia - Rogojeni - Bălți Slobozia and Ungheni - Bălți Slobozia - Ungheni <br />
<br />
Reported in early 2021 that a collapse in freight revenues has led to financial problems with workers not paid and no money to buy fuel, so service cuts necessary in addition to those caused by the Pandemic. Local services Chişinău - Ungheni, Chişinău - Bender and Bălți-Slobozia - Ocnita were reported operating. <br />
<br />
Services via Bender and Tiraspol, which are in Transnistria, continue to be affected. See [[#Special Notes|'''Special Notes''']] below.<br />
<br />
Local trains between Chişinău and Bender-2 in practice only run as far as Bender-3; passengers for Bender-2 must cross the border into and out of Transnistria on foot.<br />
<br />
From 2019 there are services through Transnistria: Chişinău <=> Moskva (alternate days from December 2019) and Chişinău <=> Odessa (from mid September 2019 operates Fridays Saturdays and Sundays).<br />
<br />
The Chişinău <=> Basarabeasca service via Revaca and Căinari is show on the timetable displays as "suspended", it is not known when the service ceased. However since at least September 2019 two daily train pairs have been running between Basarabeasca and Zloţi.<br />
<br />
The Basarabeasca <=> Reni (Ukraine) passenger service ceased in 2015/2016, but in September 2019 Etulia <=> Reni saw two daily train pairs running, operated by Ukrainian Railways as the majority of the route in is Ukraine.<br />
<br />
Services east of Bălți-Slobozia now only run as far as Rogojeni, the service beyond there to Șoldănești having ceased at an unknown date, probably in 2015/2016.<br />
<br />
Substantial investments have been made in building new railway lines since 2003, with the goal of connecting Chişinău to southern Moldova and the Giurgiuleşti oil terminal. The first such segment was the 40&nbsp;km Revaca - Căinari line, opened in 2006. The 53km Cahul - Giurgiuleşti line, opened only in 2008, closed in summer 2012 for a period because 20 km of track near the river Prut need rebuilding owing to poor construction. A passenger service over this section ran for a period in 2013/2014, reportedly only as far as the port gates at Giurgiuleşti.<br />
<br />
The daily Basarabeasca <=> Cahul train was reported to have been withdrawn by August 2013.<br />
<br />
The cross-border service between Prut-2 and Fălciu CFR, re-introduced in 2010, was missing from the 2011-2012 and subsequent timetables, and by September 2019 the line had been cut at the former junction west of Prut-1.<br />
<br />
The route between Ocnita and Chernivitsi (Ukraine) crosses the border a total of five times: most through services were withdrawn by August 2013 though overnight service 117/118 'Bukovina' (Chernivtsi-Kyiv) ran this way during summer 2014. See [[Border Crossings: Moldova - Ukraine | Border Crossings: Moldova - Ukraine]] for more details.<br />
<br />
An agreement was signed in October 2015 to reopen the Basarabeasca - Berezyne (Ukraine) line, closed to all traffic in 1997 and lifted in 1999. This would have enabled traffic between the two countries to avoid passing through the breakaway territory of Transnistria. Work was supposed to start in summer 2016, but it appears that a lack of funds has meant that the project has been postponed.<br />
<br />
Moldova is to receive €100&nbsp;M in loans and grants from the EIB and EBRD. Most of this will be used to modernize the Chişinău - Ungheni line. It is said that the line will also be converted to 1435&nbsp;mm gauge. This seems most unlikely as it would cut off northern Moldova from Chişinău and it is more likely that dual 1435/1520mm is meant.<br />
<br />
==Special Notes==<br />
Local services are mostly suspended due to the lack of finances for diesel. Priority is given to international services to Iasi, Bucharest and Kyiv, serving some local stations.<br />
<br />
Transnistria, also known as Trans-Dniestr or Transdniestria is a breakaway territory located mostly in a strip between the Dniester River and the eastern border with Ukraine. It is generally recognised internationally as being the de jure government of Eastern Moldova as the Stînga Nistrului ("Left Dnestr bank") autonomous region. Since its declaration of independence in 1990, it has been governed de facto by the unrecognized Pridnestrovskaya Moldavskaya Respublica (Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic - PMR, also known as "Pridnestrovie"), which claims the east bank of the river Dniester and the town of Bender and its locality on the right bank of the Dnestr. The Republic of Moldova does not recognize this secession and considers it to be part of Moldova.<br />
<br />
Travellers entering Moldova from Transnistria do not receive an entry stamp because the Republic of Moldova considers Transnistria to be part of Moldova. Until recently, this caused problems on leaving Moldova as it could be construed as having entered the country illegally. To avoid problems on leaving Moldova, it was recommended to cross Transnistria only from west to east, or to cross the whole of Moldova in the same train from Kuchurhan to Iaşi, using the Saratov – Varna summer-only train. Recent advice to westbound passengers has been to request a Moldovan entry stamp on arrival at Chişinău.<br />
<br />
However, see the [[Border_Crossings:_Moldova_-_Ukraine#NOV_KUC|Novosavickaia CFM - Kuchurhan UZ border crossing]] for the situation with local services to and from Bender.<br />
<br />
Photographers must ask permission from railway staff and police before taking pictures. Often they give permission, but do not attempt to take pictures if they refuse it.<br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
{{Navbox Moldova}}</div>Theijs Europehttps://www.egtre.info/w/index.php?title=Moldova_-_General_Information&diff=49110Moldova - General Information2023-01-31T10:57:34Z<p>Theijs Europe: /* Network Statement */</p>
<hr />
<div>==Country Name==<br />
Moldova (Republica Moldova)<br />
<br />
==National railway system==<br />
===National Railway Operator===<br />
[http://www.railway.md/ CFM - Caile Ferată Moldova].<br />
<br />
==Language==<br />
The Constitution of 1994 states that "the national language of the Republic of Moldova is Moldovan, and its writing is based on the Latin alphabet," while the 1991 Declaration of Independence names the official language Romanian. The 1989 State Language Law speaks of a Moldo-Romanian linguistic identity. Russian is provided with the status of a "language of interethnic communication" (alongside the official language), and in practice remains widely used. Gagauz and Ukrainian have significant regional speaker populations and are granted official status together with Russian in Gagauzia and Transnistria respectively.<br />
<br />
==Currency==<br />
Moldova Leu (MDL; plural Lei), 1 Leu = 100 Bani (singular Ban). In Transnistria, a partially recognized state claimed in whole by Moldova, the Transnistrian rouble is used instead.<br />
<br />
==UIC code==<br />
numeric 23; alpha CFM.<br />
<br />
==Timetable==<br />
===Journey Planner===<br />
A station to station timetable facility including days of running is available at [http://www.railway.md/]. On the menu bar select 'Transportul de Pasageri' then select 'Mersul Trenilor'.<br />
<br />
===Downloadable Timetable===<br />
None<br />
<br />
However, a good [https://drive.google.com/open?id=1r3NiwZLbodz0Pd5H-k05T4BByU4I-0clVQ2nJnMiq6s privately compiled timetable] is available (as at 19 December 2019, not updated since August 2019).<br />
<br />
===Printed Timetable===<br />
There is no public timetable as such.<br />
<br />
===Engineering Information===<br />
None.<br />
<br />
===Bus Information===<br />
None known.<br />
<br />
==Maps==<br />
===Printed Maps===<br />
*[[Printed Maps#ERA-E | European Railway Atlas (All-Europe Edition)]] by M.G. Ball.<br />
*[[Printed Maps#ERA-R-EE-LV-LT-BY-UA-MD | European Railway Atlas (Regional Series - Baltic States, Belarus and Ukraine)]] by M.G. Ball.<br />
*[[Printed Maps#UA-BY-MD | Ukraine, Belarus and Moldova Railway Atlas]] by Quail Map Company. A comprehensive atlas of the Moldova rail network in English and German, which records the evolution of the network and place-names on it, published December 1995, but now out of print. <br />
*An excellent 1:200.000 Moldova map, produced by the Kiev map publishers, can be found in book shops in Chişinău or in larger Ukrainian towns. It is very like the popular Ukraine Oblast maps.<br />
<br />
===Web-based Maps===<br />
* Map offered by CFM [https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipPSYBdbm8K76IElApA8N1DF6u8f1KBDp9oxkaGx0_Aw7M7Iz4KNQs0KVIOOT13NOQ?key=WkNfQ3ZnRGllSUIzdWg5MjBrQ3Q2cmEtUy1LeGR3 CFM Network Map] dated November 2022<br />
*Thorsten Büker's single sheet [http://www.bueker.net/trainspotting/maps_ukraine.php Map of Ukraine and Moldova] dated March 2018.<br />
<br />
==Ticketing==<br />
Online tickets are available for the international trains from Chisinau to Iasi Socola and Chisinau - Bucharest via the [http://www.railway.md CFM website]<br />
<br />
Opportunities to use credit or debit cards at ticket offices may be limited, particularly in Transnistria. Normally, payment is possible only in local currency. Purchase of tickets from Transnistria to Chisinau may be possible only at limited times.<br />
<br />
==Infrastructure==<br />
===Infrastructure Authority===<br />
Not known.<br />
<br />
===Network Statement===<br />
An annual report over the activities and results carried out in 2022 has been published.<br />
<br />
===Gauge===<br />
"Russian" gauge (1520mm). There is a gauge changer at Ungheni, where bogies are changed.<br />
<br />
===Electrification===<br />
None. Electrification had been planned into Moldova from the Ukraine border at Kuchurhan, and electrification masts were installed from the end of the UZ electrification at Kuchurhan through Tiraspol to Bender, but no further work has been done for many years.<br />
<br />
===Rule of the road===<br />
There is a section of effectively double track between [[Moldova_-_Lines_with_Obscure_or_Sparse_passenger_services#Chişinău-Revaca | Chişinău and Revaca (see Obscure Services)]], and between Cornești and Pîrlița on the line between Chișinău to Ungheni with right-hand running, but otherwise all lines are single track.<br />
<br />
===Distances===<br />
Some distances are visible via the Network Map<br />
<br />
==Other railways==<br />
None.<br />
<br />
==Tourist lines==<br />
None.<br />
<br />
==Metro==<br />
None.<br />
<br />
== Trams/LRT-Systems ==<br />
None.<br />
<br />
==Recent and future changes (latest first)==<br />
On 10 November 2022 the night train 351/352 Chişinău - Kyiv was reinstated, operated by UZ. <br />
<br />
On 22 August 2022 the cross border line Basarabeasca - Berezino (- Odessa), avoiding Transnistria, was reopened for through freight traffic.<br />
<br />
On 18 May 2022 modernisation work on the 233 km Bender (Tighina) – Basarabeasca – Giurgiulești line was officially launched. This will remove weight and speed restrictions, increasing the line speed to 120 km/h for passenger trains and 90 km/h for freight.<br />
<br />
All train traffic from Chişinău/Tiraspol towards Odessa was halted in late February 2022 as a result of the collapsed cross border bridge at Cuciurgan. <br />
<br />
Starting from 12 December 2021, trains 105/106 Chisinau-Bucharest resumed.<br />
<br />
The Moldovan parliament has voted (October 2021)to bring CFM into line with EU legislation by breaking the railway into passenger, freight and infrastructure divisions. Passenger and freight may be opened to private operators.<br />
<br />
On 2 August 2021 services were restored Bălți Slobozia - Ocnița - Bălți Slobozia, Bălți Slobozia - Rogojeni - Bălți Slobozia and Ungheni - Bălți Slobozia - Ungheni <br />
<br />
Reported in early 2021 that a collapse in freight revenues has led to financial problems with workers not paid and no money to buy fuel, so service cuts necessary in addition to those caused by the Pandemic. Local services Chişinău - Ungheni, Chişinău - Bender and Bălți-Slobozia - Ocnita were reported operating. <br />
<br />
Services via Bender and Tiraspol, which are in Transnistria, continue to be affected. See [[#Special Notes|'''Special Notes''']] below.<br />
<br />
Local trains between Chişinău and Bender-2 in practice only run as far as Bender-3; passengers for Bender-2 must cross the border into and out of Transnistria on foot.<br />
<br />
From 2019 there are services through Transnistria: Chişinău <=> Moskva (alternate days from December 2019) and Chişinău <=> Odessa (from mid September 2019 operates Fridays Saturdays and Sundays).<br />
<br />
The Chişinău <=> Basarabeasca service via Revaca and Căinari is show on the timetable displays as "suspended", it is not known when the service ceased. However since at least September 2019 two daily train pairs have been running between Basarabeasca and Zloţi.<br />
<br />
The Basarabeasca <=> Reni (Ukraine) passenger service ceased in 2015/2016, but in September 2019 Etulia <=> Reni saw two daily train pairs running, operated by Ukrainian Railways as the majority of the route in is Ukraine.<br />
<br />
Services east of Bălți-Slobozia now only run as far as Rogojeni, the service beyond there to Șoldănești having ceased at an unknown date, probably in 2015/2016.<br />
<br />
Substantial investments have been made in building new railway lines since 2003, with the goal of connecting Chişinău to southern Moldova and the Giurgiuleşti oil terminal. The first such segment was the 40&nbsp;km Revaca - Căinari line, opened in 2006. The 53km Cahul - Giurgiuleşti line, opened only in 2008, closed in summer 2012 for a period because 20 km of track near the river Prut need rebuilding owing to poor construction. A passenger service over this section ran for a period in 2013/2014, reportedly only as far as the port gates at Giurgiuleşti.<br />
<br />
The daily Basarabeasca <=> Cahul train was reported to have been withdrawn by August 2013.<br />
<br />
The cross-border service between Prut-2 and Fălciu CFR, re-introduced in 2010, was missing from the 2011-2012 and subsequent timetables, and by September 2019 the line had been cut at the former junction west of Prut-1.<br />
<br />
The route between Ocnita and Chernivitsi (Ukraine) crosses the border a total of five times: most through services were withdrawn by August 2013 though overnight service 117/118 'Bukovina' (Chernivtsi-Kyiv) ran this way during summer 2014. See [[Border Crossings: Moldova - Ukraine | Border Crossings: Moldova - Ukraine]] for more details.<br />
<br />
An agreement was signed in October 2015 to reopen the Basarabeasca - Berezyne (Ukraine) line, closed to all traffic in 1997 and lifted in 1999. This would have enabled traffic between the two countries to avoid passing through the breakaway territory of Transnistria. Work was supposed to start in summer 2016, but it appears that a lack of funds has meant that the project has been postponed.<br />
<br />
Moldova is to receive €100&nbsp;M in loans and grants from the EIB and EBRD. Most of this will be used to modernize the Chişinău - Ungheni line. It is said that the line will also be converted to 1435&nbsp;mm gauge. This seems most unlikely as it would cut off northern Moldova from Chişinău and it is more likely that dual 1435/1520mm is meant.<br />
<br />
==Special Notes==<br />
Local services are mostly suspended due to the lack of finances for diesel. Priority is given to international services to Iasi, Bucharest and Kyiv, serving some local stations.<br />
<br />
Transnistria, also known as Trans-Dniestr or Transdniestria is a breakaway territory located mostly in a strip between the Dniester River and the eastern border with Ukraine. It is generally recognised internationally as being the de jure government of Eastern Moldova as the Stînga Nistrului ("Left Dnestr bank") autonomous region. Since its declaration of independence in 1990, it has been governed de facto by the unrecognized Pridnestrovskaya Moldavskaya Respublica (Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic - PMR, also known as "Pridnestrovie"), which claims the east bank of the river Dniester and the town of Bender and its locality on the right bank of the Dnestr. The Republic of Moldova does not recognize this secession and considers it to be part of Moldova.<br />
<br />
Travellers entering Moldova from Transnistria do not receive an entry stamp because the Republic of Moldova considers Transnistria to be part of Moldova. Until recently, this caused problems on leaving Moldova as it could be construed as having entered the country illegally. To avoid problems on leaving Moldova, it was recommended to cross Transnistria only from west to east, or to cross the whole of Moldova in the same train from Kuchurhan to Iaşi, using the Saratov – Varna summer-only train. Recent advice to westbound passengers has been to request a Moldovan entry stamp on arrival at Chişinău.<br />
<br />
However, see the [[Border_Crossings:_Moldova_-_Ukraine#NOV_KUC|Novosavickaia CFM - Kuchurhan UZ border crossing]] for the situation with local services to and from Bender.<br />
<br />
Photographers must ask permission from railway staff and police before taking pictures. Often they give permission, but do not attempt to take pictures if they refuse it.<br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
{{Navbox Moldova}}</div>Theijs Europehttps://www.egtre.info/w/index.php?title=Netherlands_-_General_Information&diff=48688Netherlands - General Information2023-01-11T09:50:41Z<p>Theijs Europe: /* Future changes */ updated</p>
<hr />
<div>==Country Name==<br />
Netherlands (Nederland)<br />
<br />
==National Railway System==<br />
===National Railway Operator===<br />
Nederlandse Spoorwegen (https://www.ns.nl/en NS]) is the principal passenger carrier, which operates through various subsidiary companies, including:<br />
* NS Reizigers - Domestic passenger services <br />
* [https://www.nsinternational.com/en ''NS International''] - International passenger services.<br />
<br />
[https://www.thalys.com/nl/en ''Thalys''] services to the Netherlands are operated by a stand-alone company owned by SNCF (62%), SNCB/NMBS (28%) and DB (10%); NS is not a partner. <br />
<br />
There is no longer a national freight operator. The former NS freight operation has been sold and is a subsidiary of DB (see below). Open access freight operators have a considerable market share. Current freight operators in The Netherlands as at 2023 are DB Cargo Nederland (German), Lineas Nederland (Belgian), LTE Netherlands (Austrian), Captrain (French) and RTB Cargo German) amoungst others.<br />
<br />
==Language==<br />
Dutch<br />
<br />
==Currency==<br />
Euro<br />
<br />
==UIC code==<br />
Numeric 84; alpha NL<br />
<br />
==Timetable==<br />
As of 14 December 2014, every station should be served twice an hour.<br />
<br />
===Journey Planner===<br />
* PC and smartphone: [https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information Travel Information].<br />
* Iphone application: [https://apps.apple.com/nl/app/ns/id370362301 Reisplanner].<br />
* Android application: [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=nl.ns.android.activity&utm_source=ns&utm_medium=banner&utm_campaign=rpxpagina Reisplanner]<br />
* Windows application: [https://www.microsoft.com/store/apps/9wzdncrdmbbm Treinplanner]<br />
<br />
===Actual Train Times===<br />
* [https://spoorkaart.mwnn.nl/ Actuele spoorkaart Nederland]<br />
*[https://treinenradar.nl/ Treinenradar Live]<br />
<br />
===Downloadable Timetable===<br />
By December 2023, NS no longer produces timetables in pdf format on its website.<br />
<br />
===Printed Timetable===<br />
''Rover'' offers a paper [https://www.ovshop.nl/shop/rover-spoorboekje-2023/ ''Spoorboekje''] for 2022-2023. NS discontinued paper timetables after the 2009-2010 edition. Rover took the publication over from Treinreiziger.<br />
<br />
===Engineering Information===<br />
[https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/current-situation-on-the-tracks The current situation on the tracks].<br />
[https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/maintenance-on-the-tracks/ An overview of scheduled works in the upcoming months that will effect services].<br />
<br />
===Real Time Train Information===<br />
Real time train running information is available on the [http://treinenradar.nl/ ''Treinenradar''], [https://treinposities.nl/ ''Treinposities''] and [http://spoorkaart.mwnn.nl/ Spoorkaart] websites. Moreover, public transport Apps like OV9292 and NS Reisplanner offer real time journey information.<br />
<br />
==Maps==<br />
===Printed Maps===<br />
*[[Printed Maps#ERA-E | European Railway Atlas (All-Europe Edition)]] by M.G. Ball.<br />
*[[Printed Maps#ERA-R-FR-BE-NL-LU | European Railway Atlas (Regional Series - France and Benelux)]] by M.G. Ball.<br />
*[https://treinwebshop.nl/product/poster-spoorkaart-2021/ Rail Map 2021] by Treinreiziger.nl<br />
<br />
===Web-based Maps===<br />
*NS provides a map with all passenger train service numbers and frequencies: [https://www.ns.nl/binaries/_ht_1642770500516/content/assets/ns-nl/dienstregeling/nieuwe-dienstregeling/ns-spoorkaart-2022.pdf Spoorkaart 2022]. <br />
*Prorail provides a [https://www.prorail.nl/siteassets/homepage/reizen/documenten/spoorkaart-2020-webversie.pdf detailed geographical map].<br />
*[http://www.sporenplan.nl/ Sporenplan] has a series of on-line maps and schematic track diagrams. Click on "Sporenplannen" on the left hand side for a map showing the countries covered.<br />
*Thorsten Büker's [http://www.bueker.net/trainspotting/maps_benelux.php Map of Benelux network] Although this remains on-line, the Büker maps are no longer being maintained. Last updated March 2018.<br />
*[[Maps and Plans#Netherlands|Maps and Plans - Netherlands]]<br />
<br />
==Ticketing==<br />
In the course of 2023, paying train journeys by debit card (check-in and check-out) will be introduced. So far only public transport in Amsterdam and Den Haag has introduced this payment service. Once every 24 hours the journeys are collected.<br />
<br />
All stations are equipped with ticket machines which all accept debit and credit cards (V PAY, Maestro, Mastercard, Visa and American Express). However, some foreign Visa debit cards are not accepted. Some machines accept coins as well. All machines offer domestic tickets and some provide international tickets to Belgium, and a selection of destinations in Germany. All tickets contain a chip to validate your ticket. Booking offices at small stations have almost all been closed. A surcharge is payable at booking offices when buying a ticket which is available from a ticket machine.<br />
<br />
The smart card [https://www.ov-chipkaart.nl/home-1.htm OV Chipkaart] is the normal ticket on public transport and can be bought at any ticket machine. Machines that add value to an OV Chipkaart accept debit cards issued outside the Netherlands. However, only a few machines (such as at some tobacconists) accept credit cards. Paper tickets continue to be issued from machines and booking offices for rail journeys.<br />
<br />
Information on tickets and passes can be found on the NS [https://www.ns.nl/producten/en/losse-kaartjes-toeslagen Individual tickets & supplements] page. A supplement is required to travel on the HSL between Rotterdam and Schiphol Airport unless the passenger has a valid international ticket (which includes Interrail). The supplement can be purchased from vending machines; there are red validation machines for such supplements on the platforms.<br />
<br />
'''Note''': ALL tickets from machines MUST be touched in and out with ALL operators used in the correct order, when changing operators en-route. Travellers may be fined if they do not do this.<br />
<br />
NS-Zonetaxi (formerly known as treintaxi) tickets include a taxi from/to the railway station for a fixed fare. The service is available in most mid-size towns, but not in Utrecht, Amsterdam, Den Haag and Rotterdam. When riding on single or return tickets, trein-taxi tickets should be bought at the departure station. For the return trip by taxi, tickets are best bought in advance, but the taxi driver sells tickets with a small surcharge.<br />
<br />
Although more local services are to be franchised over the next few years, a uniform ticketing system, including NS and all franchisees, is being retained.<br />
<br />
''Special offers:''<br />
Supermarket chains may offer cheap day tickets from time to time for a limited period. At Amsterdam Schiphol Airport both NS and GVB Amsterdam sell tickets for public transport connections to Amsterdam.[https://www.spoordeelwinkel.nl/product/eindhoven-airport NS-Voordeelwinkel] has special offers for Eindhoven Airport. [http://www.treinreiziger.nl/ Treinreiziger] offers news about the Dutch railwaysystem, including the availabillity of discounted tickets.<br />
<br />
==Infrastructure==<br />
===Infrastructure Authority===<br />
[http://www.prorail.nl/ ProRail] owns and manages the NS infrastructure and is responsible for traffic control and capacity allocation, under the authority of the minister of transport. On 1 July 2015 the operation of the ''Betuweroute'' was transferred to ProRail and the previous owners, Keyrail, ceased to exist.<br />
<br />
[https://www.ilent.nl/ Inspectie Leefomgeving en Transport], part of the Ministry of Transport, is responsible for safety and rolling stock certification.<br />
<br />
===Network Statement===<br />
The Prorail Website gives access to various [http://www.prorail.nl/vervoerders/network-statement NS Network Statement] documents.<br />
<br />
===Gauge===<br />
Standard.<br />
<br />
===Electrification===<br />
1500 V dc. New high-speed lines and the Betuwe trunk freight line between Rotterdam and Zevenaar (- Emmerich (Germany)) are electrified at 25 kV 50 Hz; Zevenaar - Emmerich was converted to 25 kV in 2016 so that freight trains have to change voltage only once, although it caused passenger trains to have to change voltage twice. The Hanzelijn is not officially a high-speed line, so is 1500 V dc. Large-scale conversion to 25 kV 50 Hz in the long term was envisaged but this was abandoned in the late 1990s as too expensive. In 2014 Prorail started a feasibility study into upgrading to 3000 V dc.<br />
Metros and Tramways are 750 V dc, with third rail used on the Amsterdam and Rotterdam metros.<br />
<br />
===Rule of the road===<br />
Right, but most lines are reversibly signalled. The following lines have left-hand running:<br />
* the high speed line from Rotterdam Lombardijen (where there is a flying crossover) to the Belgian border <br />
* the fast lines between Utrecht Centraal and Bilthoven; there is a flying crossover west of Bilthoven <br />
* from Roosendaal to the Belgian border <br />
* from Maastricht to the Belgian border<br />
<br />
There are connections between the high speed line and the old line to Breda where they run parallel south of Lage Zwaluwe, at which the two lines are handed in opposite directions. This results in the two southbound lines (which are adjacent) being linked merely by a long crossover whereas the connection between the northbound lines crosses over all four tracks on a flyover.<br />
<br />
===Distances===<br />
[https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lijst_van_spoorlijnen_in_Nederland Wikipedia] gives distances for all lines in the Netherlands. Click on the line wanted, and on the right distances for stations are given. [http://www.sporenplan.nl/html_nl/sporenplan/ns/ns_nummer/start.html Sporeneplan] provides an alternative source. Click on the line wanted to reach a schematic line plan, alongside which distances for stations (named in abbreviated code) are given. ''Neither is an official page and can be out of date.'' '''If any user can point to an official source for distance information the compilers would be glad to hear.'''<br />
<br />
==Other Railways==<br />
Private operators have franchises to work a number of local passenger services over NS lines, thus:<br />
* Arriva Nederland: Leeuwarden - Harlingen, Leeuwarden - Stavoren, Leeuwarden - Groningen, Groningen - Roodeschool/Eemshaven/Delfzijl, Groningen - Veendam/Bad Nieuweschans - Leer (D), Apeldoorn - Zutphen, Zutphen - Winterswijk, Winterswijk - Arnhem, Arnhem - Tiel, Nijmegen - Venlo - Roermond - Maastricht/Heerlen, Maastricht Randwijck - Heerlen - Kerkrade/Aachen (D).<br />
* Abellio (part of NS): Gouda - Alphen aan den Rijn, Arnhem - Emmerich (D).<br />
* Blauwnet (Arriva/Keolis/Syntus): Enschede - Almelo - Mariënberg, Kampen - Zwolle - Emmen, Zutphen - Hengelo - Oldenzaal.<br />
* Breng: Doetinchem - Arnhem.<br />
* Q-Buzz (R-Net): Dordrecht - Geldermalsen<br />
* Valleilijn (Connexxion): Amersfoort - Ede-Wageningen. <br />
<br />
In addition next cross border services are operated: <br />
Keolis: Hengelo - Bielefeld(D), <br />
DB Regio: Enschede - Gronau - Münster / Dortmund <br />
Abellio: Arnhem - Düsseldorf (RE19) <br />
Regiobahn: Venlo - Düsseldorf - Hamm (RE13)(D),<br />
NMBS: local services Roosendaal - Antwerpen (B)<br />
NMBS: local services Maastricht - Luik / Liège (B)<br />
<br />
The German based Bentheimer Eisenbahn owns and operates its trunk line from Bentheim to the border at Laarwald and a further 2 km on to Coevorden. The line is freight only; there has never been any significant border crossing passenger traffic, but freight has regained importance in recent times. Coevorden effectively serves as a German rail bridgehead into the Netherlands, traffic mainly consisting of containers that are subsequently road-hauled into the northern provinces. There are plans to introduce passenger services between Coevorden en Neuenhaus (D) by BE by 2024.<br />
<br />
==Tourist Lines==<br />
A list of Tourist & Museum Railways and Tramways in English is available on the [http://www.railmusea.nl/en Historisch Railvervoer Nederland (HRN)] website.<br />
<br />
Rail cycling is possible on the following sections of line:<br />
*[https://grenzland-draisine.eu/ Grenzland Draisine]: based at Kranenburg in Germany, on the former Kleve [DE] - Nijmegen [NL] line, the ''Grenzenlose'' trip to Groesbeek (5.5 km one way) covers a portion in the Netherlands <br />
*[https://www.spoorfietsen.nl Spoorfietsen]: Hengelo - Twekkelo (a short stretch of Hengelo - Boekelo line, latterly serving AKZO factory)<br />
<br />
==Metro==<br />
[http://www.gvb.nl/ENGLISH/Pages/default.aspx Amsterdam], [https://www.ret.nl/en/ Rotterdam], [https://www.ret.nl/en/home/travelling-with-the-ret.html RandstadRail].<br />
<br />
Track plans for all metro systems in the Netherlands are available on the [http://www.gleisplanweb.eu/ Gleisplanweb site].<br />
<br />
== Trams/LRT-Systems ==<br />
Amsterdam, Den Haag, Rotterdam, Utrecht.<br />
<br />
Track plans for all tram systems in the Netherlands are available on the [http://www.gleisplanweb.eu/ Gleisplanweb site].<br />
<br />
See also [[Netherlands_-_Tram_services_over_obscure_routes|Netherlands - Tram services over obscure routes]]<br />
<br />
==Recent and future changes==<br />
===Future changes===<br />
Work is in progress to extend RET Metro line B from Hoek van Holland Haven to the site of the former Hoek Van Holland Strand, and then a further 1.1km to the beach, opening is expected in the first half of 2023.<br />
<br />
European Sleeper will start to operate from 25 May 2023 a night service from Brussels via Roosendaal, Rotterdam, The Hague via Bad Bentheim to Berlin, and in 2024 extended to Prague.<br />
<br />
Passenger services are to resume between Veendam and Stadskanaal in 2024. Simultaneously introduction of passenger services between Coevorden - Neuenhaus (D) and on to Bad Bentheim (D) are expected by 2024.<br />
<br />
The proposed electrification of Nijmegen - Venlo - Roermond has been cancelled because of the increasing cost of materials and the effects of the coronavirus pandemic on the supply chain. <br />
<br />
The new 'Friesenbrücke' bridge, facilitating the passenger traffic Groningen - Bad Nieuweschans - Leer (D) should be constructed by 2024.<br />
<br />
Long term projects:<br />
On 10 October 2017, the coalition government agreed plans to reopen Weert - Hamont, with co-financing from regional authorities, following the reopening of Neerpelt - Hamont by SNCB. On 9 November the governments concluded an agreement to electrify the line.<br />
<br />
The "Iron Rhine" freight line between Roermond and Dalheim (Germany) is planned to reopened for traffic between Antwerpen and the Ruhr. However this has been delayed by a dispute between the Dutch and Belgian governments, which has gone to arbitration.<br />
<br />
===Recent changes===<br />
The last museum trains to use the Blauwkapel Kruispunt, where the line northwards from the ''Nederlands Spoorwegmuseum'' at Utrecht Maliebaan station makes a flat crossing with the Utrecht - Amersfoort line, ran on 14 May 2022. The north - south link at Blauwkapel is to be removed. This will not affect the shuttle trains between Utrecht Centraal station and the museum, which will continue to run. <br />
<br />
By December 2021 Zürich - Amsterdam NightJet services were introduced, complementing the Vienna - Amsterdam services which started on 25th of May 2021.<br />
As of November 28, cargo trains can run via RET Metro line B to Vlaardingen Oost. There is a switch to the Vulcaanhaven emplacement, connecting the nearby oil terminals.<br />
<br />
The (Rotterdam -) Schiedam Centrum - Hoek van Holland ''Hoekse Lijn'' line closed to passengers as an NS line on 1 April 2017 and reopened as RET Metro line B between Nesselande and Hoek van Holland on 30 September 2019, thus bringing a new connection into use between Schiedam Centrum metro station and Schiedam Nieuwland. The former passenger connection between the Metro and the ProRail/NS network is retained for freight. Until the line onwards to Hoek van Holland Strand plus a 1km extension to a station much nearer the Beach is opened, RET trains are temporarily using the old Hoek van Holland International Boat Train platforms.<br />
<br />
Landgraaf - Herzogenrath (Germany) has been electrified, with Arriva EMUs running between Aachen Hbf and Maastricht from 27 December 2018. The planned through Arriva service between Aachen and Liège has been delayed and until further notice NMBS continue to operate a separate train service between Maastricht and Liège.<br />
<br />
The new station of Lansingerland-Zoetermeer on the NS Den Haag to Gouda line opened on 9 December 2018 and the extension to tram line 4 (RandstadRail4) from Zoetermeer Javalaan to the new station opened on 19 May 2019.<br />
<br />
The 'Intercity Direct' service between Amsterdam and Brussel/Bruxelles (the successor to the former Benelux service) was diverted via the HSL Zuid and Breda [reverse] from 9 April 2018, thus opening for passenger traffic the curve southwards from Breda towards the Belgian border.<br />
<br />
==Special notes==<br />
Many trains worked by multiple units split en route to serve more than one destination. External displays may show the destination of each portion; newer train sets are provided with internal displays as well. The number of each unit is displayed prominently in each carriage and when trains divide public address announcements usually refer to these to inform passengers where each unit is going.<br />
<br />
The freight line to Terneuzen is accessible only from Gent in Belgium.<br />
<br />
'''New trains'''<br />
<br />
NS has ordered 79 EMU 'Intercity New Generation' at Alstom, based on Coradia platform for use on the HSL by 2023. <br />
<br />
NS has ordered 20 EMU 'Intercity New Generation' at Alstom, based on Coradia platform for services to Brussels by 2025.<br />
<br />
'''Wifi'''<br />
<br />
Most stations have free internet access via KPN hotspots. NS Intercity trains have free internet by 'Wifi in de trein' provided by T-mobile; other operators like Arriva and Veolia offer free wifi in their trains. However loco hauled services are not provided with wifi.<br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
{{Navbox Netherlands}}</div>Theijs Europehttps://www.egtre.info/w/index.php?title=Netherlands_-_General_Information&diff=48687Netherlands - General Information2023-01-11T09:34:15Z<p>Theijs Europe: /* Metro */ update link RET</p>
<hr />
<div>==Country Name==<br />
Netherlands (Nederland)<br />
<br />
==National Railway System==<br />
===National Railway Operator===<br />
Nederlandse Spoorwegen (https://www.ns.nl/en NS]) is the principal passenger carrier, which operates through various subsidiary companies, including:<br />
* NS Reizigers - Domestic passenger services <br />
* [https://www.nsinternational.com/en ''NS International''] - International passenger services.<br />
<br />
[https://www.thalys.com/nl/en ''Thalys''] services to the Netherlands are operated by a stand-alone company owned by SNCF (62%), SNCB/NMBS (28%) and DB (10%); NS is not a partner. <br />
<br />
There is no longer a national freight operator. The former NS freight operation has been sold and is a subsidiary of DB (see below). Open access freight operators have a considerable market share. Current freight operators in The Netherlands as at 2023 are DB Cargo Nederland (German), Lineas Nederland (Belgian), LTE Netherlands (Austrian), Captrain (French) and RTB Cargo German) amoungst others.<br />
<br />
==Language==<br />
Dutch<br />
<br />
==Currency==<br />
Euro<br />
<br />
==UIC code==<br />
Numeric 84; alpha NL<br />
<br />
==Timetable==<br />
As of 14 December 2014, every station should be served twice an hour.<br />
<br />
===Journey Planner===<br />
* PC and smartphone: [https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information Travel Information].<br />
* Iphone application: [https://apps.apple.com/nl/app/ns/id370362301 Reisplanner].<br />
* Android application: [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=nl.ns.android.activity&utm_source=ns&utm_medium=banner&utm_campaign=rpxpagina Reisplanner]<br />
* Windows application: [https://www.microsoft.com/store/apps/9wzdncrdmbbm Treinplanner]<br />
<br />
===Actual Train Times===<br />
* [https://spoorkaart.mwnn.nl/ Actuele spoorkaart Nederland]<br />
*[https://treinenradar.nl/ Treinenradar Live]<br />
<br />
===Downloadable Timetable===<br />
By December 2023, NS no longer produces timetables in pdf format on its website.<br />
<br />
===Printed Timetable===<br />
''Rover'' offers a paper [https://www.ovshop.nl/shop/rover-spoorboekje-2023/ ''Spoorboekje''] for 2022-2023. NS discontinued paper timetables after the 2009-2010 edition. Rover took the publication over from Treinreiziger.<br />
<br />
===Engineering Information===<br />
[https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/current-situation-on-the-tracks The current situation on the tracks].<br />
[https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/maintenance-on-the-tracks/ An overview of scheduled works in the upcoming months that will effect services].<br />
<br />
===Real Time Train Information===<br />
Real time train running information is available on the [http://treinenradar.nl/ ''Treinenradar''], [https://treinposities.nl/ ''Treinposities''] and [http://spoorkaart.mwnn.nl/ Spoorkaart] websites. Moreover, public transport Apps like OV9292 and NS Reisplanner offer real time journey information.<br />
<br />
==Maps==<br />
===Printed Maps===<br />
*[[Printed Maps#ERA-E | European Railway Atlas (All-Europe Edition)]] by M.G. Ball.<br />
*[[Printed Maps#ERA-R-FR-BE-NL-LU | European Railway Atlas (Regional Series - France and Benelux)]] by M.G. Ball.<br />
*[https://treinwebshop.nl/product/poster-spoorkaart-2021/ Rail Map 2021] by Treinreiziger.nl<br />
<br />
===Web-based Maps===<br />
*NS provides a map with all passenger train service numbers and frequencies: [https://www.ns.nl/binaries/_ht_1642770500516/content/assets/ns-nl/dienstregeling/nieuwe-dienstregeling/ns-spoorkaart-2022.pdf Spoorkaart 2022]. <br />
*Prorail provides a [https://www.prorail.nl/siteassets/homepage/reizen/documenten/spoorkaart-2020-webversie.pdf detailed geographical map].<br />
*[http://www.sporenplan.nl/ Sporenplan] has a series of on-line maps and schematic track diagrams. Click on "Sporenplannen" on the left hand side for a map showing the countries covered.<br />
*Thorsten Büker's [http://www.bueker.net/trainspotting/maps_benelux.php Map of Benelux network] Although this remains on-line, the Büker maps are no longer being maintained. Last updated March 2018.<br />
*[[Maps and Plans#Netherlands|Maps and Plans - Netherlands]]<br />
<br />
==Ticketing==<br />
In the course of 2023, paying train journeys by debit card (check-in and check-out) will be introduced. So far only public transport in Amsterdam and Den Haag has introduced this payment service. Once every 24 hours the journeys are collected.<br />
<br />
All stations are equipped with ticket machines which all accept debit and credit cards (V PAY, Maestro, Mastercard, Visa and American Express). However, some foreign Visa debit cards are not accepted. Some machines accept coins as well. All machines offer domestic tickets and some provide international tickets to Belgium, and a selection of destinations in Germany. All tickets contain a chip to validate your ticket. Booking offices at small stations have almost all been closed. A surcharge is payable at booking offices when buying a ticket which is available from a ticket machine.<br />
<br />
The smart card [https://www.ov-chipkaart.nl/home-1.htm OV Chipkaart] is the normal ticket on public transport and can be bought at any ticket machine. Machines that add value to an OV Chipkaart accept debit cards issued outside the Netherlands. However, only a few machines (such as at some tobacconists) accept credit cards. Paper tickets continue to be issued from machines and booking offices for rail journeys.<br />
<br />
Information on tickets and passes can be found on the NS [https://www.ns.nl/producten/en/losse-kaartjes-toeslagen Individual tickets & supplements] page. A supplement is required to travel on the HSL between Rotterdam and Schiphol Airport unless the passenger has a valid international ticket (which includes Interrail). The supplement can be purchased from vending machines; there are red validation machines for such supplements on the platforms.<br />
<br />
'''Note''': ALL tickets from machines MUST be touched in and out with ALL operators used in the correct order, when changing operators en-route. Travellers may be fined if they do not do this.<br />
<br />
NS-Zonetaxi (formerly known as treintaxi) tickets include a taxi from/to the railway station for a fixed fare. The service is available in most mid-size towns, but not in Utrecht, Amsterdam, Den Haag and Rotterdam. When riding on single or return tickets, trein-taxi tickets should be bought at the departure station. For the return trip by taxi, tickets are best bought in advance, but the taxi driver sells tickets with a small surcharge.<br />
<br />
Although more local services are to be franchised over the next few years, a uniform ticketing system, including NS and all franchisees, is being retained.<br />
<br />
''Special offers:''<br />
Supermarket chains may offer cheap day tickets from time to time for a limited period. At Amsterdam Schiphol Airport both NS and GVB Amsterdam sell tickets for public transport connections to Amsterdam.[https://www.spoordeelwinkel.nl/product/eindhoven-airport NS-Voordeelwinkel] has special offers for Eindhoven Airport. [http://www.treinreiziger.nl/ Treinreiziger] offers news about the Dutch railwaysystem, including the availabillity of discounted tickets.<br />
<br />
==Infrastructure==<br />
===Infrastructure Authority===<br />
[http://www.prorail.nl/ ProRail] owns and manages the NS infrastructure and is responsible for traffic control and capacity allocation, under the authority of the minister of transport. On 1 July 2015 the operation of the ''Betuweroute'' was transferred to ProRail and the previous owners, Keyrail, ceased to exist.<br />
<br />
[https://www.ilent.nl/ Inspectie Leefomgeving en Transport], part of the Ministry of Transport, is responsible for safety and rolling stock certification.<br />
<br />
===Network Statement===<br />
The Prorail Website gives access to various [http://www.prorail.nl/vervoerders/network-statement NS Network Statement] documents.<br />
<br />
===Gauge===<br />
Standard.<br />
<br />
===Electrification===<br />
1500 V dc. New high-speed lines and the Betuwe trunk freight line between Rotterdam and Zevenaar (- Emmerich (Germany)) are electrified at 25 kV 50 Hz; Zevenaar - Emmerich was converted to 25 kV in 2016 so that freight trains have to change voltage only once, although it caused passenger trains to have to change voltage twice. The Hanzelijn is not officially a high-speed line, so is 1500 V dc. Large-scale conversion to 25 kV 50 Hz in the long term was envisaged but this was abandoned in the late 1990s as too expensive. In 2014 Prorail started a feasibility study into upgrading to 3000 V dc.<br />
Metros and Tramways are 750 V dc, with third rail used on the Amsterdam and Rotterdam metros.<br />
<br />
===Rule of the road===<br />
Right, but most lines are reversibly signalled. The following lines have left-hand running:<br />
* the high speed line from Rotterdam Lombardijen (where there is a flying crossover) to the Belgian border <br />
* the fast lines between Utrecht Centraal and Bilthoven; there is a flying crossover west of Bilthoven <br />
* from Roosendaal to the Belgian border <br />
* from Maastricht to the Belgian border<br />
<br />
There are connections between the high speed line and the old line to Breda where they run parallel south of Lage Zwaluwe, at which the two lines are handed in opposite directions. This results in the two southbound lines (which are adjacent) being linked merely by a long crossover whereas the connection between the northbound lines crosses over all four tracks on a flyover.<br />
<br />
===Distances===<br />
[https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lijst_van_spoorlijnen_in_Nederland Wikipedia] gives distances for all lines in the Netherlands. Click on the line wanted, and on the right distances for stations are given. [http://www.sporenplan.nl/html_nl/sporenplan/ns/ns_nummer/start.html Sporeneplan] provides an alternative source. Click on the line wanted to reach a schematic line plan, alongside which distances for stations (named in abbreviated code) are given. ''Neither is an official page and can be out of date.'' '''If any user can point to an official source for distance information the compilers would be glad to hear.'''<br />
<br />
==Other Railways==<br />
Private operators have franchises to work a number of local passenger services over NS lines, thus:<br />
* Arriva Nederland: Leeuwarden - Harlingen, Leeuwarden - Stavoren, Leeuwarden - Groningen, Groningen - Roodeschool/Eemshaven/Delfzijl, Groningen - Veendam/Bad Nieuweschans - Leer (D), Apeldoorn - Zutphen, Zutphen - Winterswijk, Winterswijk - Arnhem, Arnhem - Tiel, Nijmegen - Venlo - Roermond - Maastricht/Heerlen, Maastricht Randwijck - Heerlen - Kerkrade/Aachen (D).<br />
* Abellio (part of NS): Gouda - Alphen aan den Rijn, Arnhem - Emmerich (D).<br />
* Blauwnet (Arriva/Keolis/Syntus): Enschede - Almelo - Mariënberg, Kampen - Zwolle - Emmen, Zutphen - Hengelo - Oldenzaal.<br />
* Breng: Doetinchem - Arnhem.<br />
* Q-Buzz (R-Net): Dordrecht - Geldermalsen<br />
* Valleilijn (Connexxion): Amersfoort - Ede-Wageningen. <br />
<br />
In addition next cross border services are operated: <br />
Keolis: Hengelo - Bielefeld(D), <br />
DB Regio: Enschede - Gronau - Münster / Dortmund <br />
Abellio: Arnhem - Düsseldorf (RE19) <br />
Regiobahn: Venlo - Düsseldorf - Hamm (RE13)(D),<br />
NMBS: local services Roosendaal - Antwerpen (B)<br />
NMBS: local services Maastricht - Luik / Liège (B)<br />
<br />
The German based Bentheimer Eisenbahn owns and operates its trunk line from Bentheim to the border at Laarwald and a further 2 km on to Coevorden. The line is freight only; there has never been any significant border crossing passenger traffic, but freight has regained importance in recent times. Coevorden effectively serves as a German rail bridgehead into the Netherlands, traffic mainly consisting of containers that are subsequently road-hauled into the northern provinces. There are plans to introduce passenger services between Coevorden en Neuenhaus (D) by BE by 2024.<br />
<br />
==Tourist Lines==<br />
A list of Tourist & Museum Railways and Tramways in English is available on the [http://www.railmusea.nl/en Historisch Railvervoer Nederland (HRN)] website.<br />
<br />
Rail cycling is possible on the following sections of line:<br />
*[https://grenzland-draisine.eu/ Grenzland Draisine]: based at Kranenburg in Germany, on the former Kleve [DE] - Nijmegen [NL] line, the ''Grenzenlose'' trip to Groesbeek (5.5 km one way) covers a portion in the Netherlands <br />
*[https://www.spoorfietsen.nl Spoorfietsen]: Hengelo - Twekkelo (a short stretch of Hengelo - Boekelo line, latterly serving AKZO factory)<br />
<br />
==Metro==<br />
[http://www.gvb.nl/ENGLISH/Pages/default.aspx Amsterdam], [https://www.ret.nl/en/ Rotterdam], [https://www.ret.nl/en/home/travelling-with-the-ret.html RandstadRail].<br />
<br />
Track plans for all metro systems in the Netherlands are available on the [http://www.gleisplanweb.eu/ Gleisplanweb site].<br />
<br />
== Trams/LRT-Systems ==<br />
Amsterdam, Den Haag, Rotterdam, Utrecht.<br />
<br />
Track plans for all tram systems in the Netherlands are available on the [http://www.gleisplanweb.eu/ Gleisplanweb site].<br />
<br />
See also [[Netherlands_-_Tram_services_over_obscure_routes|Netherlands - Tram services over obscure routes]]<br />
<br />
==Recent and future changes==<br />
===Future changes===<br />
Work is in progress to extend RET Metro line B from Hoek van Holland Haven to the site of the former Hoek Van Holland Strand, and then a further 1.1km to the beach.<br />
<br />
European Sleeper will start to operate from June 2022 a night service via Roosendaal, Rotterdam, The Hague via Bad Bentheim to Berlin and Prague.<br />
<br />
Works to double track Heerlen - Landgraaf will be completed by summer 2022 in order to facilitate an increase of services between Heerlen and Aachen (D).<br />
<br />
Passenger services are to resume between Veendam and Stadskanaal in 2024. Simultaneously introduction of passenger services between Coevorden - Neuenhaus (D) and on to Bad Bentheim (D) are expected by 2024.<br />
<br />
Extensive works are under way or recently completed to increase line capacity. These include realignment and quadrupling of lines and construction of flyovers at junctions. However, the proposed electrification of Nijmegen - Venlo - Roermond has been cancelled because of the increasing cost of materials and the effects of the coronavirus pandemic on the supply chain. <br />
<br />
The new 'Friesenbrücke' bridge, facilitating the passenger traffic Groningen - Bad Nieuweschans - Leer (D) should be constructed by 2024.<br />
<br />
Infrastructure manager ProRail warned in August 2018 that the main line network is ‘almost full’. ProRail said it was ‘running up against the limits’ of its 7 300 track-km network, pointing out that traffic had grown from 129 million train-km in 2004 to 165 million train-km planned for 2019. It added that there would be ‘little point’ in trying to add more infrastructure as there was ‘no room for that’ across the country. <br />
<br />
Looking ahead, the infrastructure manager believes that more capacity can be squeezed out through the deployment of intelligent timetabling tools, particularly aimed at freight trains which often require short notice paths or changes to booked workings. From 2020, the national working timetable will be specified to the nearest 6 sec rather than whole minutes, which ProRail believes will ‘help it better deliver the public timetable’.<br />
<br />
Long term projects:<br />
On 10 October 2017, the coalition government agreed plans to reopen Weert - Hamont, with co-financing from regional authorities, following the reopening of Neerpelt - Hamont by SNCB. On 9 November the governments concluded an agreement to electrify the line.<br />
<br />
The "Iron Rhine" freight line between Roermond and Dalheim (Germany) is planned to reopened for traffic between Antwerpen and the Ruhr. However this has been delayed by a dispute between the Dutch and Belgian governments, which has gone to arbitration.<br />
<br />
===Recent changes===<br />
The last museum trains to use the Blauwkapel Kruispunt, where the line northwards from the ''Nederlands Spoorwegmuseum'' at Utrecht Maliebaan station makes a flat crossing with the Utrecht - Amersfoort line, ran on 14 May 2022. The north - south link at Blauwkapel is to be removed. This will not affect the shuttle trains between Utrecht Centraal station and the museum, which will continue to run. <br />
<br />
By December 2021 Zürich - Amsterdam NightJet services were introduced, complementing the Vienna - Amsterdam services which started on 25th of May 2021.<br />
As of November 28, cargo trains can run via RET Metro line B to Vlaardingen Oost. There is a switch to the Vulcaanhaven emplacement, connecting the nearby oil terminals.<br />
<br />
The (Rotterdam -) Schiedam Centrum - Hoek van Holland ''Hoekse Lijn'' line closed to passengers as an NS line on 1 April 2017 and reopened as RET Metro line B between Nesselande and Hoek van Holland on 30 September 2019, thus bringing a new connection into use between Schiedam Centrum metro station and Schiedam Nieuwland. The former passenger connection between the Metro and the ProRail/NS network is retained for freight. Until the line onwards to Hoek van Holland Strand plus a 1km extension to a station much nearer the Beach is opened, RET trains are temporarily using the old Hoek van Holland International Boat Train platforms.<br />
<br />
Landgraaf - Herzogenrath (Germany) has been electrified, with Arriva EMUs running between Aachen Hbf and Maastricht from 27 December 2018. The planned through Arriva service between Aachen and Liège has been delayed and until further notice NMBS continue to operate a separate train service between Maastricht and Liège.<br />
<br />
The new station of Lansingerland-Zoetermeer on the NS Den Haag to Gouda line opened on 9 December 2018 and the extension to tram line 4 (RandstadRail4) from Zoetermeer Javalaan to the new station opened on 19 May 2019.<br />
<br />
The 'Intercity Direct' service between Amsterdam and Brussel/Bruxelles (the successor to the former Benelux service) was diverted via the HSL Zuid and Breda [reverse] from 9 April 2018, thus opening for passenger traffic the curve southwards from Breda towards the Belgian border.<br />
<br />
==Special notes==<br />
Many trains worked by multiple units split en route to serve more than one destination. External displays may show the destination of each portion; newer train sets are provided with internal displays as well. The number of each unit is displayed prominently in each carriage and when trains divide public address announcements usually refer to these to inform passengers where each unit is going.<br />
<br />
The freight line to Terneuzen is accessible only from Gent in Belgium.<br />
<br />
'''New trains'''<br />
<br />
NS has ordered 79 EMU 'Intercity New Generation' at Alstom, based on Coradia platform for use on the HSL by 2023. <br />
<br />
NS has ordered 20 EMU 'Intercity New Generation' at Alstom, based on Coradia platform for services to Brussels by 2025.<br />
<br />
'''Wifi'''<br />
<br />
Most stations have free internet access via KPN hotspots. NS Intercity trains have free internet by 'Wifi in de trein' provided by T-mobile; other operators like Arriva and Veolia offer free wifi in their trains. However loco hauled services are not provided with wifi.<br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
{{Navbox Netherlands}}</div>Theijs Europehttps://www.egtre.info/w/index.php?title=Netherlands_-_General_Information&diff=48686Netherlands - General Information2023-01-11T09:32:51Z<p>Theijs Europe: /* Tourist Lines */ update link</p>
<hr />
<div>==Country Name==<br />
Netherlands (Nederland)<br />
<br />
==National Railway System==<br />
===National Railway Operator===<br />
Nederlandse Spoorwegen (https://www.ns.nl/en NS]) is the principal passenger carrier, which operates through various subsidiary companies, including:<br />
* NS Reizigers - Domestic passenger services <br />
* [https://www.nsinternational.com/en ''NS International''] - International passenger services.<br />
<br />
[https://www.thalys.com/nl/en ''Thalys''] services to the Netherlands are operated by a stand-alone company owned by SNCF (62%), SNCB/NMBS (28%) and DB (10%); NS is not a partner. <br />
<br />
There is no longer a national freight operator. The former NS freight operation has been sold and is a subsidiary of DB (see below). Open access freight operators have a considerable market share. Current freight operators in The Netherlands as at 2023 are DB Cargo Nederland (German), Lineas Nederland (Belgian), LTE Netherlands (Austrian), Captrain (French) and RTB Cargo German) amoungst others.<br />
<br />
==Language==<br />
Dutch<br />
<br />
==Currency==<br />
Euro<br />
<br />
==UIC code==<br />
Numeric 84; alpha NL<br />
<br />
==Timetable==<br />
As of 14 December 2014, every station should be served twice an hour.<br />
<br />
===Journey Planner===<br />
* PC and smartphone: [https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information Travel Information].<br />
* Iphone application: [https://apps.apple.com/nl/app/ns/id370362301 Reisplanner].<br />
* Android application: [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=nl.ns.android.activity&utm_source=ns&utm_medium=banner&utm_campaign=rpxpagina Reisplanner]<br />
* Windows application: [https://www.microsoft.com/store/apps/9wzdncrdmbbm Treinplanner]<br />
<br />
===Actual Train Times===<br />
* [https://spoorkaart.mwnn.nl/ Actuele spoorkaart Nederland]<br />
*[https://treinenradar.nl/ Treinenradar Live]<br />
<br />
===Downloadable Timetable===<br />
By December 2023, NS no longer produces timetables in pdf format on its website.<br />
<br />
===Printed Timetable===<br />
''Rover'' offers a paper [https://www.ovshop.nl/shop/rover-spoorboekje-2023/ ''Spoorboekje''] for 2022-2023. NS discontinued paper timetables after the 2009-2010 edition. Rover took the publication over from Treinreiziger.<br />
<br />
===Engineering Information===<br />
[https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/current-situation-on-the-tracks The current situation on the tracks].<br />
[https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/maintenance-on-the-tracks/ An overview of scheduled works in the upcoming months that will effect services].<br />
<br />
===Real Time Train Information===<br />
Real time train running information is available on the [http://treinenradar.nl/ ''Treinenradar''], [https://treinposities.nl/ ''Treinposities''] and [http://spoorkaart.mwnn.nl/ Spoorkaart] websites. Moreover, public transport Apps like OV9292 and NS Reisplanner offer real time journey information.<br />
<br />
==Maps==<br />
===Printed Maps===<br />
*[[Printed Maps#ERA-E | European Railway Atlas (All-Europe Edition)]] by M.G. Ball.<br />
*[[Printed Maps#ERA-R-FR-BE-NL-LU | European Railway Atlas (Regional Series - France and Benelux)]] by M.G. Ball.<br />
*[https://treinwebshop.nl/product/poster-spoorkaart-2021/ Rail Map 2021] by Treinreiziger.nl<br />
<br />
===Web-based Maps===<br />
*NS provides a map with all passenger train service numbers and frequencies: [https://www.ns.nl/binaries/_ht_1642770500516/content/assets/ns-nl/dienstregeling/nieuwe-dienstregeling/ns-spoorkaart-2022.pdf Spoorkaart 2022]. <br />
*Prorail provides a [https://www.prorail.nl/siteassets/homepage/reizen/documenten/spoorkaart-2020-webversie.pdf detailed geographical map].<br />
*[http://www.sporenplan.nl/ Sporenplan] has a series of on-line maps and schematic track diagrams. Click on "Sporenplannen" on the left hand side for a map showing the countries covered.<br />
*Thorsten Büker's [http://www.bueker.net/trainspotting/maps_benelux.php Map of Benelux network] Although this remains on-line, the Büker maps are no longer being maintained. Last updated March 2018.<br />
*[[Maps and Plans#Netherlands|Maps and Plans - Netherlands]]<br />
<br />
==Ticketing==<br />
In the course of 2023, paying train journeys by debit card (check-in and check-out) will be introduced. So far only public transport in Amsterdam and Den Haag has introduced this payment service. Once every 24 hours the journeys are collected.<br />
<br />
All stations are equipped with ticket machines which all accept debit and credit cards (V PAY, Maestro, Mastercard, Visa and American Express). However, some foreign Visa debit cards are not accepted. Some machines accept coins as well. All machines offer domestic tickets and some provide international tickets to Belgium, and a selection of destinations in Germany. All tickets contain a chip to validate your ticket. Booking offices at small stations have almost all been closed. A surcharge is payable at booking offices when buying a ticket which is available from a ticket machine.<br />
<br />
The smart card [https://www.ov-chipkaart.nl/home-1.htm OV Chipkaart] is the normal ticket on public transport and can be bought at any ticket machine. Machines that add value to an OV Chipkaart accept debit cards issued outside the Netherlands. However, only a few machines (such as at some tobacconists) accept credit cards. Paper tickets continue to be issued from machines and booking offices for rail journeys.<br />
<br />
Information on tickets and passes can be found on the NS [https://www.ns.nl/producten/en/losse-kaartjes-toeslagen Individual tickets & supplements] page. A supplement is required to travel on the HSL between Rotterdam and Schiphol Airport unless the passenger has a valid international ticket (which includes Interrail). The supplement can be purchased from vending machines; there are red validation machines for such supplements on the platforms.<br />
<br />
'''Note''': ALL tickets from machines MUST be touched in and out with ALL operators used in the correct order, when changing operators en-route. Travellers may be fined if they do not do this.<br />
<br />
NS-Zonetaxi (formerly known as treintaxi) tickets include a taxi from/to the railway station for a fixed fare. The service is available in most mid-size towns, but not in Utrecht, Amsterdam, Den Haag and Rotterdam. When riding on single or return tickets, trein-taxi tickets should be bought at the departure station. For the return trip by taxi, tickets are best bought in advance, but the taxi driver sells tickets with a small surcharge.<br />
<br />
Although more local services are to be franchised over the next few years, a uniform ticketing system, including NS and all franchisees, is being retained.<br />
<br />
''Special offers:''<br />
Supermarket chains may offer cheap day tickets from time to time for a limited period. At Amsterdam Schiphol Airport both NS and GVB Amsterdam sell tickets for public transport connections to Amsterdam.[https://www.spoordeelwinkel.nl/product/eindhoven-airport NS-Voordeelwinkel] has special offers for Eindhoven Airport. [http://www.treinreiziger.nl/ Treinreiziger] offers news about the Dutch railwaysystem, including the availabillity of discounted tickets.<br />
<br />
==Infrastructure==<br />
===Infrastructure Authority===<br />
[http://www.prorail.nl/ ProRail] owns and manages the NS infrastructure and is responsible for traffic control and capacity allocation, under the authority of the minister of transport. On 1 July 2015 the operation of the ''Betuweroute'' was transferred to ProRail and the previous owners, Keyrail, ceased to exist.<br />
<br />
[https://www.ilent.nl/ Inspectie Leefomgeving en Transport], part of the Ministry of Transport, is responsible for safety and rolling stock certification.<br />
<br />
===Network Statement===<br />
The Prorail Website gives access to various [http://www.prorail.nl/vervoerders/network-statement NS Network Statement] documents.<br />
<br />
===Gauge===<br />
Standard.<br />
<br />
===Electrification===<br />
1500 V dc. New high-speed lines and the Betuwe trunk freight line between Rotterdam and Zevenaar (- Emmerich (Germany)) are electrified at 25 kV 50 Hz; Zevenaar - Emmerich was converted to 25 kV in 2016 so that freight trains have to change voltage only once, although it caused passenger trains to have to change voltage twice. The Hanzelijn is not officially a high-speed line, so is 1500 V dc. Large-scale conversion to 25 kV 50 Hz in the long term was envisaged but this was abandoned in the late 1990s as too expensive. In 2014 Prorail started a feasibility study into upgrading to 3000 V dc.<br />
Metros and Tramways are 750 V dc, with third rail used on the Amsterdam and Rotterdam metros.<br />
<br />
===Rule of the road===<br />
Right, but most lines are reversibly signalled. The following lines have left-hand running:<br />
* the high speed line from Rotterdam Lombardijen (where there is a flying crossover) to the Belgian border <br />
* the fast lines between Utrecht Centraal and Bilthoven; there is a flying crossover west of Bilthoven <br />
* from Roosendaal to the Belgian border <br />
* from Maastricht to the Belgian border<br />
<br />
There are connections between the high speed line and the old line to Breda where they run parallel south of Lage Zwaluwe, at which the two lines are handed in opposite directions. This results in the two southbound lines (which are adjacent) being linked merely by a long crossover whereas the connection between the northbound lines crosses over all four tracks on a flyover.<br />
<br />
===Distances===<br />
[https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lijst_van_spoorlijnen_in_Nederland Wikipedia] gives distances for all lines in the Netherlands. Click on the line wanted, and on the right distances for stations are given. [http://www.sporenplan.nl/html_nl/sporenplan/ns/ns_nummer/start.html Sporeneplan] provides an alternative source. Click on the line wanted to reach a schematic line plan, alongside which distances for stations (named in abbreviated code) are given. ''Neither is an official page and can be out of date.'' '''If any user can point to an official source for distance information the compilers would be glad to hear.'''<br />
<br />
==Other Railways==<br />
Private operators have franchises to work a number of local passenger services over NS lines, thus:<br />
* Arriva Nederland: Leeuwarden - Harlingen, Leeuwarden - Stavoren, Leeuwarden - Groningen, Groningen - Roodeschool/Eemshaven/Delfzijl, Groningen - Veendam/Bad Nieuweschans - Leer (D), Apeldoorn - Zutphen, Zutphen - Winterswijk, Winterswijk - Arnhem, Arnhem - Tiel, Nijmegen - Venlo - Roermond - Maastricht/Heerlen, Maastricht Randwijck - Heerlen - Kerkrade/Aachen (D).<br />
* Abellio (part of NS): Gouda - Alphen aan den Rijn, Arnhem - Emmerich (D).<br />
* Blauwnet (Arriva/Keolis/Syntus): Enschede - Almelo - Mariënberg, Kampen - Zwolle - Emmen, Zutphen - Hengelo - Oldenzaal.<br />
* Breng: Doetinchem - Arnhem.<br />
* Q-Buzz (R-Net): Dordrecht - Geldermalsen<br />
* Valleilijn (Connexxion): Amersfoort - Ede-Wageningen. <br />
<br />
In addition next cross border services are operated: <br />
Keolis: Hengelo - Bielefeld(D), <br />
DB Regio: Enschede - Gronau - Münster / Dortmund <br />
Abellio: Arnhem - Düsseldorf (RE19) <br />
Regiobahn: Venlo - Düsseldorf - Hamm (RE13)(D),<br />
NMBS: local services Roosendaal - Antwerpen (B)<br />
NMBS: local services Maastricht - Luik / Liège (B)<br />
<br />
The German based Bentheimer Eisenbahn owns and operates its trunk line from Bentheim to the border at Laarwald and a further 2 km on to Coevorden. The line is freight only; there has never been any significant border crossing passenger traffic, but freight has regained importance in recent times. Coevorden effectively serves as a German rail bridgehead into the Netherlands, traffic mainly consisting of containers that are subsequently road-hauled into the northern provinces. There are plans to introduce passenger services between Coevorden en Neuenhaus (D) by BE by 2024.<br />
<br />
==Tourist Lines==<br />
A list of Tourist & Museum Railways and Tramways in English is available on the [http://www.railmusea.nl/en Historisch Railvervoer Nederland (HRN)] website.<br />
<br />
Rail cycling is possible on the following sections of line:<br />
*[https://grenzland-draisine.eu/ Grenzland Draisine]: based at Kranenburg in Germany, on the former Kleve [DE] - Nijmegen [NL] line, the ''Grenzenlose'' trip to Groesbeek (5.5 km one way) covers a portion in the Netherlands <br />
*[https://www.spoorfietsen.nl Spoorfietsen]: Hengelo - Twekkelo (a short stretch of Hengelo - Boekelo line, latterly serving AKZO factory)<br />
<br />
==Metro==<br />
[http://www.gvb.nl/ENGLISH/Pages/default.aspx Amsterdam], [https://www.ret.nl/en.html Rotterdam], [https://www.ret.nl/en/home/travelling-with-the-ret.html RandstadRail].<br />
<br />
Track plans for all metro systems in the Netherlands are available on the [http://www.gleisplanweb.eu/ Gleisplanweb site].<br />
<br />
== Trams/LRT-Systems ==<br />
Amsterdam, Den Haag, Rotterdam, Utrecht.<br />
<br />
Track plans for all tram systems in the Netherlands are available on the [http://www.gleisplanweb.eu/ Gleisplanweb site].<br />
<br />
See also [[Netherlands_-_Tram_services_over_obscure_routes|Netherlands - Tram services over obscure routes]]<br />
<br />
==Recent and future changes==<br />
===Future changes===<br />
Work is in progress to extend RET Metro line B from Hoek van Holland Haven to the site of the former Hoek Van Holland Strand, and then a further 1.1km to the beach.<br />
<br />
European Sleeper will start to operate from June 2022 a night service via Roosendaal, Rotterdam, The Hague via Bad Bentheim to Berlin and Prague.<br />
<br />
Works to double track Heerlen - Landgraaf will be completed by summer 2022 in order to facilitate an increase of services between Heerlen and Aachen (D).<br />
<br />
Passenger services are to resume between Veendam and Stadskanaal in 2024. Simultaneously introduction of passenger services between Coevorden - Neuenhaus (D) and on to Bad Bentheim (D) are expected by 2024.<br />
<br />
Extensive works are under way or recently completed to increase line capacity. These include realignment and quadrupling of lines and construction of flyovers at junctions. However, the proposed electrification of Nijmegen - Venlo - Roermond has been cancelled because of the increasing cost of materials and the effects of the coronavirus pandemic on the supply chain. <br />
<br />
The new 'Friesenbrücke' bridge, facilitating the passenger traffic Groningen - Bad Nieuweschans - Leer (D) should be constructed by 2024.<br />
<br />
Infrastructure manager ProRail warned in August 2018 that the main line network is ‘almost full’. ProRail said it was ‘running up against the limits’ of its 7 300 track-km network, pointing out that traffic had grown from 129 million train-km in 2004 to 165 million train-km planned for 2019. It added that there would be ‘little point’ in trying to add more infrastructure as there was ‘no room for that’ across the country. <br />
<br />
Looking ahead, the infrastructure manager believes that more capacity can be squeezed out through the deployment of intelligent timetabling tools, particularly aimed at freight trains which often require short notice paths or changes to booked workings. From 2020, the national working timetable will be specified to the nearest 6 sec rather than whole minutes, which ProRail believes will ‘help it better deliver the public timetable’.<br />
<br />
Long term projects:<br />
On 10 October 2017, the coalition government agreed plans to reopen Weert - Hamont, with co-financing from regional authorities, following the reopening of Neerpelt - Hamont by SNCB. On 9 November the governments concluded an agreement to electrify the line.<br />
<br />
The "Iron Rhine" freight line between Roermond and Dalheim (Germany) is planned to reopened for traffic between Antwerpen and the Ruhr. However this has been delayed by a dispute between the Dutch and Belgian governments, which has gone to arbitration.<br />
<br />
===Recent changes===<br />
The last museum trains to use the Blauwkapel Kruispunt, where the line northwards from the ''Nederlands Spoorwegmuseum'' at Utrecht Maliebaan station makes a flat crossing with the Utrecht - Amersfoort line, ran on 14 May 2022. The north - south link at Blauwkapel is to be removed. This will not affect the shuttle trains between Utrecht Centraal station and the museum, which will continue to run. <br />
<br />
By December 2021 Zürich - Amsterdam NightJet services were introduced, complementing the Vienna - Amsterdam services which started on 25th of May 2021.<br />
As of November 28, cargo trains can run via RET Metro line B to Vlaardingen Oost. There is a switch to the Vulcaanhaven emplacement, connecting the nearby oil terminals.<br />
<br />
The (Rotterdam -) Schiedam Centrum - Hoek van Holland ''Hoekse Lijn'' line closed to passengers as an NS line on 1 April 2017 and reopened as RET Metro line B between Nesselande and Hoek van Holland on 30 September 2019, thus bringing a new connection into use between Schiedam Centrum metro station and Schiedam Nieuwland. The former passenger connection between the Metro and the ProRail/NS network is retained for freight. Until the line onwards to Hoek van Holland Strand plus a 1km extension to a station much nearer the Beach is opened, RET trains are temporarily using the old Hoek van Holland International Boat Train platforms.<br />
<br />
Landgraaf - Herzogenrath (Germany) has been electrified, with Arriva EMUs running between Aachen Hbf and Maastricht from 27 December 2018. The planned through Arriva service between Aachen and Liège has been delayed and until further notice NMBS continue to operate a separate train service between Maastricht and Liège.<br />
<br />
The new station of Lansingerland-Zoetermeer on the NS Den Haag to Gouda line opened on 9 December 2018 and the extension to tram line 4 (RandstadRail4) from Zoetermeer Javalaan to the new station opened on 19 May 2019.<br />
<br />
The 'Intercity Direct' service between Amsterdam and Brussel/Bruxelles (the successor to the former Benelux service) was diverted via the HSL Zuid and Breda [reverse] from 9 April 2018, thus opening for passenger traffic the curve southwards from Breda towards the Belgian border.<br />
<br />
==Special notes==<br />
Many trains worked by multiple units split en route to serve more than one destination. External displays may show the destination of each portion; newer train sets are provided with internal displays as well. The number of each unit is displayed prominently in each carriage and when trains divide public address announcements usually refer to these to inform passengers where each unit is going.<br />
<br />
The freight line to Terneuzen is accessible only from Gent in Belgium.<br />
<br />
'''New trains'''<br />
<br />
NS has ordered 79 EMU 'Intercity New Generation' at Alstom, based on Coradia platform for use on the HSL by 2023. <br />
<br />
NS has ordered 20 EMU 'Intercity New Generation' at Alstom, based on Coradia platform for services to Brussels by 2025.<br />
<br />
'''Wifi'''<br />
<br />
Most stations have free internet access via KPN hotspots. NS Intercity trains have free internet by 'Wifi in de trein' provided by T-mobile; other operators like Arriva and Veolia offer free wifi in their trains. However loco hauled services are not provided with wifi.<br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
{{Navbox Netherlands}}</div>Theijs Europehttps://www.egtre.info/w/index.php?title=Netherlands_-_General_Information&diff=48685Netherlands - General Information2023-01-11T09:21:32Z<p>Theijs Europe: /* Tourist Lines */ update link</p>
<hr />
<div>==Country Name==<br />
Netherlands (Nederland)<br />
<br />
==National Railway System==<br />
===National Railway Operator===<br />
Nederlandse Spoorwegen (https://www.ns.nl/en NS]) is the principal passenger carrier, which operates through various subsidiary companies, including:<br />
* NS Reizigers - Domestic passenger services <br />
* [https://www.nsinternational.com/en ''NS International''] - International passenger services.<br />
<br />
[https://www.thalys.com/nl/en ''Thalys''] services to the Netherlands are operated by a stand-alone company owned by SNCF (62%), SNCB/NMBS (28%) and DB (10%); NS is not a partner. <br />
<br />
There is no longer a national freight operator. The former NS freight operation has been sold and is a subsidiary of DB (see below). Open access freight operators have a considerable market share. Current freight operators in The Netherlands as at 2023 are DB Cargo Nederland (German), Lineas Nederland (Belgian), LTE Netherlands (Austrian), Captrain (French) and RTB Cargo German) amoungst others.<br />
<br />
==Language==<br />
Dutch<br />
<br />
==Currency==<br />
Euro<br />
<br />
==UIC code==<br />
Numeric 84; alpha NL<br />
<br />
==Timetable==<br />
As of 14 December 2014, every station should be served twice an hour.<br />
<br />
===Journey Planner===<br />
* PC and smartphone: [https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information Travel Information].<br />
* Iphone application: [https://apps.apple.com/nl/app/ns/id370362301 Reisplanner].<br />
* Android application: [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=nl.ns.android.activity&utm_source=ns&utm_medium=banner&utm_campaign=rpxpagina Reisplanner]<br />
* Windows application: [https://www.microsoft.com/store/apps/9wzdncrdmbbm Treinplanner]<br />
<br />
===Actual Train Times===<br />
* [https://spoorkaart.mwnn.nl/ Actuele spoorkaart Nederland]<br />
*[https://treinenradar.nl/ Treinenradar Live]<br />
<br />
===Downloadable Timetable===<br />
By December 2023, NS no longer produces timetables in pdf format on its website.<br />
<br />
===Printed Timetable===<br />
''Rover'' offers a paper [https://www.ovshop.nl/shop/rover-spoorboekje-2023/ ''Spoorboekje''] for 2022-2023. NS discontinued paper timetables after the 2009-2010 edition. Rover took the publication over from Treinreiziger.<br />
<br />
===Engineering Information===<br />
[https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/current-situation-on-the-tracks The current situation on the tracks].<br />
[https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/maintenance-on-the-tracks/ An overview of scheduled works in the upcoming months that will effect services].<br />
<br />
===Real Time Train Information===<br />
Real time train running information is available on the [http://treinenradar.nl/ ''Treinenradar''], [https://treinposities.nl/ ''Treinposities''] and [http://spoorkaart.mwnn.nl/ Spoorkaart] websites. Moreover, public transport Apps like OV9292 and NS Reisplanner offer real time journey information.<br />
<br />
==Maps==<br />
===Printed Maps===<br />
*[[Printed Maps#ERA-E | European Railway Atlas (All-Europe Edition)]] by M.G. Ball.<br />
*[[Printed Maps#ERA-R-FR-BE-NL-LU | European Railway Atlas (Regional Series - France and Benelux)]] by M.G. Ball.<br />
*[https://treinwebshop.nl/product/poster-spoorkaart-2021/ Rail Map 2021] by Treinreiziger.nl<br />
<br />
===Web-based Maps===<br />
*NS provides a map with all passenger train service numbers and frequencies: [https://www.ns.nl/binaries/_ht_1642770500516/content/assets/ns-nl/dienstregeling/nieuwe-dienstregeling/ns-spoorkaart-2022.pdf Spoorkaart 2022]. <br />
*Prorail provides a [https://www.prorail.nl/siteassets/homepage/reizen/documenten/spoorkaart-2020-webversie.pdf detailed geographical map].<br />
*[http://www.sporenplan.nl/ Sporenplan] has a series of on-line maps and schematic track diagrams. Click on "Sporenplannen" on the left hand side for a map showing the countries covered.<br />
*Thorsten Büker's [http://www.bueker.net/trainspotting/maps_benelux.php Map of Benelux network] Although this remains on-line, the Büker maps are no longer being maintained. Last updated March 2018.<br />
*[[Maps and Plans#Netherlands|Maps and Plans - Netherlands]]<br />
<br />
==Ticketing==<br />
In the course of 2023, paying train journeys by debit card (check-in and check-out) will be introduced. So far only public transport in Amsterdam and Den Haag has introduced this payment service. Once every 24 hours the journeys are collected.<br />
<br />
All stations are equipped with ticket machines which all accept debit and credit cards (V PAY, Maestro, Mastercard, Visa and American Express). However, some foreign Visa debit cards are not accepted. Some machines accept coins as well. All machines offer domestic tickets and some provide international tickets to Belgium, and a selection of destinations in Germany. All tickets contain a chip to validate your ticket. Booking offices at small stations have almost all been closed. A surcharge is payable at booking offices when buying a ticket which is available from a ticket machine.<br />
<br />
The smart card [https://www.ov-chipkaart.nl/home-1.htm OV Chipkaart] is the normal ticket on public transport and can be bought at any ticket machine. Machines that add value to an OV Chipkaart accept debit cards issued outside the Netherlands. However, only a few machines (such as at some tobacconists) accept credit cards. Paper tickets continue to be issued from machines and booking offices for rail journeys.<br />
<br />
Information on tickets and passes can be found on the NS [https://www.ns.nl/producten/en/losse-kaartjes-toeslagen Individual tickets & supplements] page. A supplement is required to travel on the HSL between Rotterdam and Schiphol Airport unless the passenger has a valid international ticket (which includes Interrail). The supplement can be purchased from vending machines; there are red validation machines for such supplements on the platforms.<br />
<br />
'''Note''': ALL tickets from machines MUST be touched in and out with ALL operators used in the correct order, when changing operators en-route. Travellers may be fined if they do not do this.<br />
<br />
NS-Zonetaxi (formerly known as treintaxi) tickets include a taxi from/to the railway station for a fixed fare. The service is available in most mid-size towns, but not in Utrecht, Amsterdam, Den Haag and Rotterdam. When riding on single or return tickets, trein-taxi tickets should be bought at the departure station. For the return trip by taxi, tickets are best bought in advance, but the taxi driver sells tickets with a small surcharge.<br />
<br />
Although more local services are to be franchised over the next few years, a uniform ticketing system, including NS and all franchisees, is being retained.<br />
<br />
''Special offers:''<br />
Supermarket chains may offer cheap day tickets from time to time for a limited period. At Amsterdam Schiphol Airport both NS and GVB Amsterdam sell tickets for public transport connections to Amsterdam.[https://www.spoordeelwinkel.nl/product/eindhoven-airport NS-Voordeelwinkel] has special offers for Eindhoven Airport. [http://www.treinreiziger.nl/ Treinreiziger] offers news about the Dutch railwaysystem, including the availabillity of discounted tickets.<br />
<br />
==Infrastructure==<br />
===Infrastructure Authority===<br />
[http://www.prorail.nl/ ProRail] owns and manages the NS infrastructure and is responsible for traffic control and capacity allocation, under the authority of the minister of transport. On 1 July 2015 the operation of the ''Betuweroute'' was transferred to ProRail and the previous owners, Keyrail, ceased to exist.<br />
<br />
[https://www.ilent.nl/ Inspectie Leefomgeving en Transport], part of the Ministry of Transport, is responsible for safety and rolling stock certification.<br />
<br />
===Network Statement===<br />
The Prorail Website gives access to various [http://www.prorail.nl/vervoerders/network-statement NS Network Statement] documents.<br />
<br />
===Gauge===<br />
Standard.<br />
<br />
===Electrification===<br />
1500 V dc. New high-speed lines and the Betuwe trunk freight line between Rotterdam and Zevenaar (- Emmerich (Germany)) are electrified at 25 kV 50 Hz; Zevenaar - Emmerich was converted to 25 kV in 2016 so that freight trains have to change voltage only once, although it caused passenger trains to have to change voltage twice. The Hanzelijn is not officially a high-speed line, so is 1500 V dc. Large-scale conversion to 25 kV 50 Hz in the long term was envisaged but this was abandoned in the late 1990s as too expensive. In 2014 Prorail started a feasibility study into upgrading to 3000 V dc.<br />
Metros and Tramways are 750 V dc, with third rail used on the Amsterdam and Rotterdam metros.<br />
<br />
===Rule of the road===<br />
Right, but most lines are reversibly signalled. The following lines have left-hand running:<br />
* the high speed line from Rotterdam Lombardijen (where there is a flying crossover) to the Belgian border <br />
* the fast lines between Utrecht Centraal and Bilthoven; there is a flying crossover west of Bilthoven <br />
* from Roosendaal to the Belgian border <br />
* from Maastricht to the Belgian border<br />
<br />
There are connections between the high speed line and the old line to Breda where they run parallel south of Lage Zwaluwe, at which the two lines are handed in opposite directions. This results in the two southbound lines (which are adjacent) being linked merely by a long crossover whereas the connection between the northbound lines crosses over all four tracks on a flyover.<br />
<br />
===Distances===<br />
[https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lijst_van_spoorlijnen_in_Nederland Wikipedia] gives distances for all lines in the Netherlands. Click on the line wanted, and on the right distances for stations are given. [http://www.sporenplan.nl/html_nl/sporenplan/ns/ns_nummer/start.html Sporeneplan] provides an alternative source. Click on the line wanted to reach a schematic line plan, alongside which distances for stations (named in abbreviated code) are given. ''Neither is an official page and can be out of date.'' '''If any user can point to an official source for distance information the compilers would be glad to hear.'''<br />
<br />
==Other Railways==<br />
Private operators have franchises to work a number of local passenger services over NS lines, thus:<br />
* Arriva Nederland: Leeuwarden - Harlingen, Leeuwarden - Stavoren, Leeuwarden - Groningen, Groningen - Roodeschool/Eemshaven/Delfzijl, Groningen - Veendam/Bad Nieuweschans - Leer (D), Apeldoorn - Zutphen, Zutphen - Winterswijk, Winterswijk - Arnhem, Arnhem - Tiel, Nijmegen - Venlo - Roermond - Maastricht/Heerlen, Maastricht Randwijck - Heerlen - Kerkrade/Aachen (D).<br />
* Abellio (part of NS): Gouda - Alphen aan den Rijn, Arnhem - Emmerich (D).<br />
* Blauwnet (Arriva/Keolis/Syntus): Enschede - Almelo - Mariënberg, Kampen - Zwolle - Emmen, Zutphen - Hengelo - Oldenzaal.<br />
* Breng: Doetinchem - Arnhem.<br />
* Q-Buzz (R-Net): Dordrecht - Geldermalsen<br />
* Valleilijn (Connexxion): Amersfoort - Ede-Wageningen. <br />
<br />
In addition next cross border services are operated: <br />
Keolis: Hengelo - Bielefeld(D), <br />
DB Regio: Enschede - Gronau - Münster / Dortmund <br />
Abellio: Arnhem - Düsseldorf (RE19) <br />
Regiobahn: Venlo - Düsseldorf - Hamm (RE13)(D),<br />
NMBS: local services Roosendaal - Antwerpen (B)<br />
NMBS: local services Maastricht - Luik / Liège (B)<br />
<br />
The German based Bentheimer Eisenbahn owns and operates its trunk line from Bentheim to the border at Laarwald and a further 2 km on to Coevorden. The line is freight only; there has never been any significant border crossing passenger traffic, but freight has regained importance in recent times. Coevorden effectively serves as a German rail bridgehead into the Netherlands, traffic mainly consisting of containers that are subsequently road-hauled into the northern provinces. There are plans to introduce passenger services between Coevorden en Neuenhaus (D) by BE by 2024.<br />
<br />
==Tourist Lines==<br />
A list of Tourist & Museum Railways and Tramways in English is available on the [http://www.railmusea.nl/en Historisch Railvervoer Nederland (HRN)] website.<br />
<br />
Rail cycling is possible on the following sections of line:<br />
*[https://grenzland-draisine.eu/ Grenzland Draisine]: based at Kranenburg in Germany, on the former Kleve [DE] - Nijmegen [NL] line, the ''Grenzenlose'' trip to Groesbeek (5.5 km one way) covers a portion in the Netherlands <br />
*[https://translate.google.co.uk/translate?sl=auto&tl=en&js=y&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&u=http%3A%2F%2Frailpleasure.nl%2Fspoorfietsen%2F&edit-text= Rail Pleasure]: Hengelo - Twekkelo (a short stretch of Hengelo - Boekelo line, latterly serving AKZO factory)<br />
<br />
==Metro==<br />
[http://www.gvb.nl/ENGLISH/Pages/default.aspx Amsterdam], [https://www.ret.nl/en.html Rotterdam], [https://www.ret.nl/en/home/travelling-with-the-ret.html RandstadRail].<br />
<br />
Track plans for all metro systems in the Netherlands are available on the [http://www.gleisplanweb.eu/ Gleisplanweb site].<br />
<br />
== Trams/LRT-Systems ==<br />
Amsterdam, Den Haag, Rotterdam, Utrecht.<br />
<br />
Track plans for all tram systems in the Netherlands are available on the [http://www.gleisplanweb.eu/ Gleisplanweb site].<br />
<br />
See also [[Netherlands_-_Tram_services_over_obscure_routes|Netherlands - Tram services over obscure routes]]<br />
<br />
==Recent and future changes==<br />
===Future changes===<br />
Work is in progress to extend RET Metro line B from Hoek van Holland Haven to the site of the former Hoek Van Holland Strand, and then a further 1.1km to the beach.<br />
<br />
European Sleeper will start to operate from June 2022 a night service via Roosendaal, Rotterdam, The Hague via Bad Bentheim to Berlin and Prague.<br />
<br />
Works to double track Heerlen - Landgraaf will be completed by summer 2022 in order to facilitate an increase of services between Heerlen and Aachen (D).<br />
<br />
Passenger services are to resume between Veendam and Stadskanaal in 2024. Simultaneously introduction of passenger services between Coevorden - Neuenhaus (D) and on to Bad Bentheim (D) are expected by 2024.<br />
<br />
Extensive works are under way or recently completed to increase line capacity. These include realignment and quadrupling of lines and construction of flyovers at junctions. However, the proposed electrification of Nijmegen - Venlo - Roermond has been cancelled because of the increasing cost of materials and the effects of the coronavirus pandemic on the supply chain. <br />
<br />
The new 'Friesenbrücke' bridge, facilitating the passenger traffic Groningen - Bad Nieuweschans - Leer (D) should be constructed by 2024.<br />
<br />
Infrastructure manager ProRail warned in August 2018 that the main line network is ‘almost full’. ProRail said it was ‘running up against the limits’ of its 7 300 track-km network, pointing out that traffic had grown from 129 million train-km in 2004 to 165 million train-km planned for 2019. It added that there would be ‘little point’ in trying to add more infrastructure as there was ‘no room for that’ across the country. <br />
<br />
Looking ahead, the infrastructure manager believes that more capacity can be squeezed out through the deployment of intelligent timetabling tools, particularly aimed at freight trains which often require short notice paths or changes to booked workings. From 2020, the national working timetable will be specified to the nearest 6 sec rather than whole minutes, which ProRail believes will ‘help it better deliver the public timetable’.<br />
<br />
Long term projects:<br />
On 10 October 2017, the coalition government agreed plans to reopen Weert - Hamont, with co-financing from regional authorities, following the reopening of Neerpelt - Hamont by SNCB. On 9 November the governments concluded an agreement to electrify the line.<br />
<br />
The "Iron Rhine" freight line between Roermond and Dalheim (Germany) is planned to reopened for traffic between Antwerpen and the Ruhr. However this has been delayed by a dispute between the Dutch and Belgian governments, which has gone to arbitration.<br />
<br />
===Recent changes===<br />
The last museum trains to use the Blauwkapel Kruispunt, where the line northwards from the ''Nederlands Spoorwegmuseum'' at Utrecht Maliebaan station makes a flat crossing with the Utrecht - Amersfoort line, ran on 14 May 2022. The north - south link at Blauwkapel is to be removed. This will not affect the shuttle trains between Utrecht Centraal station and the museum, which will continue to run. <br />
<br />
By December 2021 Zürich - Amsterdam NightJet services were introduced, complementing the Vienna - Amsterdam services which started on 25th of May 2021.<br />
As of November 28, cargo trains can run via RET Metro line B to Vlaardingen Oost. There is a switch to the Vulcaanhaven emplacement, connecting the nearby oil terminals.<br />
<br />
The (Rotterdam -) Schiedam Centrum - Hoek van Holland ''Hoekse Lijn'' line closed to passengers as an NS line on 1 April 2017 and reopened as RET Metro line B between Nesselande and Hoek van Holland on 30 September 2019, thus bringing a new connection into use between Schiedam Centrum metro station and Schiedam Nieuwland. The former passenger connection between the Metro and the ProRail/NS network is retained for freight. Until the line onwards to Hoek van Holland Strand plus a 1km extension to a station much nearer the Beach is opened, RET trains are temporarily using the old Hoek van Holland International Boat Train platforms.<br />
<br />
Landgraaf - Herzogenrath (Germany) has been electrified, with Arriva EMUs running between Aachen Hbf and Maastricht from 27 December 2018. The planned through Arriva service between Aachen and Liège has been delayed and until further notice NMBS continue to operate a separate train service between Maastricht and Liège.<br />
<br />
The new station of Lansingerland-Zoetermeer on the NS Den Haag to Gouda line opened on 9 December 2018 and the extension to tram line 4 (RandstadRail4) from Zoetermeer Javalaan to the new station opened on 19 May 2019.<br />
<br />
The 'Intercity Direct' service between Amsterdam and Brussel/Bruxelles (the successor to the former Benelux service) was diverted via the HSL Zuid and Breda [reverse] from 9 April 2018, thus opening for passenger traffic the curve southwards from Breda towards the Belgian border.<br />
<br />
==Special notes==<br />
Many trains worked by multiple units split en route to serve more than one destination. External displays may show the destination of each portion; newer train sets are provided with internal displays as well. The number of each unit is displayed prominently in each carriage and when trains divide public address announcements usually refer to these to inform passengers where each unit is going.<br />
<br />
The freight line to Terneuzen is accessible only from Gent in Belgium.<br />
<br />
'''New trains'''<br />
<br />
NS has ordered 79 EMU 'Intercity New Generation' at Alstom, based on Coradia platform for use on the HSL by 2023. <br />
<br />
NS has ordered 20 EMU 'Intercity New Generation' at Alstom, based on Coradia platform for services to Brussels by 2025.<br />
<br />
'''Wifi'''<br />
<br />
Most stations have free internet access via KPN hotspots. NS Intercity trains have free internet by 'Wifi in de trein' provided by T-mobile; other operators like Arriva and Veolia offer free wifi in their trains. However loco hauled services are not provided with wifi.<br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
{{Navbox Netherlands}}</div>Theijs Europehttps://www.egtre.info/w/index.php?title=Netherlands_-_General_Information&diff=48684Netherlands - General Information2023-01-11T08:53:09Z<p>Theijs Europe: /* Journey Planner */ delete link</p>
<hr />
<div>==Country Name==<br />
Netherlands (Nederland)<br />
<br />
==National Railway System==<br />
===National Railway Operator===<br />
Nederlandse Spoorwegen (https://www.ns.nl/en NS]) is the principal passenger carrier, which operates through various subsidiary companies, including:<br />
* NS Reizigers - Domestic passenger services <br />
* [https://www.nsinternational.com/en ''NS International''] - International passenger services.<br />
<br />
[https://www.thalys.com/nl/en ''Thalys''] services to the Netherlands are operated by a stand-alone company owned by SNCF (62%), SNCB/NMBS (28%) and DB (10%); NS is not a partner. <br />
<br />
There is no longer a national freight operator. The former NS freight operation has been sold and is a subsidiary of DB (see below). Open access freight operators have a considerable market share. Current freight operators in The Netherlands as at 2023 are DB Cargo Nederland (German), Lineas Nederland (Belgian), LTE Netherlands (Austrian), Captrain (French) and RTB Cargo German) amoungst others.<br />
<br />
==Language==<br />
Dutch<br />
<br />
==Currency==<br />
Euro<br />
<br />
==UIC code==<br />
Numeric 84; alpha NL<br />
<br />
==Timetable==<br />
As of 14 December 2014, every station should be served twice an hour.<br />
<br />
===Journey Planner===<br />
* PC and smartphone: [https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information Travel Information].<br />
* Iphone application: [https://apps.apple.com/nl/app/ns/id370362301 Reisplanner].<br />
* Android application: [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=nl.ns.android.activity&utm_source=ns&utm_medium=banner&utm_campaign=rpxpagina Reisplanner]<br />
* Windows application: [https://www.microsoft.com/store/apps/9wzdncrdmbbm Treinplanner]<br />
<br />
===Actual Train Times===<br />
* [https://spoorkaart.mwnn.nl/ Actuele spoorkaart Nederland]<br />
*[https://treinenradar.nl/ Treinenradar Live]<br />
<br />
===Downloadable Timetable===<br />
By December 2023, NS no longer produces timetables in pdf format on its website.<br />
<br />
===Printed Timetable===<br />
''Rover'' offers a paper [https://www.ovshop.nl/shop/rover-spoorboekje-2023/ ''Spoorboekje''] for 2022-2023. NS discontinued paper timetables after the 2009-2010 edition. Rover took the publication over from Treinreiziger.<br />
<br />
===Engineering Information===<br />
[https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/current-situation-on-the-tracks The current situation on the tracks].<br />
[https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/maintenance-on-the-tracks/ An overview of scheduled works in the upcoming months that will effect services].<br />
<br />
===Real Time Train Information===<br />
Real time train running information is available on the [http://treinenradar.nl/ ''Treinenradar''], [https://treinposities.nl/ ''Treinposities''] and [http://spoorkaart.mwnn.nl/ Spoorkaart] websites. Moreover, public transport Apps like OV9292 and NS Reisplanner offer real time journey information.<br />
<br />
==Maps==<br />
===Printed Maps===<br />
*[[Printed Maps#ERA-E | European Railway Atlas (All-Europe Edition)]] by M.G. Ball.<br />
*[[Printed Maps#ERA-R-FR-BE-NL-LU | European Railway Atlas (Regional Series - France and Benelux)]] by M.G. Ball.<br />
*[https://treinwebshop.nl/product/poster-spoorkaart-2021/ Rail Map 2021] by Treinreiziger.nl<br />
<br />
===Web-based Maps===<br />
*NS provides a map with all passenger train service numbers and frequencies: [https://www.ns.nl/binaries/_ht_1642770500516/content/assets/ns-nl/dienstregeling/nieuwe-dienstregeling/ns-spoorkaart-2022.pdf Spoorkaart 2022]. <br />
*Prorail provides a [https://www.prorail.nl/siteassets/homepage/reizen/documenten/spoorkaart-2020-webversie.pdf detailed geographical map].<br />
*[http://www.sporenplan.nl/ Sporenplan] has a series of on-line maps and schematic track diagrams. Click on "Sporenplannen" on the left hand side for a map showing the countries covered.<br />
*Thorsten Büker's [http://www.bueker.net/trainspotting/maps_benelux.php Map of Benelux network] Although this remains on-line, the Büker maps are no longer being maintained. Last updated March 2018.<br />
*[[Maps and Plans#Netherlands|Maps and Plans - Netherlands]]<br />
<br />
==Ticketing==<br />
In the course of 2023, paying train journeys by debit card (check-in and check-out) will be introduced. So far only public transport in Amsterdam and Den Haag has introduced this payment service. Once every 24 hours the journeys are collected.<br />
<br />
All stations are equipped with ticket machines which all accept debit and credit cards (V PAY, Maestro, Mastercard, Visa and American Express). However, some foreign Visa debit cards are not accepted. Some machines accept coins as well. All machines offer domestic tickets and some provide international tickets to Belgium, and a selection of destinations in Germany. All tickets contain a chip to validate your ticket. Booking offices at small stations have almost all been closed. A surcharge is payable at booking offices when buying a ticket which is available from a ticket machine.<br />
<br />
The smart card [https://www.ov-chipkaart.nl/home-1.htm OV Chipkaart] is the normal ticket on public transport and can be bought at any ticket machine. Machines that add value to an OV Chipkaart accept debit cards issued outside the Netherlands. However, only a few machines (such as at some tobacconists) accept credit cards. Paper tickets continue to be issued from machines and booking offices for rail journeys.<br />
<br />
Information on tickets and passes can be found on the NS [https://www.ns.nl/producten/en/losse-kaartjes-toeslagen Individual tickets & supplements] page. A supplement is required to travel on the HSL between Rotterdam and Schiphol Airport unless the passenger has a valid international ticket (which includes Interrail). The supplement can be purchased from vending machines; there are red validation machines for such supplements on the platforms.<br />
<br />
'''Note''': ALL tickets from machines MUST be touched in and out with ALL operators used in the correct order, when changing operators en-route. Travellers may be fined if they do not do this.<br />
<br />
NS-Zonetaxi (formerly known as treintaxi) tickets include a taxi from/to the railway station for a fixed fare. The service is available in most mid-size towns, but not in Utrecht, Amsterdam, Den Haag and Rotterdam. When riding on single or return tickets, trein-taxi tickets should be bought at the departure station. For the return trip by taxi, tickets are best bought in advance, but the taxi driver sells tickets with a small surcharge.<br />
<br />
Although more local services are to be franchised over the next few years, a uniform ticketing system, including NS and all franchisees, is being retained.<br />
<br />
''Special offers:''<br />
Supermarket chains may offer cheap day tickets from time to time for a limited period. At Amsterdam Schiphol Airport both NS and GVB Amsterdam sell tickets for public transport connections to Amsterdam.[https://www.spoordeelwinkel.nl/product/eindhoven-airport NS-Voordeelwinkel] has special offers for Eindhoven Airport. [http://www.treinreiziger.nl/ Treinreiziger] offers news about the Dutch railwaysystem, including the availabillity of discounted tickets.<br />
<br />
==Infrastructure==<br />
===Infrastructure Authority===<br />
[http://www.prorail.nl/ ProRail] owns and manages the NS infrastructure and is responsible for traffic control and capacity allocation, under the authority of the minister of transport. On 1 July 2015 the operation of the ''Betuweroute'' was transferred to ProRail and the previous owners, Keyrail, ceased to exist.<br />
<br />
[https://www.ilent.nl/ Inspectie Leefomgeving en Transport], part of the Ministry of Transport, is responsible for safety and rolling stock certification.<br />
<br />
===Network Statement===<br />
The Prorail Website gives access to various [http://www.prorail.nl/vervoerders/network-statement NS Network Statement] documents.<br />
<br />
===Gauge===<br />
Standard.<br />
<br />
===Electrification===<br />
1500 V dc. New high-speed lines and the Betuwe trunk freight line between Rotterdam and Zevenaar (- Emmerich (Germany)) are electrified at 25 kV 50 Hz; Zevenaar - Emmerich was converted to 25 kV in 2016 so that freight trains have to change voltage only once, although it caused passenger trains to have to change voltage twice. The Hanzelijn is not officially a high-speed line, so is 1500 V dc. Large-scale conversion to 25 kV 50 Hz in the long term was envisaged but this was abandoned in the late 1990s as too expensive. In 2014 Prorail started a feasibility study into upgrading to 3000 V dc.<br />
Metros and Tramways are 750 V dc, with third rail used on the Amsterdam and Rotterdam metros.<br />
<br />
===Rule of the road===<br />
Right, but most lines are reversibly signalled. The following lines have left-hand running:<br />
* the high speed line from Rotterdam Lombardijen (where there is a flying crossover) to the Belgian border <br />
* the fast lines between Utrecht Centraal and Bilthoven; there is a flying crossover west of Bilthoven <br />
* from Roosendaal to the Belgian border <br />
* from Maastricht to the Belgian border<br />
<br />
There are connections between the high speed line and the old line to Breda where they run parallel south of Lage Zwaluwe, at which the two lines are handed in opposite directions. This results in the two southbound lines (which are adjacent) being linked merely by a long crossover whereas the connection between the northbound lines crosses over all four tracks on a flyover.<br />
<br />
===Distances===<br />
[https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lijst_van_spoorlijnen_in_Nederland Wikipedia] gives distances for all lines in the Netherlands. Click on the line wanted, and on the right distances for stations are given. [http://www.sporenplan.nl/html_nl/sporenplan/ns/ns_nummer/start.html Sporeneplan] provides an alternative source. Click on the line wanted to reach a schematic line plan, alongside which distances for stations (named in abbreviated code) are given. ''Neither is an official page and can be out of date.'' '''If any user can point to an official source for distance information the compilers would be glad to hear.'''<br />
<br />
==Other Railways==<br />
Private operators have franchises to work a number of local passenger services over NS lines, thus:<br />
* Arriva Nederland: Leeuwarden - Harlingen, Leeuwarden - Stavoren, Leeuwarden - Groningen, Groningen - Roodeschool/Eemshaven/Delfzijl, Groningen - Veendam/Bad Nieuweschans - Leer (D), Apeldoorn - Zutphen, Zutphen - Winterswijk, Winterswijk - Arnhem, Arnhem - Tiel, Nijmegen - Venlo - Roermond - Maastricht/Heerlen, Maastricht Randwijck - Heerlen - Kerkrade/Aachen (D).<br />
* Abellio (part of NS): Gouda - Alphen aan den Rijn, Arnhem - Emmerich (D).<br />
* Blauwnet (Arriva/Keolis/Syntus): Enschede - Almelo - Mariënberg, Kampen - Zwolle - Emmen, Zutphen - Hengelo - Oldenzaal.<br />
* Breng: Doetinchem - Arnhem.<br />
* Q-Buzz (R-Net): Dordrecht - Geldermalsen<br />
* Valleilijn (Connexxion): Amersfoort - Ede-Wageningen. <br />
<br />
In addition next cross border services are operated: <br />
Keolis: Hengelo - Bielefeld(D), <br />
DB Regio: Enschede - Gronau - Münster / Dortmund <br />
Abellio: Arnhem - Düsseldorf (RE19) <br />
Regiobahn: Venlo - Düsseldorf - Hamm (RE13)(D),<br />
NMBS: local services Roosendaal - Antwerpen (B)<br />
NMBS: local services Maastricht - Luik / Liège (B)<br />
<br />
The German based Bentheimer Eisenbahn owns and operates its trunk line from Bentheim to the border at Laarwald and a further 2 km on to Coevorden. The line is freight only; there has never been any significant border crossing passenger traffic, but freight has regained importance in recent times. Coevorden effectively serves as a German rail bridgehead into the Netherlands, traffic mainly consisting of containers that are subsequently road-hauled into the northern provinces. There are plans to introduce passenger services between Coevorden en Neuenhaus (D) by BE by 2024.<br />
<br />
==Tourist Lines==<br />
A list of Tourist & Museum Railways and Tramways in English is available on the [http://www.railmusea.nl/en Historisch Railvervoer Nederland (HRN)] website.<br />
<br />
Rail cycling is possible on the following sections of line:<br />
*[https://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?depth=1&hl=en&ie=UTF8&prev=_t&rurl=translate.google.co.uk&sl=auto&sp=nmt4&tl=en&u=https://grenzland-draisine.eu/de/&usg=ALkJrhjmVbKpWvild_3Gij1RKZm46b3XxA Grenzland Draisine]: based at Kranenburg in Germany, on the former Kleve [DE] - Nijmegen [NL] line, the ''Grenzenlose'' trip to Groesbeek (5.5 km one way) covers a portion in the Netherlands <br />
*[https://translate.google.co.uk/translate?sl=auto&tl=en&js=y&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&u=http%3A%2F%2Frailpleasure.nl%2Fspoorfietsen%2F&edit-text= Rail Pleasure]: Hengelo - Twekkelo (a short stretch of Hengelo - Boekelo line, latterly serving AKZO factory)<br />
<br />
==Metro==<br />
[http://www.gvb.nl/ENGLISH/Pages/default.aspx Amsterdam], [https://www.ret.nl/en.html Rotterdam], [https://www.ret.nl/en/home/travelling-with-the-ret.html RandstadRail].<br />
<br />
Track plans for all metro systems in the Netherlands are available on the [http://www.gleisplanweb.eu/ Gleisplanweb site].<br />
<br />
== Trams/LRT-Systems ==<br />
Amsterdam, Den Haag, Rotterdam, Utrecht.<br />
<br />
Track plans for all tram systems in the Netherlands are available on the [http://www.gleisplanweb.eu/ Gleisplanweb site].<br />
<br />
See also [[Netherlands_-_Tram_services_over_obscure_routes|Netherlands - Tram services over obscure routes]]<br />
<br />
==Recent and future changes==<br />
===Future changes===<br />
Work is in progress to extend RET Metro line B from Hoek van Holland Haven to the site of the former Hoek Van Holland Strand, and then a further 1.1km to the beach.<br />
<br />
European Sleeper will start to operate from June 2022 a night service via Roosendaal, Rotterdam, The Hague via Bad Bentheim to Berlin and Prague.<br />
<br />
Works to double track Heerlen - Landgraaf will be completed by summer 2022 in order to facilitate an increase of services between Heerlen and Aachen (D).<br />
<br />
Passenger services are to resume between Veendam and Stadskanaal in 2024. Simultaneously introduction of passenger services between Coevorden - Neuenhaus (D) and on to Bad Bentheim (D) are expected by 2024.<br />
<br />
Extensive works are under way or recently completed to increase line capacity. These include realignment and quadrupling of lines and construction of flyovers at junctions. However, the proposed electrification of Nijmegen - Venlo - Roermond has been cancelled because of the increasing cost of materials and the effects of the coronavirus pandemic on the supply chain. <br />
<br />
The new 'Friesenbrücke' bridge, facilitating the passenger traffic Groningen - Bad Nieuweschans - Leer (D) should be constructed by 2024.<br />
<br />
Infrastructure manager ProRail warned in August 2018 that the main line network is ‘almost full’. ProRail said it was ‘running up against the limits’ of its 7 300 track-km network, pointing out that traffic had grown from 129 million train-km in 2004 to 165 million train-km planned for 2019. It added that there would be ‘little point’ in trying to add more infrastructure as there was ‘no room for that’ across the country. <br />
<br />
Looking ahead, the infrastructure manager believes that more capacity can be squeezed out through the deployment of intelligent timetabling tools, particularly aimed at freight trains which often require short notice paths or changes to booked workings. From 2020, the national working timetable will be specified to the nearest 6 sec rather than whole minutes, which ProRail believes will ‘help it better deliver the public timetable’.<br />
<br />
Long term projects:<br />
On 10 October 2017, the coalition government agreed plans to reopen Weert - Hamont, with co-financing from regional authorities, following the reopening of Neerpelt - Hamont by SNCB. On 9 November the governments concluded an agreement to electrify the line.<br />
<br />
The "Iron Rhine" freight line between Roermond and Dalheim (Germany) is planned to reopened for traffic between Antwerpen and the Ruhr. However this has been delayed by a dispute between the Dutch and Belgian governments, which has gone to arbitration.<br />
<br />
===Recent changes===<br />
The last museum trains to use the Blauwkapel Kruispunt, where the line northwards from the ''Nederlands Spoorwegmuseum'' at Utrecht Maliebaan station makes a flat crossing with the Utrecht - Amersfoort line, ran on 14 May 2022. The north - south link at Blauwkapel is to be removed. This will not affect the shuttle trains between Utrecht Centraal station and the museum, which will continue to run. <br />
<br />
By December 2021 Zürich - Amsterdam NightJet services were introduced, complementing the Vienna - Amsterdam services which started on 25th of May 2021.<br />
As of November 28, cargo trains can run via RET Metro line B to Vlaardingen Oost. There is a switch to the Vulcaanhaven emplacement, connecting the nearby oil terminals.<br />
<br />
The (Rotterdam -) Schiedam Centrum - Hoek van Holland ''Hoekse Lijn'' line closed to passengers as an NS line on 1 April 2017 and reopened as RET Metro line B between Nesselande and Hoek van Holland on 30 September 2019, thus bringing a new connection into use between Schiedam Centrum metro station and Schiedam Nieuwland. The former passenger connection between the Metro and the ProRail/NS network is retained for freight. Until the line onwards to Hoek van Holland Strand plus a 1km extension to a station much nearer the Beach is opened, RET trains are temporarily using the old Hoek van Holland International Boat Train platforms.<br />
<br />
Landgraaf - Herzogenrath (Germany) has been electrified, with Arriva EMUs running between Aachen Hbf and Maastricht from 27 December 2018. The planned through Arriva service between Aachen and Liège has been delayed and until further notice NMBS continue to operate a separate train service between Maastricht and Liège.<br />
<br />
The new station of Lansingerland-Zoetermeer on the NS Den Haag to Gouda line opened on 9 December 2018 and the extension to tram line 4 (RandstadRail4) from Zoetermeer Javalaan to the new station opened on 19 May 2019.<br />
<br />
The 'Intercity Direct' service between Amsterdam and Brussel/Bruxelles (the successor to the former Benelux service) was diverted via the HSL Zuid and Breda [reverse] from 9 April 2018, thus opening for passenger traffic the curve southwards from Breda towards the Belgian border.<br />
<br />
==Special notes==<br />
Many trains worked by multiple units split en route to serve more than one destination. External displays may show the destination of each portion; newer train sets are provided with internal displays as well. The number of each unit is displayed prominently in each carriage and when trains divide public address announcements usually refer to these to inform passengers where each unit is going.<br />
<br />
The freight line to Terneuzen is accessible only from Gent in Belgium.<br />
<br />
'''New trains'''<br />
<br />
NS has ordered 79 EMU 'Intercity New Generation' at Alstom, based on Coradia platform for use on the HSL by 2023. <br />
<br />
NS has ordered 20 EMU 'Intercity New Generation' at Alstom, based on Coradia platform for services to Brussels by 2025.<br />
<br />
'''Wifi'''<br />
<br />
Most stations have free internet access via KPN hotspots. NS Intercity trains have free internet by 'Wifi in de trein' provided by T-mobile; other operators like Arriva and Veolia offer free wifi in their trains. However loco hauled services are not provided with wifi.<br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
{{Navbox Netherlands}}</div>Theijs Europehttps://www.egtre.info/w/index.php?title=Netherlands_-_General_Information&diff=48683Netherlands - General Information2023-01-11T08:50:00Z<p>Theijs Europe: /* National Railway Operator */ include link NS International</p>
<hr />
<div>==Country Name==<br />
Netherlands (Nederland)<br />
<br />
==National Railway System==<br />
===National Railway Operator===<br />
Nederlandse Spoorwegen (https://www.ns.nl/en NS]) is the principal passenger carrier, which operates through various subsidiary companies, including:<br />
* NS Reizigers - Domestic passenger services <br />
* [https://www.nsinternational.com/en ''NS International''] - International passenger services.<br />
<br />
[https://www.thalys.com/nl/en ''Thalys''] services to the Netherlands are operated by a stand-alone company owned by SNCF (62%), SNCB/NMBS (28%) and DB (10%); NS is not a partner. <br />
<br />
There is no longer a national freight operator. The former NS freight operation has been sold and is a subsidiary of DB (see below). Open access freight operators have a considerable market share. Current freight operators in The Netherlands as at 2023 are DB Cargo Nederland (German), Lineas Nederland (Belgian), LTE Netherlands (Austrian), Captrain (French) and RTB Cargo German) amoungst others.<br />
<br />
==Language==<br />
Dutch<br />
<br />
==Currency==<br />
Euro<br />
<br />
==UIC code==<br />
Numeric 84; alpha NL<br />
<br />
==Timetable==<br />
As of 14 December 2014, every station should be served twice an hour.<br />
<br />
===Journey Planner===<br />
* PC: [https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information Travel Information].<br />
* Smartphone: [http://m.ns.nl/planner.action?lang=en m.ns.nl/planner.action?lang=en]. <br />
* Iphone application: [https://apps.apple.com/nl/app/ns/id370362301 Reisplanner].<br />
* Android application: [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=nl.ns.android.activity&utm_source=ns&utm_medium=banner&utm_campaign=rpxpagina Reisplanner]<br />
* Windows application: [https://www.microsoft.com/store/apps/9wzdncrdmbbm Treinplanner]<br />
<br />
===Actual Train Times===<br />
* [https://spoorkaart.mwnn.nl/ Actuele spoorkaart Nederland]<br />
*[https://treinenradar.nl/ Treinenradar Live]<br />
<br />
===Downloadable Timetable===<br />
By December 2023, NS no longer produces timetables in pdf format on its website.<br />
<br />
===Printed Timetable===<br />
''Rover'' offers a paper [https://www.ovshop.nl/shop/rover-spoorboekje-2023/ ''Spoorboekje''] for 2022-2023. NS discontinued paper timetables after the 2009-2010 edition. Rover took the publication over from Treinreiziger.<br />
<br />
===Engineering Information===<br />
[https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/current-situation-on-the-tracks The current situation on the tracks].<br />
[https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/maintenance-on-the-tracks/ An overview of scheduled works in the upcoming months that will effect services].<br />
<br />
===Real Time Train Information===<br />
Real time train running information is available on the [http://treinenradar.nl/ ''Treinenradar''], [https://treinposities.nl/ ''Treinposities''] and [http://spoorkaart.mwnn.nl/ Spoorkaart] websites. Moreover, public transport Apps like OV9292 and NS Reisplanner offer real time journey information.<br />
<br />
==Maps==<br />
===Printed Maps===<br />
*[[Printed Maps#ERA-E | European Railway Atlas (All-Europe Edition)]] by M.G. Ball.<br />
*[[Printed Maps#ERA-R-FR-BE-NL-LU | European Railway Atlas (Regional Series - France and Benelux)]] by M.G. Ball.<br />
*[https://treinwebshop.nl/product/poster-spoorkaart-2021/ Rail Map 2021] by Treinreiziger.nl<br />
<br />
===Web-based Maps===<br />
*NS provides a map with all passenger train service numbers and frequencies: [https://www.ns.nl/binaries/_ht_1642770500516/content/assets/ns-nl/dienstregeling/nieuwe-dienstregeling/ns-spoorkaart-2022.pdf Spoorkaart 2022]. <br />
*Prorail provides a [https://www.prorail.nl/siteassets/homepage/reizen/documenten/spoorkaart-2020-webversie.pdf detailed geographical map].<br />
*[http://www.sporenplan.nl/ Sporenplan] has a series of on-line maps and schematic track diagrams. Click on "Sporenplannen" on the left hand side for a map showing the countries covered.<br />
*Thorsten Büker's [http://www.bueker.net/trainspotting/maps_benelux.php Map of Benelux network] Although this remains on-line, the Büker maps are no longer being maintained. Last updated March 2018.<br />
*[[Maps and Plans#Netherlands|Maps and Plans - Netherlands]]<br />
<br />
==Ticketing==<br />
In the course of 2023, paying train journeys by debit card (check-in and check-out) will be introduced. So far only public transport in Amsterdam and Den Haag has introduced this payment service. Once every 24 hours the journeys are collected.<br />
<br />
All stations are equipped with ticket machines which all accept debit and credit cards (V PAY, Maestro, Mastercard, Visa and American Express). However, some foreign Visa debit cards are not accepted. Some machines accept coins as well. All machines offer domestic tickets and some provide international tickets to Belgium, and a selection of destinations in Germany. All tickets contain a chip to validate your ticket. Booking offices at small stations have almost all been closed. A surcharge is payable at booking offices when buying a ticket which is available from a ticket machine.<br />
<br />
The smart card [https://www.ov-chipkaart.nl/home-1.htm OV Chipkaart] is the normal ticket on public transport and can be bought at any ticket machine. Machines that add value to an OV Chipkaart accept debit cards issued outside the Netherlands. However, only a few machines (such as at some tobacconists) accept credit cards. Paper tickets continue to be issued from machines and booking offices for rail journeys.<br />
<br />
Information on tickets and passes can be found on the NS [https://www.ns.nl/producten/en/losse-kaartjes-toeslagen Individual tickets & supplements] page. A supplement is required to travel on the HSL between Rotterdam and Schiphol Airport unless the passenger has a valid international ticket (which includes Interrail). The supplement can be purchased from vending machines; there are red validation machines for such supplements on the platforms.<br />
<br />
'''Note''': ALL tickets from machines MUST be touched in and out with ALL operators used in the correct order, when changing operators en-route. Travellers may be fined if they do not do this.<br />
<br />
NS-Zonetaxi (formerly known as treintaxi) tickets include a taxi from/to the railway station for a fixed fare. The service is available in most mid-size towns, but not in Utrecht, Amsterdam, Den Haag and Rotterdam. When riding on single or return tickets, trein-taxi tickets should be bought at the departure station. For the return trip by taxi, tickets are best bought in advance, but the taxi driver sells tickets with a small surcharge.<br />
<br />
Although more local services are to be franchised over the next few years, a uniform ticketing system, including NS and all franchisees, is being retained.<br />
<br />
''Special offers:''<br />
Supermarket chains may offer cheap day tickets from time to time for a limited period. At Amsterdam Schiphol Airport both NS and GVB Amsterdam sell tickets for public transport connections to Amsterdam.[https://www.spoordeelwinkel.nl/product/eindhoven-airport NS-Voordeelwinkel] has special offers for Eindhoven Airport. [http://www.treinreiziger.nl/ Treinreiziger] offers news about the Dutch railwaysystem, including the availabillity of discounted tickets.<br />
<br />
==Infrastructure==<br />
===Infrastructure Authority===<br />
[http://www.prorail.nl/ ProRail] owns and manages the NS infrastructure and is responsible for traffic control and capacity allocation, under the authority of the minister of transport. On 1 July 2015 the operation of the ''Betuweroute'' was transferred to ProRail and the previous owners, Keyrail, ceased to exist.<br />
<br />
[https://www.ilent.nl/ Inspectie Leefomgeving en Transport], part of the Ministry of Transport, is responsible for safety and rolling stock certification.<br />
<br />
===Network Statement===<br />
The Prorail Website gives access to various [http://www.prorail.nl/vervoerders/network-statement NS Network Statement] documents.<br />
<br />
===Gauge===<br />
Standard.<br />
<br />
===Electrification===<br />
1500 V dc. New high-speed lines and the Betuwe trunk freight line between Rotterdam and Zevenaar (- Emmerich (Germany)) are electrified at 25 kV 50 Hz; Zevenaar - Emmerich was converted to 25 kV in 2016 so that freight trains have to change voltage only once, although it caused passenger trains to have to change voltage twice. The Hanzelijn is not officially a high-speed line, so is 1500 V dc. Large-scale conversion to 25 kV 50 Hz in the long term was envisaged but this was abandoned in the late 1990s as too expensive. In 2014 Prorail started a feasibility study into upgrading to 3000 V dc.<br />
Metros and Tramways are 750 V dc, with third rail used on the Amsterdam and Rotterdam metros.<br />
<br />
===Rule of the road===<br />
Right, but most lines are reversibly signalled. The following lines have left-hand running:<br />
* the high speed line from Rotterdam Lombardijen (where there is a flying crossover) to the Belgian border <br />
* the fast lines between Utrecht Centraal and Bilthoven; there is a flying crossover west of Bilthoven <br />
* from Roosendaal to the Belgian border <br />
* from Maastricht to the Belgian border<br />
<br />
There are connections between the high speed line and the old line to Breda where they run parallel south of Lage Zwaluwe, at which the two lines are handed in opposite directions. This results in the two southbound lines (which are adjacent) being linked merely by a long crossover whereas the connection between the northbound lines crosses over all four tracks on a flyover.<br />
<br />
===Distances===<br />
[https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lijst_van_spoorlijnen_in_Nederland Wikipedia] gives distances for all lines in the Netherlands. Click on the line wanted, and on the right distances for stations are given. [http://www.sporenplan.nl/html_nl/sporenplan/ns/ns_nummer/start.html Sporeneplan] provides an alternative source. Click on the line wanted to reach a schematic line plan, alongside which distances for stations (named in abbreviated code) are given. ''Neither is an official page and can be out of date.'' '''If any user can point to an official source for distance information the compilers would be glad to hear.'''<br />
<br />
==Other Railways==<br />
Private operators have franchises to work a number of local passenger services over NS lines, thus:<br />
* Arriva Nederland: Leeuwarden - Harlingen, Leeuwarden - Stavoren, Leeuwarden - Groningen, Groningen - Roodeschool/Eemshaven/Delfzijl, Groningen - Veendam/Bad Nieuweschans - Leer (D), Apeldoorn - Zutphen, Zutphen - Winterswijk, Winterswijk - Arnhem, Arnhem - Tiel, Nijmegen - Venlo - Roermond - Maastricht/Heerlen, Maastricht Randwijck - Heerlen - Kerkrade/Aachen (D).<br />
* Abellio (part of NS): Gouda - Alphen aan den Rijn, Arnhem - Emmerich (D).<br />
* Blauwnet (Arriva/Keolis/Syntus): Enschede - Almelo - Mariënberg, Kampen - Zwolle - Emmen, Zutphen - Hengelo - Oldenzaal.<br />
* Breng: Doetinchem - Arnhem.<br />
* Q-Buzz (R-Net): Dordrecht - Geldermalsen<br />
* Valleilijn (Connexxion): Amersfoort - Ede-Wageningen. <br />
<br />
In addition next cross border services are operated: <br />
Keolis: Hengelo - Bielefeld(D), <br />
DB Regio: Enschede - Gronau - Münster / Dortmund <br />
Abellio: Arnhem - Düsseldorf (RE19) <br />
Regiobahn: Venlo - Düsseldorf - Hamm (RE13)(D),<br />
NMBS: local services Roosendaal - Antwerpen (B)<br />
NMBS: local services Maastricht - Luik / Liège (B)<br />
<br />
The German based Bentheimer Eisenbahn owns and operates its trunk line from Bentheim to the border at Laarwald and a further 2 km on to Coevorden. The line is freight only; there has never been any significant border crossing passenger traffic, but freight has regained importance in recent times. Coevorden effectively serves as a German rail bridgehead into the Netherlands, traffic mainly consisting of containers that are subsequently road-hauled into the northern provinces. There are plans to introduce passenger services between Coevorden en Neuenhaus (D) by BE by 2024.<br />
<br />
==Tourist Lines==<br />
A list of Tourist & Museum Railways and Tramways in English is available on the [http://www.railmusea.nl/en Historisch Railvervoer Nederland (HRN)] website.<br />
<br />
Rail cycling is possible on the following sections of line:<br />
*[https://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?depth=1&hl=en&ie=UTF8&prev=_t&rurl=translate.google.co.uk&sl=auto&sp=nmt4&tl=en&u=https://grenzland-draisine.eu/de/&usg=ALkJrhjmVbKpWvild_3Gij1RKZm46b3XxA Grenzland Draisine]: based at Kranenburg in Germany, on the former Kleve [DE] - Nijmegen [NL] line, the ''Grenzenlose'' trip to Groesbeek (5.5 km one way) covers a portion in the Netherlands <br />
*[https://translate.google.co.uk/translate?sl=auto&tl=en&js=y&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&u=http%3A%2F%2Frailpleasure.nl%2Fspoorfietsen%2F&edit-text= Rail Pleasure]: Hengelo - Twekkelo (a short stretch of Hengelo - Boekelo line, latterly serving AKZO factory)<br />
<br />
==Metro==<br />
[http://www.gvb.nl/ENGLISH/Pages/default.aspx Amsterdam], [https://www.ret.nl/en.html Rotterdam], [https://www.ret.nl/en/home/travelling-with-the-ret.html RandstadRail].<br />
<br />
Track plans for all metro systems in the Netherlands are available on the [http://www.gleisplanweb.eu/ Gleisplanweb site].<br />
<br />
== Trams/LRT-Systems ==<br />
Amsterdam, Den Haag, Rotterdam, Utrecht.<br />
<br />
Track plans for all tram systems in the Netherlands are available on the [http://www.gleisplanweb.eu/ Gleisplanweb site].<br />
<br />
See also [[Netherlands_-_Tram_services_over_obscure_routes|Netherlands - Tram services over obscure routes]]<br />
<br />
==Recent and future changes==<br />
===Future changes===<br />
Work is in progress to extend RET Metro line B from Hoek van Holland Haven to the site of the former Hoek Van Holland Strand, and then a further 1.1km to the beach.<br />
<br />
European Sleeper will start to operate from June 2022 a night service via Roosendaal, Rotterdam, The Hague via Bad Bentheim to Berlin and Prague.<br />
<br />
Works to double track Heerlen - Landgraaf will be completed by summer 2022 in order to facilitate an increase of services between Heerlen and Aachen (D).<br />
<br />
Passenger services are to resume between Veendam and Stadskanaal in 2024. Simultaneously introduction of passenger services between Coevorden - Neuenhaus (D) and on to Bad Bentheim (D) are expected by 2024.<br />
<br />
Extensive works are under way or recently completed to increase line capacity. These include realignment and quadrupling of lines and construction of flyovers at junctions. However, the proposed electrification of Nijmegen - Venlo - Roermond has been cancelled because of the increasing cost of materials and the effects of the coronavirus pandemic on the supply chain. <br />
<br />
The new 'Friesenbrücke' bridge, facilitating the passenger traffic Groningen - Bad Nieuweschans - Leer (D) should be constructed by 2024.<br />
<br />
Infrastructure manager ProRail warned in August 2018 that the main line network is ‘almost full’. ProRail said it was ‘running up against the limits’ of its 7 300 track-km network, pointing out that traffic had grown from 129 million train-km in 2004 to 165 million train-km planned for 2019. It added that there would be ‘little point’ in trying to add more infrastructure as there was ‘no room for that’ across the country. <br />
<br />
Looking ahead, the infrastructure manager believes that more capacity can be squeezed out through the deployment of intelligent timetabling tools, particularly aimed at freight trains which often require short notice paths or changes to booked workings. From 2020, the national working timetable will be specified to the nearest 6 sec rather than whole minutes, which ProRail believes will ‘help it better deliver the public timetable’.<br />
<br />
Long term projects:<br />
On 10 October 2017, the coalition government agreed plans to reopen Weert - Hamont, with co-financing from regional authorities, following the reopening of Neerpelt - Hamont by SNCB. On 9 November the governments concluded an agreement to electrify the line.<br />
<br />
The "Iron Rhine" freight line between Roermond and Dalheim (Germany) is planned to reopened for traffic between Antwerpen and the Ruhr. However this has been delayed by a dispute between the Dutch and Belgian governments, which has gone to arbitration.<br />
<br />
===Recent changes===<br />
The last museum trains to use the Blauwkapel Kruispunt, where the line northwards from the ''Nederlands Spoorwegmuseum'' at Utrecht Maliebaan station makes a flat crossing with the Utrecht - Amersfoort line, ran on 14 May 2022. The north - south link at Blauwkapel is to be removed. This will not affect the shuttle trains between Utrecht Centraal station and the museum, which will continue to run. <br />
<br />
By December 2021 Zürich - Amsterdam NightJet services were introduced, complementing the Vienna - Amsterdam services which started on 25th of May 2021.<br />
As of November 28, cargo trains can run via RET Metro line B to Vlaardingen Oost. There is a switch to the Vulcaanhaven emplacement, connecting the nearby oil terminals.<br />
<br />
The (Rotterdam -) Schiedam Centrum - Hoek van Holland ''Hoekse Lijn'' line closed to passengers as an NS line on 1 April 2017 and reopened as RET Metro line B between Nesselande and Hoek van Holland on 30 September 2019, thus bringing a new connection into use between Schiedam Centrum metro station and Schiedam Nieuwland. The former passenger connection between the Metro and the ProRail/NS network is retained for freight. Until the line onwards to Hoek van Holland Strand plus a 1km extension to a station much nearer the Beach is opened, RET trains are temporarily using the old Hoek van Holland International Boat Train platforms.<br />
<br />
Landgraaf - Herzogenrath (Germany) has been electrified, with Arriva EMUs running between Aachen Hbf and Maastricht from 27 December 2018. The planned through Arriva service between Aachen and Liège has been delayed and until further notice NMBS continue to operate a separate train service between Maastricht and Liège.<br />
<br />
The new station of Lansingerland-Zoetermeer on the NS Den Haag to Gouda line opened on 9 December 2018 and the extension to tram line 4 (RandstadRail4) from Zoetermeer Javalaan to the new station opened on 19 May 2019.<br />
<br />
The 'Intercity Direct' service between Amsterdam and Brussel/Bruxelles (the successor to the former Benelux service) was diverted via the HSL Zuid and Breda [reverse] from 9 April 2018, thus opening for passenger traffic the curve southwards from Breda towards the Belgian border.<br />
<br />
==Special notes==<br />
Many trains worked by multiple units split en route to serve more than one destination. External displays may show the destination of each portion; newer train sets are provided with internal displays as well. The number of each unit is displayed prominently in each carriage and when trains divide public address announcements usually refer to these to inform passengers where each unit is going.<br />
<br />
The freight line to Terneuzen is accessible only from Gent in Belgium.<br />
<br />
'''New trains'''<br />
<br />
NS has ordered 79 EMU 'Intercity New Generation' at Alstom, based on Coradia platform for use on the HSL by 2023. <br />
<br />
NS has ordered 20 EMU 'Intercity New Generation' at Alstom, based on Coradia platform for services to Brussels by 2025.<br />
<br />
'''Wifi'''<br />
<br />
Most stations have free internet access via KPN hotspots. NS Intercity trains have free internet by 'Wifi in de trein' provided by T-mobile; other operators like Arriva and Veolia offer free wifi in their trains. However loco hauled services are not provided with wifi.<br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
{{Navbox Netherlands}}</div>Theijs Europehttps://www.egtre.info/w/index.php?title=Netherlands_-_General_Information&diff=48682Netherlands - General Information2023-01-11T08:47:57Z<p>Theijs Europe: /* National Railway Operator */ update link Thalys</p>
<hr />
<div>==Country Name==<br />
Netherlands (Nederland)<br />
<br />
==National Railway System==<br />
===National Railway Operator===<br />
Nederlandse Spoorwegen (https://www.ns.nl/en NS]) is the principal passenger carrier, which operates through various subsidiary companies, including:<br />
* NS Reizigers - Domestic passenger services <br />
* NS International - International passenger services.<br />
<br />
[https://www.thalys.com/nl/en ''Thalys''] services to the Netherlands are operated by a stand-alone company owned by SNCF (62%), SNCB/NMBS (28%) and DB (10%); NS is not a partner. <br />
<br />
There is no longer a national freight operator. The former NS freight operation has been sold and is a subsidiary of DB (see below). Open access freight operators have a considerable market share. Current freight operators in The Netherlands as at 2021 are DB Cargo Nederland (German), Lineas Nederland (Belgian), LTE Netherlands (Austrian), Captrain (French) and RTB Cargo German) amoungst others.<br />
<br />
==Language==<br />
Dutch<br />
<br />
==Currency==<br />
Euro<br />
<br />
==UIC code==<br />
Numeric 84; alpha NL<br />
<br />
==Timetable==<br />
As of 14 December 2014, every station should be served twice an hour.<br />
<br />
===Journey Planner===<br />
* PC: [https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information Travel Information].<br />
* Smartphone: [http://m.ns.nl/planner.action?lang=en m.ns.nl/planner.action?lang=en]. <br />
* Iphone application: [https://apps.apple.com/nl/app/ns/id370362301 Reisplanner].<br />
* Android application: [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=nl.ns.android.activity&utm_source=ns&utm_medium=banner&utm_campaign=rpxpagina Reisplanner]<br />
* Windows application: [https://www.microsoft.com/store/apps/9wzdncrdmbbm Treinplanner]<br />
<br />
===Actual Train Times===<br />
* [https://spoorkaart.mwnn.nl/ Actuele spoorkaart Nederland]<br />
*[https://treinenradar.nl/ Treinenradar Live]<br />
<br />
===Downloadable Timetable===<br />
By December 2023, NS no longer produces timetables in pdf format on its website.<br />
<br />
===Printed Timetable===<br />
''Rover'' offers a paper [https://www.ovshop.nl/shop/rover-spoorboekje-2023/ ''Spoorboekje''] for 2022-2023. NS discontinued paper timetables after the 2009-2010 edition. Rover took the publication over from Treinreiziger.<br />
<br />
===Engineering Information===<br />
[https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/current-situation-on-the-tracks The current situation on the tracks].<br />
[https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/maintenance-on-the-tracks/ An overview of scheduled works in the upcoming months that will effect services].<br />
<br />
===Real Time Train Information===<br />
Real time train running information is available on the [http://treinenradar.nl/ ''Treinenradar''], [https://treinposities.nl/ ''Treinposities''] and [http://spoorkaart.mwnn.nl/ Spoorkaart] websites. Moreover, public transport Apps like OV9292 and NS Reisplanner offer real time journey information.<br />
<br />
==Maps==<br />
===Printed Maps===<br />
*[[Printed Maps#ERA-E | European Railway Atlas (All-Europe Edition)]] by M.G. Ball.<br />
*[[Printed Maps#ERA-R-FR-BE-NL-LU | European Railway Atlas (Regional Series - France and Benelux)]] by M.G. Ball.<br />
*[https://treinwebshop.nl/product/poster-spoorkaart-2021/ Rail Map 2021] by Treinreiziger.nl<br />
<br />
===Web-based Maps===<br />
*NS provides a map with all passenger train service numbers and frequencies: [https://www.ns.nl/binaries/_ht_1642770500516/content/assets/ns-nl/dienstregeling/nieuwe-dienstregeling/ns-spoorkaart-2022.pdf Spoorkaart 2022]. <br />
*Prorail provides a [https://www.prorail.nl/siteassets/homepage/reizen/documenten/spoorkaart-2020-webversie.pdf detailed geographical map].<br />
*[http://www.sporenplan.nl/ Sporenplan] has a series of on-line maps and schematic track diagrams. Click on "Sporenplannen" on the left hand side for a map showing the countries covered.<br />
*Thorsten Büker's [http://www.bueker.net/trainspotting/maps_benelux.php Map of Benelux network] Although this remains on-line, the Büker maps are no longer being maintained. Last updated March 2018.<br />
*[[Maps and Plans#Netherlands|Maps and Plans - Netherlands]]<br />
<br />
==Ticketing==<br />
In the course of 2023, paying train journeys by debit card (check-in and check-out) will be introduced. So far only public transport in Amsterdam and Den Haag has introduced this payment service. Once every 24 hours the journeys are collected.<br />
<br />
All stations are equipped with ticket machines which all accept debit and credit cards (V PAY, Maestro, Mastercard, Visa and American Express). However, some foreign Visa debit cards are not accepted. Some machines accept coins as well. All machines offer domestic tickets and some provide international tickets to Belgium, and a selection of destinations in Germany. All tickets contain a chip to validate your ticket. Booking offices at small stations have almost all been closed. A surcharge is payable at booking offices when buying a ticket which is available from a ticket machine.<br />
<br />
The smart card [https://www.ov-chipkaart.nl/home-1.htm OV Chipkaart] is the normal ticket on public transport and can be bought at any ticket machine. Machines that add value to an OV Chipkaart accept debit cards issued outside the Netherlands. However, only a few machines (such as at some tobacconists) accept credit cards. Paper tickets continue to be issued from machines and booking offices for rail journeys.<br />
<br />
Information on tickets and passes can be found on the NS [https://www.ns.nl/producten/en/losse-kaartjes-toeslagen Individual tickets & supplements] page. A supplement is required to travel on the HSL between Rotterdam and Schiphol Airport unless the passenger has a valid international ticket (which includes Interrail). The supplement can be purchased from vending machines; there are red validation machines for such supplements on the platforms.<br />
<br />
'''Note''': ALL tickets from machines MUST be touched in and out with ALL operators used in the correct order, when changing operators en-route. Travellers may be fined if they do not do this.<br />
<br />
NS-Zonetaxi (formerly known as treintaxi) tickets include a taxi from/to the railway station for a fixed fare. The service is available in most mid-size towns, but not in Utrecht, Amsterdam, Den Haag and Rotterdam. When riding on single or return tickets, trein-taxi tickets should be bought at the departure station. For the return trip by taxi, tickets are best bought in advance, but the taxi driver sells tickets with a small surcharge.<br />
<br />
Although more local services are to be franchised over the next few years, a uniform ticketing system, including NS and all franchisees, is being retained.<br />
<br />
''Special offers:''<br />
Supermarket chains may offer cheap day tickets from time to time for a limited period. At Amsterdam Schiphol Airport both NS and GVB Amsterdam sell tickets for public transport connections to Amsterdam.[https://www.spoordeelwinkel.nl/product/eindhoven-airport NS-Voordeelwinkel] has special offers for Eindhoven Airport. [http://www.treinreiziger.nl/ Treinreiziger] offers news about the Dutch railwaysystem, including the availabillity of discounted tickets.<br />
<br />
==Infrastructure==<br />
===Infrastructure Authority===<br />
[http://www.prorail.nl/ ProRail] owns and manages the NS infrastructure and is responsible for traffic control and capacity allocation, under the authority of the minister of transport. On 1 July 2015 the operation of the ''Betuweroute'' was transferred to ProRail and the previous owners, Keyrail, ceased to exist.<br />
<br />
[https://www.ilent.nl/ Inspectie Leefomgeving en Transport], part of the Ministry of Transport, is responsible for safety and rolling stock certification.<br />
<br />
===Network Statement===<br />
The Prorail Website gives access to various [http://www.prorail.nl/vervoerders/network-statement NS Network Statement] documents.<br />
<br />
===Gauge===<br />
Standard.<br />
<br />
===Electrification===<br />
1500 V dc. New high-speed lines and the Betuwe trunk freight line between Rotterdam and Zevenaar (- Emmerich (Germany)) are electrified at 25 kV 50 Hz; Zevenaar - Emmerich was converted to 25 kV in 2016 so that freight trains have to change voltage only once, although it caused passenger trains to have to change voltage twice. The Hanzelijn is not officially a high-speed line, so is 1500 V dc. Large-scale conversion to 25 kV 50 Hz in the long term was envisaged but this was abandoned in the late 1990s as too expensive. In 2014 Prorail started a feasibility study into upgrading to 3000 V dc.<br />
Metros and Tramways are 750 V dc, with third rail used on the Amsterdam and Rotterdam metros.<br />
<br />
===Rule of the road===<br />
Right, but most lines are reversibly signalled. The following lines have left-hand running:<br />
* the high speed line from Rotterdam Lombardijen (where there is a flying crossover) to the Belgian border <br />
* the fast lines between Utrecht Centraal and Bilthoven; there is a flying crossover west of Bilthoven <br />
* from Roosendaal to the Belgian border <br />
* from Maastricht to the Belgian border<br />
<br />
There are connections between the high speed line and the old line to Breda where they run parallel south of Lage Zwaluwe, at which the two lines are handed in opposite directions. This results in the two southbound lines (which are adjacent) being linked merely by a long crossover whereas the connection between the northbound lines crosses over all four tracks on a flyover.<br />
<br />
===Distances===<br />
[https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lijst_van_spoorlijnen_in_Nederland Wikipedia] gives distances for all lines in the Netherlands. Click on the line wanted, and on the right distances for stations are given. [http://www.sporenplan.nl/html_nl/sporenplan/ns/ns_nummer/start.html Sporeneplan] provides an alternative source. Click on the line wanted to reach a schematic line plan, alongside which distances for stations (named in abbreviated code) are given. ''Neither is an official page and can be out of date.'' '''If any user can point to an official source for distance information the compilers would be glad to hear.'''<br />
<br />
==Other Railways==<br />
Private operators have franchises to work a number of local passenger services over NS lines, thus:<br />
* Arriva Nederland: Leeuwarden - Harlingen, Leeuwarden - Stavoren, Leeuwarden - Groningen, Groningen - Roodeschool/Eemshaven/Delfzijl, Groningen - Veendam/Bad Nieuweschans - Leer (D), Apeldoorn - Zutphen, Zutphen - Winterswijk, Winterswijk - Arnhem, Arnhem - Tiel, Nijmegen - Venlo - Roermond - Maastricht/Heerlen, Maastricht Randwijck - Heerlen - Kerkrade/Aachen (D).<br />
* Abellio (part of NS): Gouda - Alphen aan den Rijn, Arnhem - Emmerich (D).<br />
* Blauwnet (Arriva/Keolis/Syntus): Enschede - Almelo - Mariënberg, Kampen - Zwolle - Emmen, Zutphen - Hengelo - Oldenzaal.<br />
* Breng: Doetinchem - Arnhem.<br />
* Q-Buzz (R-Net): Dordrecht - Geldermalsen<br />
* Valleilijn (Connexxion): Amersfoort - Ede-Wageningen. <br />
<br />
In addition next cross border services are operated: <br />
Keolis: Hengelo - Bielefeld(D), <br />
DB Regio: Enschede - Gronau - Münster / Dortmund <br />
Abellio: Arnhem - Düsseldorf (RE19) <br />
Regiobahn: Venlo - Düsseldorf - Hamm (RE13)(D),<br />
NMBS: local services Roosendaal - Antwerpen (B)<br />
NMBS: local services Maastricht - Luik / Liège (B)<br />
<br />
The German based Bentheimer Eisenbahn owns and operates its trunk line from Bentheim to the border at Laarwald and a further 2 km on to Coevorden. The line is freight only; there has never been any significant border crossing passenger traffic, but freight has regained importance in recent times. Coevorden effectively serves as a German rail bridgehead into the Netherlands, traffic mainly consisting of containers that are subsequently road-hauled into the northern provinces. There are plans to introduce passenger services between Coevorden en Neuenhaus (D) by BE by 2024.<br />
<br />
==Tourist Lines==<br />
A list of Tourist & Museum Railways and Tramways in English is available on the [http://www.railmusea.nl/en Historisch Railvervoer Nederland (HRN)] website.<br />
<br />
Rail cycling is possible on the following sections of line:<br />
*[https://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?depth=1&hl=en&ie=UTF8&prev=_t&rurl=translate.google.co.uk&sl=auto&sp=nmt4&tl=en&u=https://grenzland-draisine.eu/de/&usg=ALkJrhjmVbKpWvild_3Gij1RKZm46b3XxA Grenzland Draisine]: based at Kranenburg in Germany, on the former Kleve [DE] - Nijmegen [NL] line, the ''Grenzenlose'' trip to Groesbeek (5.5 km one way) covers a portion in the Netherlands <br />
*[https://translate.google.co.uk/translate?sl=auto&tl=en&js=y&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&u=http%3A%2F%2Frailpleasure.nl%2Fspoorfietsen%2F&edit-text= Rail Pleasure]: Hengelo - Twekkelo (a short stretch of Hengelo - Boekelo line, latterly serving AKZO factory)<br />
<br />
==Metro==<br />
[http://www.gvb.nl/ENGLISH/Pages/default.aspx Amsterdam], [https://www.ret.nl/en.html Rotterdam], [https://www.ret.nl/en/home/travelling-with-the-ret.html RandstadRail].<br />
<br />
Track plans for all metro systems in the Netherlands are available on the [http://www.gleisplanweb.eu/ Gleisplanweb site].<br />
<br />
== Trams/LRT-Systems ==<br />
Amsterdam, Den Haag, Rotterdam, Utrecht.<br />
<br />
Track plans for all tram systems in the Netherlands are available on the [http://www.gleisplanweb.eu/ Gleisplanweb site].<br />
<br />
See also [[Netherlands_-_Tram_services_over_obscure_routes|Netherlands - Tram services over obscure routes]]<br />
<br />
==Recent and future changes==<br />
===Future changes===<br />
Work is in progress to extend RET Metro line B from Hoek van Holland Haven to the site of the former Hoek Van Holland Strand, and then a further 1.1km to the beach.<br />
<br />
European Sleeper will start to operate from June 2022 a night service via Roosendaal, Rotterdam, The Hague via Bad Bentheim to Berlin and Prague.<br />
<br />
Works to double track Heerlen - Landgraaf will be completed by summer 2022 in order to facilitate an increase of services between Heerlen and Aachen (D).<br />
<br />
Passenger services are to resume between Veendam and Stadskanaal in 2024. Simultaneously introduction of passenger services between Coevorden - Neuenhaus (D) and on to Bad Bentheim (D) are expected by 2024.<br />
<br />
Extensive works are under way or recently completed to increase line capacity. These include realignment and quadrupling of lines and construction of flyovers at junctions. However, the proposed electrification of Nijmegen - Venlo - Roermond has been cancelled because of the increasing cost of materials and the effects of the coronavirus pandemic on the supply chain. <br />
<br />
The new 'Friesenbrücke' bridge, facilitating the passenger traffic Groningen - Bad Nieuweschans - Leer (D) should be constructed by 2024.<br />
<br />
Infrastructure manager ProRail warned in August 2018 that the main line network is ‘almost full’. ProRail said it was ‘running up against the limits’ of its 7 300 track-km network, pointing out that traffic had grown from 129 million train-km in 2004 to 165 million train-km planned for 2019. It added that there would be ‘little point’ in trying to add more infrastructure as there was ‘no room for that’ across the country. <br />
<br />
Looking ahead, the infrastructure manager believes that more capacity can be squeezed out through the deployment of intelligent timetabling tools, particularly aimed at freight trains which often require short notice paths or changes to booked workings. From 2020, the national working timetable will be specified to the nearest 6 sec rather than whole minutes, which ProRail believes will ‘help it better deliver the public timetable’.<br />
<br />
Long term projects:<br />
On 10 October 2017, the coalition government agreed plans to reopen Weert - Hamont, with co-financing from regional authorities, following the reopening of Neerpelt - Hamont by SNCB. On 9 November the governments concluded an agreement to electrify the line.<br />
<br />
The "Iron Rhine" freight line between Roermond and Dalheim (Germany) is planned to reopened for traffic between Antwerpen and the Ruhr. However this has been delayed by a dispute between the Dutch and Belgian governments, which has gone to arbitration.<br />
<br />
===Recent changes===<br />
The last museum trains to use the Blauwkapel Kruispunt, where the line northwards from the ''Nederlands Spoorwegmuseum'' at Utrecht Maliebaan station makes a flat crossing with the Utrecht - Amersfoort line, ran on 14 May 2022. The north - south link at Blauwkapel is to be removed. This will not affect the shuttle trains between Utrecht Centraal station and the museum, which will continue to run. <br />
<br />
By December 2021 Zürich - Amsterdam NightJet services were introduced, complementing the Vienna - Amsterdam services which started on 25th of May 2021.<br />
As of November 28, cargo trains can run via RET Metro line B to Vlaardingen Oost. There is a switch to the Vulcaanhaven emplacement, connecting the nearby oil terminals.<br />
<br />
The (Rotterdam -) Schiedam Centrum - Hoek van Holland ''Hoekse Lijn'' line closed to passengers as an NS line on 1 April 2017 and reopened as RET Metro line B between Nesselande and Hoek van Holland on 30 September 2019, thus bringing a new connection into use between Schiedam Centrum metro station and Schiedam Nieuwland. The former passenger connection between the Metro and the ProRail/NS network is retained for freight. Until the line onwards to Hoek van Holland Strand plus a 1km extension to a station much nearer the Beach is opened, RET trains are temporarily using the old Hoek van Holland International Boat Train platforms.<br />
<br />
Landgraaf - Herzogenrath (Germany) has been electrified, with Arriva EMUs running between Aachen Hbf and Maastricht from 27 December 2018. The planned through Arriva service between Aachen and Liège has been delayed and until further notice NMBS continue to operate a separate train service between Maastricht and Liège.<br />
<br />
The new station of Lansingerland-Zoetermeer on the NS Den Haag to Gouda line opened on 9 December 2018 and the extension to tram line 4 (RandstadRail4) from Zoetermeer Javalaan to the new station opened on 19 May 2019.<br />
<br />
The 'Intercity Direct' service between Amsterdam and Brussel/Bruxelles (the successor to the former Benelux service) was diverted via the HSL Zuid and Breda [reverse] from 9 April 2018, thus opening for passenger traffic the curve southwards from Breda towards the Belgian border.<br />
<br />
==Special notes==<br />
Many trains worked by multiple units split en route to serve more than one destination. External displays may show the destination of each portion; newer train sets are provided with internal displays as well. The number of each unit is displayed prominently in each carriage and when trains divide public address announcements usually refer to these to inform passengers where each unit is going.<br />
<br />
The freight line to Terneuzen is accessible only from Gent in Belgium.<br />
<br />
'''New trains'''<br />
<br />
NS has ordered 79 EMU 'Intercity New Generation' at Alstom, based on Coradia platform for use on the HSL by 2023. <br />
<br />
NS has ordered 20 EMU 'Intercity New Generation' at Alstom, based on Coradia platform for services to Brussels by 2025.<br />
<br />
'''Wifi'''<br />
<br />
Most stations have free internet access via KPN hotspots. NS Intercity trains have free internet by 'Wifi in de trein' provided by T-mobile; other operators like Arriva and Veolia offer free wifi in their trains. However loco hauled services are not provided with wifi.<br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
{{Navbox Netherlands}}</div>Theijs Europehttps://www.egtre.info/w/index.php?title=Netherlands_-_General_Information&diff=48589Netherlands - General Information2023-01-08T17:06:28Z<p>Theijs Europe: /* Special notes */ update EMU ICNG</p>
<hr />
<div>==Country Name==<br />
Netherlands (Nederland)<br />
<br />
==National Railway System==<br />
===National Railway Operator===<br />
Nederlandse Spoorwegen (https://www.ns.nl/en NS]) is the principal passenger carrier, which operates through various subsidiary companies, including:<br />
* NS Reizigers - Domestic passenger services <br />
* NS International - International passenger services.<br />
<br />
[https://www.thalys.com/img/1427897808/pdf/presse/release/en/1427897799_15.04.01._Thalys_is_now_a_train_operati.pdf ''Thalys''] services to the Netherlands are operated by a stand-alone company owned by SNCF (62%), SNCB/NMBS (28%) and DB (10%); NS is not a partner. <br />
<br />
There is no longer a national freight operator. The former NS freight operation has been sold and is a subsidiary of DB (see below). Open access freight operators have a considerable market share. Current freight operators in The Netherlands as at 2021 are DB Cargo Nederland (German), Lineas Nederland (Belgian), LTE Netherlands (Austrian), Captrain (French) and RTB Cargo German) amoungst others.<br />
<br />
==Language==<br />
Dutch<br />
<br />
==Currency==<br />
Euro<br />
<br />
==UIC code==<br />
Numeric 84; alpha NL<br />
<br />
==Timetable==<br />
As of 14 December 2014, every station should be served twice an hour.<br />
<br />
===Journey Planner===<br />
* PC: [https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information Travel Information].<br />
* Smartphone: [http://m.ns.nl/planner.action?lang=en m.ns.nl/planner.action?lang=en]. <br />
* Iphone application: [https://apps.apple.com/nl/app/ns/id370362301 Reisplanner].<br />
* Android application: [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=nl.ns.android.activity&utm_source=ns&utm_medium=banner&utm_campaign=rpxpagina Reisplanner]<br />
* Windows application: [https://www.microsoft.com/store/apps/9wzdncrdmbbm Treinplanner]<br />
<br />
===Actual Train Times===<br />
* [https://spoorkaart.mwnn.nl/ Actuele spoorkaart Nederland]<br />
*[https://treinenradar.nl/ Treinenradar Live]<br />
<br />
===Downloadable Timetable===<br />
By December 2023, NS no longer produces timetables in pdf format on its website.<br />
<br />
===Printed Timetable===<br />
''Rover'' offers a paper [https://www.ovshop.nl/shop/rover-spoorboekje-2023/ ''Spoorboekje''] for 2022-2023. NS discontinued paper timetables after the 2009-2010 edition. Rover took the publication over from Treinreiziger.<br />
<br />
===Engineering Information===<br />
[https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/current-situation-on-the-tracks The current situation on the tracks].<br />
[https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/maintenance-on-the-tracks/ An overview of scheduled works in the upcoming months that will effect services].<br />
<br />
===Real Time Train Information===<br />
Real time train running information is available on the [http://treinenradar.nl/ ''Treinenradar''], [https://treinposities.nl/ ''Treinposities''] and [http://spoorkaart.mwnn.nl/ Spoorkaart] websites. Moreover, public transport Apps like OV9292 and NS Reisplanner offer real time journey information.<br />
<br />
==Maps==<br />
===Printed Maps===<br />
*[[Printed Maps#ERA-E | European Railway Atlas (All-Europe Edition)]] by M.G. Ball.<br />
*[[Printed Maps#ERA-R-FR-BE-NL-LU | European Railway Atlas (Regional Series - France and Benelux)]] by M.G. Ball.<br />
*[https://treinwebshop.nl/product/poster-spoorkaart-2021/ Rail Map 2021] by Treinreiziger.nl<br />
<br />
===Web-based Maps===<br />
*NS provides a map with all passenger train service numbers and frequencies: [https://www.ns.nl/binaries/_ht_1642770500516/content/assets/ns-nl/dienstregeling/nieuwe-dienstregeling/ns-spoorkaart-2022.pdf Spoorkaart 2022]. <br />
*Prorail provides a [https://www.prorail.nl/siteassets/homepage/reizen/documenten/spoorkaart-2020-webversie.pdf detailed geographical map].<br />
*[http://www.sporenplan.nl/ Sporenplan] has a series of on-line maps and schematic track diagrams. Click on "Sporenplannen" on the left hand side for a map showing the countries covered.<br />
*Thorsten Büker's [http://www.bueker.net/trainspotting/maps_benelux.php Map of Benelux network] Although this remains on-line, the Büker maps are no longer being maintained. Last updated March 2018.<br />
*[[Maps and Plans#Netherlands|Maps and Plans - Netherlands]]<br />
<br />
==Ticketing==<br />
In the course of 2023, paying train journeys by debit card (check-in and check-out) will be introduced. So far only public transport in Amsterdam and Den Haag has introduced this payment service. Once every 24 hours the journeys are collected.<br />
<br />
All stations are equipped with ticket machines which all accept debit and credit cards (V PAY, Maestro, Mastercard, Visa and American Express). However, some foreign Visa debit cards are not accepted. Some machines accept coins as well. All machines offer domestic tickets and some provide international tickets to Belgium, and a selection of destinations in Germany. All tickets contain a chip to validate your ticket. Booking offices at small stations have almost all been closed. A surcharge is payable at booking offices when buying a ticket which is available from a ticket machine.<br />
<br />
The smart card [https://www.ov-chipkaart.nl/home-1.htm OV Chipkaart] is the normal ticket on public transport and can be bought at any ticket machine. Machines that add value to an OV Chipkaart accept debit cards issued outside the Netherlands. However, only a few machines (such as at some tobacconists) accept credit cards. Paper tickets continue to be issued from machines and booking offices for rail journeys.<br />
<br />
Information on tickets and passes can be found on the NS [https://www.ns.nl/producten/en/losse-kaartjes-toeslagen Individual tickets & supplements] page. A supplement is required to travel on the HSL between Rotterdam and Schiphol Airport unless the passenger has a valid international ticket (which includes Interrail). The supplement can be purchased from vending machines; there are red validation machines for such supplements on the platforms.<br />
<br />
'''Note''': ALL tickets from machines MUST be touched in and out with ALL operators used in the correct order, when changing operators en-route. Travellers may be fined if they do not do this.<br />
<br />
NS-Zonetaxi (formerly known as treintaxi) tickets include a taxi from/to the railway station for a fixed fare. The service is available in most mid-size towns, but not in Utrecht, Amsterdam, Den Haag and Rotterdam. When riding on single or return tickets, trein-taxi tickets should be bought at the departure station. For the return trip by taxi, tickets are best bought in advance, but the taxi driver sells tickets with a small surcharge.<br />
<br />
Although more local services are to be franchised over the next few years, a uniform ticketing system, including NS and all franchisees, is being retained.<br />
<br />
''Special offers:''<br />
Supermarket chains may offer cheap day tickets from time to time for a limited period. At Amsterdam Schiphol Airport both NS and GVB Amsterdam sell tickets for public transport connections to Amsterdam.[https://www.spoordeelwinkel.nl/product/eindhoven-airport NS-Voordeelwinkel] has special offers for Eindhoven Airport. [http://www.treinreiziger.nl/ Treinreiziger] offers news about the Dutch railwaysystem, including the availabillity of discounted tickets.<br />
<br />
==Infrastructure==<br />
===Infrastructure Authority===<br />
[http://www.prorail.nl/ ProRail] owns and manages the NS infrastructure and is responsible for traffic control and capacity allocation, under the authority of the minister of transport. On 1 July 2015 the operation of the ''Betuweroute'' was transferred to ProRail and the previous owners, Keyrail, ceased to exist.<br />
<br />
[https://www.ilent.nl/ Inspectie Leefomgeving en Transport], part of the Ministry of Transport, is responsible for safety and rolling stock certification.<br />
<br />
===Network Statement===<br />
The Prorail Website gives access to various [http://www.prorail.nl/vervoerders/network-statement NS Network Statement] documents.<br />
<br />
===Gauge===<br />
Standard.<br />
<br />
===Electrification===<br />
1500 V dc. New high-speed lines and the Betuwe trunk freight line between Rotterdam and Zevenaar (- Emmerich (Germany)) are electrified at 25 kV 50 Hz; Zevenaar - Emmerich was converted to 25 kV in 2016 so that freight trains have to change voltage only once, although it caused passenger trains to have to change voltage twice. The Hanzelijn is not officially a high-speed line, so is 1500 V dc. Large-scale conversion to 25 kV 50 Hz in the long term was envisaged but this was abandoned in the late 1990s as too expensive. In 2014 Prorail started a feasibility study into upgrading to 3000 V dc.<br />
Metros and Tramways are 750 V dc, with third rail used on the Amsterdam and Rotterdam metros.<br />
<br />
===Rule of the road===<br />
Right, but most lines are reversibly signalled. The following lines have left-hand running:<br />
* the high speed line from Rotterdam Lombardijen (where there is a flying crossover) to the Belgian border <br />
* the fast lines between Utrecht Centraal and Bilthoven; there is a flying crossover west of Bilthoven <br />
* from Roosendaal to the Belgian border <br />
* from Maastricht to the Belgian border<br />
<br />
There are connections between the high speed line and the old line to Breda where they run parallel south of Lage Zwaluwe, at which the two lines are handed in opposite directions. This results in the two southbound lines (which are adjacent) being linked merely by a long crossover whereas the connection between the northbound lines crosses over all four tracks on a flyover.<br />
<br />
===Distances===<br />
[https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lijst_van_spoorlijnen_in_Nederland Wikipedia] gives distances for all lines in the Netherlands. Click on the line wanted, and on the right distances for stations are given. [http://www.sporenplan.nl/html_nl/sporenplan/ns/ns_nummer/start.html Sporeneplan] provides an alternative source. Click on the line wanted to reach a schematic line plan, alongside which distances for stations (named in abbreviated code) are given. ''Neither is an official page and can be out of date.'' '''If any user can point to an official source for distance information the compilers would be glad to hear.'''<br />
<br />
==Other Railways==<br />
Private operators have franchises to work a number of local passenger services over NS lines, thus:<br />
* Arriva Nederland: Leeuwarden - Harlingen, Leeuwarden - Stavoren, Leeuwarden - Groningen, Groningen - Roodeschool/Eemshaven/Delfzijl, Groningen - Veendam/Bad Nieuweschans - Leer (D), Apeldoorn - Zutphen, Zutphen - Winterswijk, Winterswijk - Arnhem, Arnhem - Tiel, Nijmegen - Venlo - Roermond - Maastricht/Heerlen, Maastricht Randwijck - Heerlen - Kerkrade/Aachen (D).<br />
* Abellio (part of NS): Gouda - Alphen aan den Rijn, Arnhem - Emmerich (D).<br />
* Blauwnet (Arriva/Keolis/Syntus): Enschede - Almelo - Mariënberg, Kampen - Zwolle - Emmen, Zutphen - Hengelo - Oldenzaal.<br />
* Breng: Doetinchem - Arnhem.<br />
* Q-Buzz (R-Net): Dordrecht - Geldermalsen<br />
* Valleilijn (Connexxion): Amersfoort - Ede-Wageningen. <br />
<br />
In addition next cross border services are operated: <br />
Keolis: Hengelo - Bielefeld(D), <br />
DB Regio: Enschede - Gronau - Münster / Dortmund <br />
Abellio: Arnhem - Düsseldorf (RE19) <br />
Regiobahn: Venlo - Düsseldorf - Hamm (RE13)(D),<br />
NMBS: local services Roosendaal - Antwerpen (B)<br />
NMBS: local services Maastricht - Luik / Liège (B)<br />
<br />
The German based Bentheimer Eisenbahn owns and operates its trunk line from Bentheim to the border at Laarwald and a further 2 km on to Coevorden. The line is freight only; there has never been any significant border crossing passenger traffic, but freight has regained importance in recent times. Coevorden effectively serves as a German rail bridgehead into the Netherlands, traffic mainly consisting of containers that are subsequently road-hauled into the northern provinces. There are plans to introduce passenger services between Coevorden en Neuenhaus (D) by BE by 2024.<br />
<br />
==Tourist Lines==<br />
A list of Tourist & Museum Railways and Tramways in English is available on the [http://www.railmusea.nl/en Historisch Railvervoer Nederland (HRN)] website.<br />
<br />
Rail cycling is possible on the following sections of line:<br />
*[https://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?depth=1&hl=en&ie=UTF8&prev=_t&rurl=translate.google.co.uk&sl=auto&sp=nmt4&tl=en&u=https://grenzland-draisine.eu/de/&usg=ALkJrhjmVbKpWvild_3Gij1RKZm46b3XxA Grenzland Draisine]: based at Kranenburg in Germany, on the former Kleve [DE] - Nijmegen [NL] line, the ''Grenzenlose'' trip to Groesbeek (5.5 km one way) covers a portion in the Netherlands <br />
*[https://translate.google.co.uk/translate?sl=auto&tl=en&js=y&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&u=http%3A%2F%2Frailpleasure.nl%2Fspoorfietsen%2F&edit-text= Rail Pleasure]: Hengelo - Twekkelo (a short stretch of Hengelo - Boekelo line, latterly serving AKZO factory)<br />
<br />
==Metro==<br />
[http://www.gvb.nl/ENGLISH/Pages/default.aspx Amsterdam], [https://www.ret.nl/en.html Rotterdam], [https://www.ret.nl/en/home/travelling-with-the-ret.html RandstadRail].<br />
<br />
Track plans for all metro systems in the Netherlands are available on the [http://www.gleisplanweb.eu/ Gleisplanweb site].<br />
<br />
== Trams/LRT-Systems ==<br />
Amsterdam, Den Haag, Rotterdam, Utrecht.<br />
<br />
Track plans for all tram systems in the Netherlands are available on the [http://www.gleisplanweb.eu/ Gleisplanweb site].<br />
<br />
See also [[Netherlands_-_Tram_services_over_obscure_routes|Netherlands - Tram services over obscure routes]]<br />
<br />
==Recent and future changes==<br />
===Future changes===<br />
Work is in progress to extend RET Metro line B from Hoek van Holland Haven to the site of the former Hoek Van Holland Strand, and then a further 1.1km to the beach.<br />
<br />
European Sleeper will start to operate from June 2022 a night service via Roosendaal, Rotterdam, The Hague via Bad Bentheim to Berlin and Prague.<br />
<br />
Works to double track Heerlen - Landgraaf will be completed by summer 2022 in order to facilitate an increase of services between Heerlen and Aachen (D).<br />
<br />
Passenger services are to resume between Veendam and Stadskanaal in 2024. Simultaneously introduction of passenger services between Coevorden - Neuenhaus (D) and on to Bad Bentheim (D) are expected by 2024.<br />
<br />
Extensive works are under way or recently completed to increase line capacity. These include realignment and quadrupling of lines and construction of flyovers at junctions. However, the proposed electrification of Nijmegen - Venlo - Roermond has been cancelled because of the increasing cost of materials and the effects of the coronavirus pandemic on the supply chain. <br />
<br />
The new 'Friesenbrücke' bridge, facilitating the passenger traffic Groningen - Bad Nieuweschans - Leer (D) should be constructed by 2024.<br />
<br />
Infrastructure manager ProRail warned in August 2018 that the main line network is ‘almost full’. ProRail said it was ‘running up against the limits’ of its 7 300 track-km network, pointing out that traffic had grown from 129 million train-km in 2004 to 165 million train-km planned for 2019. It added that there would be ‘little point’ in trying to add more infrastructure as there was ‘no room for that’ across the country. <br />
<br />
Looking ahead, the infrastructure manager believes that more capacity can be squeezed out through the deployment of intelligent timetabling tools, particularly aimed at freight trains which often require short notice paths or changes to booked workings. From 2020, the national working timetable will be specified to the nearest 6 sec rather than whole minutes, which ProRail believes will ‘help it better deliver the public timetable’.<br />
<br />
Long term projects:<br />
On 10 October 2017, the coalition government agreed plans to reopen Weert - Hamont, with co-financing from regional authorities, following the reopening of Neerpelt - Hamont by SNCB. On 9 November the governments concluded an agreement to electrify the line.<br />
<br />
The "Iron Rhine" freight line between Roermond and Dalheim (Germany) is planned to reopened for traffic between Antwerpen and the Ruhr. However this has been delayed by a dispute between the Dutch and Belgian governments, which has gone to arbitration.<br />
<br />
===Recent changes===<br />
The last museum trains to use the Blauwkapel Kruispunt, where the line northwards from the ''Nederlands Spoorwegmuseum'' at Utrecht Maliebaan station makes a flat crossing with the Utrecht - Amersfoort line, ran on 14 May 2022. The north - south link at Blauwkapel is to be removed. This will not affect the shuttle trains between Utrecht Centraal station and the museum, which will continue to run. <br />
<br />
By December 2021 Zürich - Amsterdam NightJet services were introduced, complementing the Vienna - Amsterdam services which started on 25th of May 2021.<br />
As of November 28, cargo trains can run via RET Metro line B to Vlaardingen Oost. There is a switch to the Vulcaanhaven emplacement, connecting the nearby oil terminals.<br />
<br />
The (Rotterdam -) Schiedam Centrum - Hoek van Holland ''Hoekse Lijn'' line closed to passengers as an NS line on 1 April 2017 and reopened as RET Metro line B between Nesselande and Hoek van Holland on 30 September 2019, thus bringing a new connection into use between Schiedam Centrum metro station and Schiedam Nieuwland. The former passenger connection between the Metro and the ProRail/NS network is retained for freight. Until the line onwards to Hoek van Holland Strand plus a 1km extension to a station much nearer the Beach is opened, RET trains are temporarily using the old Hoek van Holland International Boat Train platforms.<br />
<br />
Landgraaf - Herzogenrath (Germany) has been electrified, with Arriva EMUs running between Aachen Hbf and Maastricht from 27 December 2018. The planned through Arriva service between Aachen and Liège has been delayed and until further notice NMBS continue to operate a separate train service between Maastricht and Liège.<br />
<br />
The new station of Lansingerland-Zoetermeer on the NS Den Haag to Gouda line opened on 9 December 2018 and the extension to tram line 4 (RandstadRail4) from Zoetermeer Javalaan to the new station opened on 19 May 2019.<br />
<br />
The 'Intercity Direct' service between Amsterdam and Brussel/Bruxelles (the successor to the former Benelux service) was diverted via the HSL Zuid and Breda [reverse] from 9 April 2018, thus opening for passenger traffic the curve southwards from Breda towards the Belgian border.<br />
<br />
==Special notes==<br />
Many trains worked by multiple units split en route to serve more than one destination. External displays may show the destination of each portion; newer train sets are provided with internal displays as well. The number of each unit is displayed prominently in each carriage and when trains divide public address announcements usually refer to these to inform passengers where each unit is going.<br />
<br />
The freight line to Terneuzen is accessible only from Gent in Belgium.<br />
<br />
'''New trains'''<br />
<br />
NS has ordered 79 EMU 'Intercity New Generation' at Alstom, based on Coradia platform for use on the HSL by 2023. <br />
<br />
NS has ordered 20 EMU 'Intercity New Generation' at Alstom, based on Coradia platform for services to Brussels by 2025.<br />
<br />
'''Wifi'''<br />
<br />
Most stations have free internet access via KPN hotspots. NS Intercity trains have free internet by 'Wifi in de trein' provided by T-mobile; other operators like Arriva and Veolia offer free wifi in their trains. However loco hauled services are not provided with wifi.<br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
{{Navbox Netherlands}}</div>Theijs Europehttps://www.egtre.info/w/index.php?title=Netherlands_-_General_Information&diff=48588Netherlands - General Information2023-01-08T16:53:42Z<p>Theijs Europe: /* Ticketing */ update</p>
<hr />
<div>==Country Name==<br />
Netherlands (Nederland)<br />
<br />
==National Railway System==<br />
===National Railway Operator===<br />
Nederlandse Spoorwegen (https://www.ns.nl/en NS]) is the principal passenger carrier, which operates through various subsidiary companies, including:<br />
* NS Reizigers - Domestic passenger services <br />
* NS International - International passenger services.<br />
<br />
[https://www.thalys.com/img/1427897808/pdf/presse/release/en/1427897799_15.04.01._Thalys_is_now_a_train_operati.pdf ''Thalys''] services to the Netherlands are operated by a stand-alone company owned by SNCF (62%), SNCB/NMBS (28%) and DB (10%); NS is not a partner. <br />
<br />
There is no longer a national freight operator. The former NS freight operation has been sold and is a subsidiary of DB (see below). Open access freight operators have a considerable market share. Current freight operators in The Netherlands as at 2021 are DB Cargo Nederland (German), Lineas Nederland (Belgian), LTE Netherlands (Austrian), Captrain (French) and RTB Cargo German) amoungst others.<br />
<br />
==Language==<br />
Dutch<br />
<br />
==Currency==<br />
Euro<br />
<br />
==UIC code==<br />
Numeric 84; alpha NL<br />
<br />
==Timetable==<br />
As of 14 December 2014, every station should be served twice an hour.<br />
<br />
===Journey Planner===<br />
* PC: [https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information Travel Information].<br />
* Smartphone: [http://m.ns.nl/planner.action?lang=en m.ns.nl/planner.action?lang=en]. <br />
* Iphone application: [https://apps.apple.com/nl/app/ns/id370362301 Reisplanner].<br />
* Android application: [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=nl.ns.android.activity&utm_source=ns&utm_medium=banner&utm_campaign=rpxpagina Reisplanner]<br />
* Windows application: [https://www.microsoft.com/store/apps/9wzdncrdmbbm Treinplanner]<br />
<br />
===Actual Train Times===<br />
* [https://spoorkaart.mwnn.nl/ Actuele spoorkaart Nederland]<br />
*[https://treinenradar.nl/ Treinenradar Live]<br />
<br />
===Downloadable Timetable===<br />
By December 2023, NS no longer produces timetables in pdf format on its website.<br />
<br />
===Printed Timetable===<br />
''Rover'' offers a paper [https://www.ovshop.nl/shop/rover-spoorboekje-2023/ ''Spoorboekje''] for 2022-2023. NS discontinued paper timetables after the 2009-2010 edition. Rover took the publication over from Treinreiziger.<br />
<br />
===Engineering Information===<br />
[https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/current-situation-on-the-tracks The current situation on the tracks].<br />
[https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/maintenance-on-the-tracks/ An overview of scheduled works in the upcoming months that will effect services].<br />
<br />
===Real Time Train Information===<br />
Real time train running information is available on the [http://treinenradar.nl/ ''Treinenradar''], [https://treinposities.nl/ ''Treinposities''] and [http://spoorkaart.mwnn.nl/ Spoorkaart] websites. Moreover, public transport Apps like OV9292 and NS Reisplanner offer real time journey information.<br />
<br />
==Maps==<br />
===Printed Maps===<br />
*[[Printed Maps#ERA-E | European Railway Atlas (All-Europe Edition)]] by M.G. Ball.<br />
*[[Printed Maps#ERA-R-FR-BE-NL-LU | European Railway Atlas (Regional Series - France and Benelux)]] by M.G. Ball.<br />
*[https://treinwebshop.nl/product/poster-spoorkaart-2021/ Rail Map 2021] by Treinreiziger.nl<br />
<br />
===Web-based Maps===<br />
*NS provides a map with all passenger train service numbers and frequencies: [https://www.ns.nl/binaries/_ht_1642770500516/content/assets/ns-nl/dienstregeling/nieuwe-dienstregeling/ns-spoorkaart-2022.pdf Spoorkaart 2022]. <br />
*Prorail provides a [https://www.prorail.nl/siteassets/homepage/reizen/documenten/spoorkaart-2020-webversie.pdf detailed geographical map].<br />
*[http://www.sporenplan.nl/ Sporenplan] has a series of on-line maps and schematic track diagrams. Click on "Sporenplannen" on the left hand side for a map showing the countries covered.<br />
*Thorsten Büker's [http://www.bueker.net/trainspotting/maps_benelux.php Map of Benelux network] Although this remains on-line, the Büker maps are no longer being maintained. Last updated March 2018.<br />
*[[Maps and Plans#Netherlands|Maps and Plans - Netherlands]]<br />
<br />
==Ticketing==<br />
In the course of 2023, paying train journeys by debit card (check-in and check-out) will be introduced. So far only public transport in Amsterdam and Den Haag has introduced this payment service. Once every 24 hours the journeys are collected.<br />
<br />
All stations are equipped with ticket machines which all accept debit and credit cards (V PAY, Maestro, Mastercard, Visa and American Express). However, some foreign Visa debit cards are not accepted. Some machines accept coins as well. All machines offer domestic tickets and some provide international tickets to Belgium, and a selection of destinations in Germany. All tickets contain a chip to validate your ticket. Booking offices at small stations have almost all been closed. A surcharge is payable at booking offices when buying a ticket which is available from a ticket machine.<br />
<br />
The smart card [https://www.ov-chipkaart.nl/home-1.htm OV Chipkaart] is the normal ticket on public transport and can be bought at any ticket machine. Machines that add value to an OV Chipkaart accept debit cards issued outside the Netherlands. However, only a few machines (such as at some tobacconists) accept credit cards. Paper tickets continue to be issued from machines and booking offices for rail journeys.<br />
<br />
Information on tickets and passes can be found on the NS [https://www.ns.nl/producten/en/losse-kaartjes-toeslagen Individual tickets & supplements] page. A supplement is required to travel on the HSL between Rotterdam and Schiphol Airport unless the passenger has a valid international ticket (which includes Interrail). The supplement can be purchased from vending machines; there are red validation machines for such supplements on the platforms.<br />
<br />
'''Note''': ALL tickets from machines MUST be touched in and out with ALL operators used in the correct order, when changing operators en-route. Travellers may be fined if they do not do this.<br />
<br />
NS-Zonetaxi (formerly known as treintaxi) tickets include a taxi from/to the railway station for a fixed fare. The service is available in most mid-size towns, but not in Utrecht, Amsterdam, Den Haag and Rotterdam. When riding on single or return tickets, trein-taxi tickets should be bought at the departure station. For the return trip by taxi, tickets are best bought in advance, but the taxi driver sells tickets with a small surcharge.<br />
<br />
Although more local services are to be franchised over the next few years, a uniform ticketing system, including NS and all franchisees, is being retained.<br />
<br />
''Special offers:''<br />
Supermarket chains may offer cheap day tickets from time to time for a limited period. At Amsterdam Schiphol Airport both NS and GVB Amsterdam sell tickets for public transport connections to Amsterdam.[https://www.spoordeelwinkel.nl/product/eindhoven-airport NS-Voordeelwinkel] has special offers for Eindhoven Airport. [http://www.treinreiziger.nl/ Treinreiziger] offers news about the Dutch railwaysystem, including the availabillity of discounted tickets.<br />
<br />
==Infrastructure==<br />
===Infrastructure Authority===<br />
[http://www.prorail.nl/ ProRail] owns and manages the NS infrastructure and is responsible for traffic control and capacity allocation, under the authority of the minister of transport. On 1 July 2015 the operation of the ''Betuweroute'' was transferred to ProRail and the previous owners, Keyrail, ceased to exist.<br />
<br />
[https://www.ilent.nl/ Inspectie Leefomgeving en Transport], part of the Ministry of Transport, is responsible for safety and rolling stock certification.<br />
<br />
===Network Statement===<br />
The Prorail Website gives access to various [http://www.prorail.nl/vervoerders/network-statement NS Network Statement] documents.<br />
<br />
===Gauge===<br />
Standard.<br />
<br />
===Electrification===<br />
1500 V dc. New high-speed lines and the Betuwe trunk freight line between Rotterdam and Zevenaar (- Emmerich (Germany)) are electrified at 25 kV 50 Hz; Zevenaar - Emmerich was converted to 25 kV in 2016 so that freight trains have to change voltage only once, although it caused passenger trains to have to change voltage twice. The Hanzelijn is not officially a high-speed line, so is 1500 V dc. Large-scale conversion to 25 kV 50 Hz in the long term was envisaged but this was abandoned in the late 1990s as too expensive. In 2014 Prorail started a feasibility study into upgrading to 3000 V dc.<br />
Metros and Tramways are 750 V dc, with third rail used on the Amsterdam and Rotterdam metros.<br />
<br />
===Rule of the road===<br />
Right, but most lines are reversibly signalled. The following lines have left-hand running:<br />
* the high speed line from Rotterdam Lombardijen (where there is a flying crossover) to the Belgian border <br />
* the fast lines between Utrecht Centraal and Bilthoven; there is a flying crossover west of Bilthoven <br />
* from Roosendaal to the Belgian border <br />
* from Maastricht to the Belgian border<br />
<br />
There are connections between the high speed line and the old line to Breda where they run parallel south of Lage Zwaluwe, at which the two lines are handed in opposite directions. This results in the two southbound lines (which are adjacent) being linked merely by a long crossover whereas the connection between the northbound lines crosses over all four tracks on a flyover.<br />
<br />
===Distances===<br />
[https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lijst_van_spoorlijnen_in_Nederland Wikipedia] gives distances for all lines in the Netherlands. Click on the line wanted, and on the right distances for stations are given. [http://www.sporenplan.nl/html_nl/sporenplan/ns/ns_nummer/start.html Sporeneplan] provides an alternative source. Click on the line wanted to reach a schematic line plan, alongside which distances for stations (named in abbreviated code) are given. ''Neither is an official page and can be out of date.'' '''If any user can point to an official source for distance information the compilers would be glad to hear.'''<br />
<br />
==Other Railways==<br />
Private operators have franchises to work a number of local passenger services over NS lines, thus:<br />
* Arriva Nederland: Leeuwarden - Harlingen, Leeuwarden - Stavoren, Leeuwarden - Groningen, Groningen - Roodeschool/Eemshaven/Delfzijl, Groningen - Veendam/Bad Nieuweschans - Leer (D), Apeldoorn - Zutphen, Zutphen - Winterswijk, Winterswijk - Arnhem, Arnhem - Tiel, Nijmegen - Venlo - Roermond - Maastricht/Heerlen, Maastricht Randwijck - Heerlen - Kerkrade/Aachen (D).<br />
* Abellio (part of NS): Gouda - Alphen aan den Rijn, Arnhem - Emmerich (D).<br />
* Blauwnet (Arriva/Keolis/Syntus): Enschede - Almelo - Mariënberg, Kampen - Zwolle - Emmen, Zutphen - Hengelo - Oldenzaal.<br />
* Breng: Doetinchem - Arnhem.<br />
* Q-Buzz (R-Net): Dordrecht - Geldermalsen<br />
* Valleilijn (Connexxion): Amersfoort - Ede-Wageningen. <br />
<br />
In addition next cross border services are operated: <br />
Keolis: Hengelo - Bielefeld(D), <br />
DB Regio: Enschede - Gronau - Münster / Dortmund <br />
Abellio: Arnhem - Düsseldorf (RE19) <br />
Regiobahn: Venlo - Düsseldorf - Hamm (RE13)(D),<br />
NMBS: local services Roosendaal - Antwerpen (B)<br />
NMBS: local services Maastricht - Luik / Liège (B)<br />
<br />
The German based Bentheimer Eisenbahn owns and operates its trunk line from Bentheim to the border at Laarwald and a further 2 km on to Coevorden. The line is freight only; there has never been any significant border crossing passenger traffic, but freight has regained importance in recent times. Coevorden effectively serves as a German rail bridgehead into the Netherlands, traffic mainly consisting of containers that are subsequently road-hauled into the northern provinces. There are plans to introduce passenger services between Coevorden en Neuenhaus (D) by BE by 2024.<br />
<br />
==Tourist Lines==<br />
A list of Tourist & Museum Railways and Tramways in English is available on the [http://www.railmusea.nl/en Historisch Railvervoer Nederland (HRN)] website.<br />
<br />
Rail cycling is possible on the following sections of line:<br />
*[https://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?depth=1&hl=en&ie=UTF8&prev=_t&rurl=translate.google.co.uk&sl=auto&sp=nmt4&tl=en&u=https://grenzland-draisine.eu/de/&usg=ALkJrhjmVbKpWvild_3Gij1RKZm46b3XxA Grenzland Draisine]: based at Kranenburg in Germany, on the former Kleve [DE] - Nijmegen [NL] line, the ''Grenzenlose'' trip to Groesbeek (5.5 km one way) covers a portion in the Netherlands <br />
*[https://translate.google.co.uk/translate?sl=auto&tl=en&js=y&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&u=http%3A%2F%2Frailpleasure.nl%2Fspoorfietsen%2F&edit-text= Rail Pleasure]: Hengelo - Twekkelo (a short stretch of Hengelo - Boekelo line, latterly serving AKZO factory)<br />
<br />
==Metro==<br />
[http://www.gvb.nl/ENGLISH/Pages/default.aspx Amsterdam], [https://www.ret.nl/en.html Rotterdam], [https://www.ret.nl/en/home/travelling-with-the-ret.html RandstadRail].<br />
<br />
Track plans for all metro systems in the Netherlands are available on the [http://www.gleisplanweb.eu/ Gleisplanweb site].<br />
<br />
== Trams/LRT-Systems ==<br />
Amsterdam, Den Haag, Rotterdam, Utrecht.<br />
<br />
Track plans for all tram systems in the Netherlands are available on the [http://www.gleisplanweb.eu/ Gleisplanweb site].<br />
<br />
See also [[Netherlands_-_Tram_services_over_obscure_routes|Netherlands - Tram services over obscure routes]]<br />
<br />
==Recent and future changes==<br />
===Future changes===<br />
Work is in progress to extend RET Metro line B from Hoek van Holland Haven to the site of the former Hoek Van Holland Strand, and then a further 1.1km to the beach.<br />
<br />
European Sleeper will start to operate from June 2022 a night service via Roosendaal, Rotterdam, The Hague via Bad Bentheim to Berlin and Prague.<br />
<br />
Works to double track Heerlen - Landgraaf will be completed by summer 2022 in order to facilitate an increase of services between Heerlen and Aachen (D).<br />
<br />
Passenger services are to resume between Veendam and Stadskanaal in 2024. Simultaneously introduction of passenger services between Coevorden - Neuenhaus (D) and on to Bad Bentheim (D) are expected by 2024.<br />
<br />
Extensive works are under way or recently completed to increase line capacity. These include realignment and quadrupling of lines and construction of flyovers at junctions. However, the proposed electrification of Nijmegen - Venlo - Roermond has been cancelled because of the increasing cost of materials and the effects of the coronavirus pandemic on the supply chain. <br />
<br />
The new 'Friesenbrücke' bridge, facilitating the passenger traffic Groningen - Bad Nieuweschans - Leer (D) should be constructed by 2024.<br />
<br />
Infrastructure manager ProRail warned in August 2018 that the main line network is ‘almost full’. ProRail said it was ‘running up against the limits’ of its 7 300 track-km network, pointing out that traffic had grown from 129 million train-km in 2004 to 165 million train-km planned for 2019. It added that there would be ‘little point’ in trying to add more infrastructure as there was ‘no room for that’ across the country. <br />
<br />
Looking ahead, the infrastructure manager believes that more capacity can be squeezed out through the deployment of intelligent timetabling tools, particularly aimed at freight trains which often require short notice paths or changes to booked workings. From 2020, the national working timetable will be specified to the nearest 6 sec rather than whole minutes, which ProRail believes will ‘help it better deliver the public timetable’.<br />
<br />
Long term projects:<br />
On 10 October 2017, the coalition government agreed plans to reopen Weert - Hamont, with co-financing from regional authorities, following the reopening of Neerpelt - Hamont by SNCB. On 9 November the governments concluded an agreement to electrify the line.<br />
<br />
The "Iron Rhine" freight line between Roermond and Dalheim (Germany) is planned to reopened for traffic between Antwerpen and the Ruhr. However this has been delayed by a dispute between the Dutch and Belgian governments, which has gone to arbitration.<br />
<br />
===Recent changes===<br />
The last museum trains to use the Blauwkapel Kruispunt, where the line northwards from the ''Nederlands Spoorwegmuseum'' at Utrecht Maliebaan station makes a flat crossing with the Utrecht - Amersfoort line, ran on 14 May 2022. The north - south link at Blauwkapel is to be removed. This will not affect the shuttle trains between Utrecht Centraal station and the museum, which will continue to run. <br />
<br />
By December 2021 Zürich - Amsterdam NightJet services were introduced, complementing the Vienna - Amsterdam services which started on 25th of May 2021.<br />
As of November 28, cargo trains can run via RET Metro line B to Vlaardingen Oost. There is a switch to the Vulcaanhaven emplacement, connecting the nearby oil terminals.<br />
<br />
The (Rotterdam -) Schiedam Centrum - Hoek van Holland ''Hoekse Lijn'' line closed to passengers as an NS line on 1 April 2017 and reopened as RET Metro line B between Nesselande and Hoek van Holland on 30 September 2019, thus bringing a new connection into use between Schiedam Centrum metro station and Schiedam Nieuwland. The former passenger connection between the Metro and the ProRail/NS network is retained for freight. Until the line onwards to Hoek van Holland Strand plus a 1km extension to a station much nearer the Beach is opened, RET trains are temporarily using the old Hoek van Holland International Boat Train platforms.<br />
<br />
Landgraaf - Herzogenrath (Germany) has been electrified, with Arriva EMUs running between Aachen Hbf and Maastricht from 27 December 2018. The planned through Arriva service between Aachen and Liège has been delayed and until further notice NMBS continue to operate a separate train service between Maastricht and Liège.<br />
<br />
The new station of Lansingerland-Zoetermeer on the NS Den Haag to Gouda line opened on 9 December 2018 and the extension to tram line 4 (RandstadRail4) from Zoetermeer Javalaan to the new station opened on 19 May 2019.<br />
<br />
The 'Intercity Direct' service between Amsterdam and Brussel/Bruxelles (the successor to the former Benelux service) was diverted via the HSL Zuid and Breda [reverse] from 9 April 2018, thus opening for passenger traffic the curve southwards from Breda towards the Belgian border.<br />
<br />
==Special notes==<br />
Many trains worked by multiple units split en route to serve more than one destination. External displays may show the destination of each portion; newer train sets are provided with internal displays as well. The number of each unit is displayed prominently in each carriage and when trains divide public address announcements usually refer to these to inform passengers where each unit is going.<br />
<br />
The freight line to Terneuzen is accessible only from Gent in Belgium.<br />
<br />
'''New trains'''<br />
<br />
NS has ordered 79 EMU 'Intercity New Generation' at Alstom, based on Coradia platform for use on the HSL by 2021. <br />
<br />
NS has ordered 20 EMU 'Intercity New Generation' at Alstom, based on Coradia platform for services to Brussels by 2025.<br />
<br />
'''Wifi'''<br />
<br />
Most stations have free internet access via KPN hotspots. NS Intercity trains have free internet by 'Wifi in de trein' provided by T-mobile; other operators like Arriva and Veolia offer free wifi in their trains. However loco hauled services are not provided with wifi.<br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
{{Navbox Netherlands}}</div>Theijs Europehttps://www.egtre.info/w/index.php?title=Netherlands_-_General_Information&diff=48586Netherlands - General Information2023-01-08T16:49:55Z<p>Theijs Europe: /* Real Time Train Information */ added link to Treinposities</p>
<hr />
<div>==Country Name==<br />
Netherlands (Nederland)<br />
<br />
==National Railway System==<br />
===National Railway Operator===<br />
Nederlandse Spoorwegen (https://www.ns.nl/en NS]) is the principal passenger carrier, which operates through various subsidiary companies, including:<br />
* NS Reizigers - Domestic passenger services <br />
* NS International - International passenger services.<br />
<br />
[https://www.thalys.com/img/1427897808/pdf/presse/release/en/1427897799_15.04.01._Thalys_is_now_a_train_operati.pdf ''Thalys''] services to the Netherlands are operated by a stand-alone company owned by SNCF (62%), SNCB/NMBS (28%) and DB (10%); NS is not a partner. <br />
<br />
There is no longer a national freight operator. The former NS freight operation has been sold and is a subsidiary of DB (see below). Open access freight operators have a considerable market share. Current freight operators in The Netherlands as at 2021 are DB Cargo Nederland (German), Lineas Nederland (Belgian), LTE Netherlands (Austrian), Captrain (French) and RTB Cargo German) amoungst others.<br />
<br />
==Language==<br />
Dutch<br />
<br />
==Currency==<br />
Euro<br />
<br />
==UIC code==<br />
Numeric 84; alpha NL<br />
<br />
==Timetable==<br />
As of 14 December 2014, every station should be served twice an hour.<br />
<br />
===Journey Planner===<br />
* PC: [https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information Travel Information].<br />
* Smartphone: [http://m.ns.nl/planner.action?lang=en m.ns.nl/planner.action?lang=en]. <br />
* Iphone application: [https://apps.apple.com/nl/app/ns/id370362301 Reisplanner].<br />
* Android application: [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=nl.ns.android.activity&utm_source=ns&utm_medium=banner&utm_campaign=rpxpagina Reisplanner]<br />
* Windows application: [https://www.microsoft.com/store/apps/9wzdncrdmbbm Treinplanner]<br />
<br />
===Actual Train Times===<br />
* [https://spoorkaart.mwnn.nl/ Actuele spoorkaart Nederland]<br />
*[https://treinenradar.nl/ Treinenradar Live]<br />
<br />
===Downloadable Timetable===<br />
By December 2023, NS no longer produces timetables in pdf format on its website.<br />
<br />
===Printed Timetable===<br />
''Rover'' offers a paper [https://www.ovshop.nl/shop/rover-spoorboekje-2023/ ''Spoorboekje''] for 2022-2023. NS discontinued paper timetables after the 2009-2010 edition. Rover took the publication over from Treinreiziger.<br />
<br />
===Engineering Information===<br />
[https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/current-situation-on-the-tracks The current situation on the tracks].<br />
[https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/maintenance-on-the-tracks/ An overview of scheduled works in the upcoming months that will effect services].<br />
<br />
===Real Time Train Information===<br />
Real time train running information is available on the [http://treinenradar.nl/ ''Treinenradar''], [https://treinposities.nl/ ''Treinposities''] and [http://spoorkaart.mwnn.nl/ Spoorkaart] websites. Moreover, public transport Apps like OV9292 and NS Reisplanner offer real time journey information.<br />
<br />
==Maps==<br />
===Printed Maps===<br />
*[[Printed Maps#ERA-E | European Railway Atlas (All-Europe Edition)]] by M.G. Ball.<br />
*[[Printed Maps#ERA-R-FR-BE-NL-LU | European Railway Atlas (Regional Series - France and Benelux)]] by M.G. Ball.<br />
*[https://treinwebshop.nl/product/poster-spoorkaart-2021/ Rail Map 2021] by Treinreiziger.nl<br />
<br />
===Web-based Maps===<br />
*NS provides a map with all passenger train service numbers and frequencies: [https://www.ns.nl/binaries/_ht_1642770500516/content/assets/ns-nl/dienstregeling/nieuwe-dienstregeling/ns-spoorkaart-2022.pdf Spoorkaart 2022]. <br />
*Prorail provides a [https://www.prorail.nl/siteassets/homepage/reizen/documenten/spoorkaart-2020-webversie.pdf detailed geographical map].<br />
*[http://www.sporenplan.nl/ Sporenplan] has a series of on-line maps and schematic track diagrams. Click on "Sporenplannen" on the left hand side for a map showing the countries covered.<br />
*Thorsten Büker's [http://www.bueker.net/trainspotting/maps_benelux.php Map of Benelux network] Although this remains on-line, the Büker maps are no longer being maintained. Last updated March 2018.<br />
*[[Maps and Plans#Netherlands|Maps and Plans - Netherlands]]<br />
<br />
==Ticketing==<br />
All stations are equipped with ticket machines which all accept debit and credit cards (V PAY, Maestro, Mastercard, Visa and American Express). However, some foreign Visa debit cards are not accepted. Some machines accept coins as well. All machines offer domestic tickets and some provide international tickets to Belgium, and a selection of destinations in Germany. All tickets contain a chip to validate your ticket. Booking offices at small stations have almost all been closed. A surcharge is payable at booking offices when buying a ticket which is available from a ticket machine.<br />
<br />
The smart card [https://www.ov-chipkaart.nl/home-1.htm OV Chipkaart] is the normal ticket on public transport and can be bought at any ticket machine. Machines that add value to an OV Chipkaart accept debit cards issued outside the Netherlands. However, only a few machines (such as at some tobacconists) accept credit cards. Paper tickets continue to be issued from machines and booking offices for rail journeys.<br />
<br />
Information on tickets and passes can be found on the NS [https://www.ns.nl/producten/en/losse-kaartjes-toeslagen Individual tickets & supplements] page. A supplement is required to travel on the HSL between Rotterdam and Schiphol Airport unless the passenger has a valid international ticket (which includes Interrail). The supplement can be purchased from vending machines; there are red validation machines for such supplements on the platforms.<br />
<br />
'''Note''': ALL tickets from machines MUST be touched in and out with ALL operators used in the correct order, when changing operators en-route. Travellers may be fined if they do not do this.<br />
<br />
NS-Zonetaxi (formerly known as treintaxi) tickets include a taxi from/to the railway station for a fixed fare. The service is available in most mid-size towns, but not in Utrecht, Amsterdam, Den Haag and Rotterdam. When riding on single or return tickets, trein-taxi tickets should be bought at the departure station. For the return trip by taxi, tickets are best bought in advance, but the taxi driver sells tickets with a small surcharge.<br />
<br />
Although more local services are to be franchised over the next few years, a uniform ticketing system, including NS and all franchisees, is being retained.<br />
<br />
''Special offers:''<br />
Supermarket chains may offer cheap day tickets from time to time for a limited period. At Amsterdam Schiphol Airport both NS and GVB Amsterdam sell tickets for public transport connections to Amsterdam.[https://www.spoordeelwinkel.nl/product/eindhoven-airport NS-Voordeelwinkel] has special offers for Eindhoven Airport. [http://www.treinreiziger.nl/ Treinreiziger] offers news about the Dutch railwaysystem, including the availabillity of discounted tickets.<br />
<br />
==Infrastructure==<br />
===Infrastructure Authority===<br />
[http://www.prorail.nl/ ProRail] owns and manages the NS infrastructure and is responsible for traffic control and capacity allocation, under the authority of the minister of transport. On 1 July 2015 the operation of the ''Betuweroute'' was transferred to ProRail and the previous owners, Keyrail, ceased to exist.<br />
<br />
[https://www.ilent.nl/ Inspectie Leefomgeving en Transport], part of the Ministry of Transport, is responsible for safety and rolling stock certification.<br />
<br />
===Network Statement===<br />
The Prorail Website gives access to various [http://www.prorail.nl/vervoerders/network-statement NS Network Statement] documents.<br />
<br />
===Gauge===<br />
Standard.<br />
<br />
===Electrification===<br />
1500 V dc. New high-speed lines and the Betuwe trunk freight line between Rotterdam and Zevenaar (- Emmerich (Germany)) are electrified at 25 kV 50 Hz; Zevenaar - Emmerich was converted to 25 kV in 2016 so that freight trains have to change voltage only once, although it caused passenger trains to have to change voltage twice. The Hanzelijn is not officially a high-speed line, so is 1500 V dc. Large-scale conversion to 25 kV 50 Hz in the long term was envisaged but this was abandoned in the late 1990s as too expensive. In 2014 Prorail started a feasibility study into upgrading to 3000 V dc.<br />
Metros and Tramways are 750 V dc, with third rail used on the Amsterdam and Rotterdam metros.<br />
<br />
===Rule of the road===<br />
Right, but most lines are reversibly signalled. The following lines have left-hand running:<br />
* the high speed line from Rotterdam Lombardijen (where there is a flying crossover) to the Belgian border <br />
* the fast lines between Utrecht Centraal and Bilthoven; there is a flying crossover west of Bilthoven <br />
* from Roosendaal to the Belgian border <br />
* from Maastricht to the Belgian border<br />
<br />
There are connections between the high speed line and the old line to Breda where they run parallel south of Lage Zwaluwe, at which the two lines are handed in opposite directions. This results in the two southbound lines (which are adjacent) being linked merely by a long crossover whereas the connection between the northbound lines crosses over all four tracks on a flyover.<br />
<br />
===Distances===<br />
[https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lijst_van_spoorlijnen_in_Nederland Wikipedia] gives distances for all lines in the Netherlands. Click on the line wanted, and on the right distances for stations are given. [http://www.sporenplan.nl/html_nl/sporenplan/ns/ns_nummer/start.html Sporeneplan] provides an alternative source. Click on the line wanted to reach a schematic line plan, alongside which distances for stations (named in abbreviated code) are given. ''Neither is an official page and can be out of date.'' '''If any user can point to an official source for distance information the compilers would be glad to hear.'''<br />
<br />
==Other Railways==<br />
Private operators have franchises to work a number of local passenger services over NS lines, thus:<br />
* Arriva Nederland: Leeuwarden - Harlingen, Leeuwarden - Stavoren, Leeuwarden - Groningen, Groningen - Roodeschool/Eemshaven/Delfzijl, Groningen - Veendam/Bad Nieuweschans - Leer (D), Apeldoorn - Zutphen, Zutphen - Winterswijk, Winterswijk - Arnhem, Arnhem - Tiel, Nijmegen - Venlo - Roermond - Maastricht/Heerlen, Maastricht Randwijck - Heerlen - Kerkrade/Aachen (D).<br />
* Abellio (part of NS): Gouda - Alphen aan den Rijn, Arnhem - Emmerich (D).<br />
* Blauwnet (Arriva/Keolis/Syntus): Enschede - Almelo - Mariënberg, Kampen - Zwolle - Emmen, Zutphen - Hengelo - Oldenzaal.<br />
* Breng: Doetinchem - Arnhem.<br />
* Q-Buzz (R-Net): Dordrecht - Geldermalsen<br />
* Valleilijn (Connexxion): Amersfoort - Ede-Wageningen. <br />
<br />
In addition next cross border services are operated: <br />
Keolis: Hengelo - Bielefeld(D), <br />
DB Regio: Enschede - Gronau - Münster / Dortmund <br />
Abellio: Arnhem - Düsseldorf (RE19) <br />
Regiobahn: Venlo - Düsseldorf - Hamm (RE13)(D),<br />
NMBS: local services Roosendaal - Antwerpen (B)<br />
NMBS: local services Maastricht - Luik / Liège (B)<br />
<br />
The German based Bentheimer Eisenbahn owns and operates its trunk line from Bentheim to the border at Laarwald and a further 2 km on to Coevorden. The line is freight only; there has never been any significant border crossing passenger traffic, but freight has regained importance in recent times. Coevorden effectively serves as a German rail bridgehead into the Netherlands, traffic mainly consisting of containers that are subsequently road-hauled into the northern provinces. There are plans to introduce passenger services between Coevorden en Neuenhaus (D) by BE by 2024.<br />
<br />
==Tourist Lines==<br />
A list of Tourist & Museum Railways and Tramways in English is available on the [http://www.railmusea.nl/en Historisch Railvervoer Nederland (HRN)] website.<br />
<br />
Rail cycling is possible on the following sections of line:<br />
*[https://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?depth=1&hl=en&ie=UTF8&prev=_t&rurl=translate.google.co.uk&sl=auto&sp=nmt4&tl=en&u=https://grenzland-draisine.eu/de/&usg=ALkJrhjmVbKpWvild_3Gij1RKZm46b3XxA Grenzland Draisine]: based at Kranenburg in Germany, on the former Kleve [DE] - Nijmegen [NL] line, the ''Grenzenlose'' trip to Groesbeek (5.5 km one way) covers a portion in the Netherlands <br />
*[https://translate.google.co.uk/translate?sl=auto&tl=en&js=y&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&u=http%3A%2F%2Frailpleasure.nl%2Fspoorfietsen%2F&edit-text= Rail Pleasure]: Hengelo - Twekkelo (a short stretch of Hengelo - Boekelo line, latterly serving AKZO factory)<br />
<br />
==Metro==<br />
[http://www.gvb.nl/ENGLISH/Pages/default.aspx Amsterdam], [https://www.ret.nl/en.html Rotterdam], [https://www.ret.nl/en/home/travelling-with-the-ret.html RandstadRail].<br />
<br />
Track plans for all metro systems in the Netherlands are available on the [http://www.gleisplanweb.eu/ Gleisplanweb site].<br />
<br />
== Trams/LRT-Systems ==<br />
Amsterdam, Den Haag, Rotterdam, Utrecht.<br />
<br />
Track plans for all tram systems in the Netherlands are available on the [http://www.gleisplanweb.eu/ Gleisplanweb site].<br />
<br />
See also [[Netherlands_-_Tram_services_over_obscure_routes|Netherlands - Tram services over obscure routes]]<br />
<br />
==Recent and future changes==<br />
===Future changes===<br />
Work is in progress to extend RET Metro line B from Hoek van Holland Haven to the site of the former Hoek Van Holland Strand, and then a further 1.1km to the beach.<br />
<br />
European Sleeper will start to operate from June 2022 a night service via Roosendaal, Rotterdam, The Hague via Bad Bentheim to Berlin and Prague.<br />
<br />
Works to double track Heerlen - Landgraaf will be completed by summer 2022 in order to facilitate an increase of services between Heerlen and Aachen (D).<br />
<br />
Passenger services are to resume between Veendam and Stadskanaal in 2024. Simultaneously introduction of passenger services between Coevorden - Neuenhaus (D) and on to Bad Bentheim (D) are expected by 2024.<br />
<br />
Extensive works are under way or recently completed to increase line capacity. These include realignment and quadrupling of lines and construction of flyovers at junctions. However, the proposed electrification of Nijmegen - Venlo - Roermond has been cancelled because of the increasing cost of materials and the effects of the coronavirus pandemic on the supply chain. <br />
<br />
The new 'Friesenbrücke' bridge, facilitating the passenger traffic Groningen - Bad Nieuweschans - Leer (D) should be constructed by 2024.<br />
<br />
Infrastructure manager ProRail warned in August 2018 that the main line network is ‘almost full’. ProRail said it was ‘running up against the limits’ of its 7 300 track-km network, pointing out that traffic had grown from 129 million train-km in 2004 to 165 million train-km planned for 2019. It added that there would be ‘little point’ in trying to add more infrastructure as there was ‘no room for that’ across the country. <br />
<br />
Looking ahead, the infrastructure manager believes that more capacity can be squeezed out through the deployment of intelligent timetabling tools, particularly aimed at freight trains which often require short notice paths or changes to booked workings. From 2020, the national working timetable will be specified to the nearest 6 sec rather than whole minutes, which ProRail believes will ‘help it better deliver the public timetable’.<br />
<br />
Long term projects:<br />
On 10 October 2017, the coalition government agreed plans to reopen Weert - Hamont, with co-financing from regional authorities, following the reopening of Neerpelt - Hamont by SNCB. On 9 November the governments concluded an agreement to electrify the line.<br />
<br />
The "Iron Rhine" freight line between Roermond and Dalheim (Germany) is planned to reopened for traffic between Antwerpen and the Ruhr. However this has been delayed by a dispute between the Dutch and Belgian governments, which has gone to arbitration.<br />
<br />
===Recent changes===<br />
The last museum trains to use the Blauwkapel Kruispunt, where the line northwards from the ''Nederlands Spoorwegmuseum'' at Utrecht Maliebaan station makes a flat crossing with the Utrecht - Amersfoort line, ran on 14 May 2022. The north - south link at Blauwkapel is to be removed. This will not affect the shuttle trains between Utrecht Centraal station and the museum, which will continue to run. <br />
<br />
By December 2021 Zürich - Amsterdam NightJet services were introduced, complementing the Vienna - Amsterdam services which started on 25th of May 2021.<br />
As of November 28, cargo trains can run via RET Metro line B to Vlaardingen Oost. There is a switch to the Vulcaanhaven emplacement, connecting the nearby oil terminals.<br />
<br />
The (Rotterdam -) Schiedam Centrum - Hoek van Holland ''Hoekse Lijn'' line closed to passengers as an NS line on 1 April 2017 and reopened as RET Metro line B between Nesselande and Hoek van Holland on 30 September 2019, thus bringing a new connection into use between Schiedam Centrum metro station and Schiedam Nieuwland. The former passenger connection between the Metro and the ProRail/NS network is retained for freight. Until the line onwards to Hoek van Holland Strand plus a 1km extension to a station much nearer the Beach is opened, RET trains are temporarily using the old Hoek van Holland International Boat Train platforms.<br />
<br />
Landgraaf - Herzogenrath (Germany) has been electrified, with Arriva EMUs running between Aachen Hbf and Maastricht from 27 December 2018. The planned through Arriva service between Aachen and Liège has been delayed and until further notice NMBS continue to operate a separate train service between Maastricht and Liège.<br />
<br />
The new station of Lansingerland-Zoetermeer on the NS Den Haag to Gouda line opened on 9 December 2018 and the extension to tram line 4 (RandstadRail4) from Zoetermeer Javalaan to the new station opened on 19 May 2019.<br />
<br />
The 'Intercity Direct' service between Amsterdam and Brussel/Bruxelles (the successor to the former Benelux service) was diverted via the HSL Zuid and Breda [reverse] from 9 April 2018, thus opening for passenger traffic the curve southwards from Breda towards the Belgian border.<br />
<br />
==Special notes==<br />
Many trains worked by multiple units split en route to serve more than one destination. External displays may show the destination of each portion; newer train sets are provided with internal displays as well. The number of each unit is displayed prominently in each carriage and when trains divide public address announcements usually refer to these to inform passengers where each unit is going.<br />
<br />
The freight line to Terneuzen is accessible only from Gent in Belgium.<br />
<br />
'''New trains'''<br />
<br />
NS has ordered 79 EMU 'Intercity New Generation' at Alstom, based on Coradia platform for use on the HSL by 2021. <br />
<br />
NS has ordered 20 EMU 'Intercity New Generation' at Alstom, based on Coradia platform for services to Brussels by 2025.<br />
<br />
'''Wifi'''<br />
<br />
Most stations have free internet access via KPN hotspots. NS Intercity trains have free internet by 'Wifi in de trein' provided by T-mobile; other operators like Arriva and Veolia offer free wifi in their trains. However loco hauled services are not provided with wifi.<br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
{{Navbox Netherlands}}</div>Theijs Europehttps://www.egtre.info/w/index.php?title=Netherlands_-_General_Information&diff=48584Netherlands - General Information2023-01-08T16:47:33Z<p>Theijs Europe: /* Web-based Maps */ correction</p>
<hr />
<div>==Country Name==<br />
Netherlands (Nederland)<br />
<br />
==National Railway System==<br />
===National Railway Operator===<br />
Nederlandse Spoorwegen (https://www.ns.nl/en NS]) is the principal passenger carrier, which operates through various subsidiary companies, including:<br />
* NS Reizigers - Domestic passenger services <br />
* NS International - International passenger services.<br />
<br />
[https://www.thalys.com/img/1427897808/pdf/presse/release/en/1427897799_15.04.01._Thalys_is_now_a_train_operati.pdf ''Thalys''] services to the Netherlands are operated by a stand-alone company owned by SNCF (62%), SNCB/NMBS (28%) and DB (10%); NS is not a partner. <br />
<br />
There is no longer a national freight operator. The former NS freight operation has been sold and is a subsidiary of DB (see below). Open access freight operators have a considerable market share. Current freight operators in The Netherlands as at 2021 are DB Cargo Nederland (German), Lineas Nederland (Belgian), LTE Netherlands (Austrian), Captrain (French) and RTB Cargo German) amoungst others.<br />
<br />
==Language==<br />
Dutch<br />
<br />
==Currency==<br />
Euro<br />
<br />
==UIC code==<br />
Numeric 84; alpha NL<br />
<br />
==Timetable==<br />
As of 14 December 2014, every station should be served twice an hour.<br />
<br />
===Journey Planner===<br />
* PC: [https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information Travel Information].<br />
* Smartphone: [http://m.ns.nl/planner.action?lang=en m.ns.nl/planner.action?lang=en]. <br />
* Iphone application: [https://apps.apple.com/nl/app/ns/id370362301 Reisplanner].<br />
* Android application: [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=nl.ns.android.activity&utm_source=ns&utm_medium=banner&utm_campaign=rpxpagina Reisplanner]<br />
* Windows application: [https://www.microsoft.com/store/apps/9wzdncrdmbbm Treinplanner]<br />
<br />
===Actual Train Times===<br />
* [https://spoorkaart.mwnn.nl/ Actuele spoorkaart Nederland]<br />
*[https://treinenradar.nl/ Treinenradar Live]<br />
<br />
===Downloadable Timetable===<br />
By December 2023, NS no longer produces timetables in pdf format on its website.<br />
<br />
===Printed Timetable===<br />
''Rover'' offers a paper [https://www.ovshop.nl/shop/rover-spoorboekje-2023/ ''Spoorboekje''] for 2022-2023. NS discontinued paper timetables after the 2009-2010 edition. Rover took the publication over from Treinreiziger.<br />
<br />
===Engineering Information===<br />
[https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/current-situation-on-the-tracks The current situation on the tracks].<br />
[https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/maintenance-on-the-tracks/ An overview of scheduled works in the upcoming months that will effect services].<br />
<br />
===Real Time Train Information===<br />
Real time train running information is available on the [http://treinenradar.nl/ ''Treinenradar''] and [http://spoorkaart.mwnn.nl/ Spoorkaart] websites. Moreover, public transport Apps like OV9292 and NS Reisplanner offer real time journey information.<br />
<br />
==Maps==<br />
===Printed Maps===<br />
*[[Printed Maps#ERA-E | European Railway Atlas (All-Europe Edition)]] by M.G. Ball.<br />
*[[Printed Maps#ERA-R-FR-BE-NL-LU | European Railway Atlas (Regional Series - France and Benelux)]] by M.G. Ball.<br />
*[https://treinwebshop.nl/product/poster-spoorkaart-2021/ Rail Map 2021] by Treinreiziger.nl<br />
<br />
===Web-based Maps===<br />
*NS provides a map with all passenger train service numbers and frequencies: [https://www.ns.nl/binaries/_ht_1642770500516/content/assets/ns-nl/dienstregeling/nieuwe-dienstregeling/ns-spoorkaart-2022.pdf Spoorkaart 2022]. <br />
*Prorail provides a [https://www.prorail.nl/siteassets/homepage/reizen/documenten/spoorkaart-2020-webversie.pdf detailed geographical map].<br />
*[http://www.sporenplan.nl/ Sporenplan] has a series of on-line maps and schematic track diagrams. Click on "Sporenplannen" on the left hand side for a map showing the countries covered.<br />
*Thorsten Büker's [http://www.bueker.net/trainspotting/maps_benelux.php Map of Benelux network] Although this remains on-line, the Büker maps are no longer being maintained. Last updated March 2018.<br />
*[[Maps and Plans#Netherlands|Maps and Plans - Netherlands]]<br />
<br />
==Ticketing==<br />
All stations are equipped with ticket machines which all accept debit and credit cards (V PAY, Maestro, Mastercard, Visa and American Express). However, some foreign Visa debit cards are not accepted. Some machines accept coins as well. All machines offer domestic tickets and some provide international tickets to Belgium, and a selection of destinations in Germany. All tickets contain a chip to validate your ticket. Booking offices at small stations have almost all been closed. A surcharge is payable at booking offices when buying a ticket which is available from a ticket machine.<br />
<br />
The smart card [https://www.ov-chipkaart.nl/home-1.htm OV Chipkaart] is the normal ticket on public transport and can be bought at any ticket machine. Machines that add value to an OV Chipkaart accept debit cards issued outside the Netherlands. However, only a few machines (such as at some tobacconists) accept credit cards. Paper tickets continue to be issued from machines and booking offices for rail journeys.<br />
<br />
Information on tickets and passes can be found on the NS [https://www.ns.nl/producten/en/losse-kaartjes-toeslagen Individual tickets & supplements] page. A supplement is required to travel on the HSL between Rotterdam and Schiphol Airport unless the passenger has a valid international ticket (which includes Interrail). The supplement can be purchased from vending machines; there are red validation machines for such supplements on the platforms.<br />
<br />
'''Note''': ALL tickets from machines MUST be touched in and out with ALL operators used in the correct order, when changing operators en-route. Travellers may be fined if they do not do this.<br />
<br />
NS-Zonetaxi (formerly known as treintaxi) tickets include a taxi from/to the railway station for a fixed fare. The service is available in most mid-size towns, but not in Utrecht, Amsterdam, Den Haag and Rotterdam. When riding on single or return tickets, trein-taxi tickets should be bought at the departure station. For the return trip by taxi, tickets are best bought in advance, but the taxi driver sells tickets with a small surcharge.<br />
<br />
Although more local services are to be franchised over the next few years, a uniform ticketing system, including NS and all franchisees, is being retained.<br />
<br />
''Special offers:''<br />
Supermarket chains may offer cheap day tickets from time to time for a limited period. At Amsterdam Schiphol Airport both NS and GVB Amsterdam sell tickets for public transport connections to Amsterdam.[https://www.spoordeelwinkel.nl/product/eindhoven-airport NS-Voordeelwinkel] has special offers for Eindhoven Airport. [http://www.treinreiziger.nl/ Treinreiziger] offers news about the Dutch railwaysystem, including the availabillity of discounted tickets.<br />
<br />
==Infrastructure==<br />
===Infrastructure Authority===<br />
[http://www.prorail.nl/ ProRail] owns and manages the NS infrastructure and is responsible for traffic control and capacity allocation, under the authority of the minister of transport. On 1 July 2015 the operation of the ''Betuweroute'' was transferred to ProRail and the previous owners, Keyrail, ceased to exist.<br />
<br />
[https://www.ilent.nl/ Inspectie Leefomgeving en Transport], part of the Ministry of Transport, is responsible for safety and rolling stock certification.<br />
<br />
===Network Statement===<br />
The Prorail Website gives access to various [http://www.prorail.nl/vervoerders/network-statement NS Network Statement] documents.<br />
<br />
===Gauge===<br />
Standard.<br />
<br />
===Electrification===<br />
1500 V dc. New high-speed lines and the Betuwe trunk freight line between Rotterdam and Zevenaar (- Emmerich (Germany)) are electrified at 25 kV 50 Hz; Zevenaar - Emmerich was converted to 25 kV in 2016 so that freight trains have to change voltage only once, although it caused passenger trains to have to change voltage twice. The Hanzelijn is not officially a high-speed line, so is 1500 V dc. Large-scale conversion to 25 kV 50 Hz in the long term was envisaged but this was abandoned in the late 1990s as too expensive. In 2014 Prorail started a feasibility study into upgrading to 3000 V dc.<br />
Metros and Tramways are 750 V dc, with third rail used on the Amsterdam and Rotterdam metros.<br />
<br />
===Rule of the road===<br />
Right, but most lines are reversibly signalled. The following lines have left-hand running:<br />
* the high speed line from Rotterdam Lombardijen (where there is a flying crossover) to the Belgian border <br />
* the fast lines between Utrecht Centraal and Bilthoven; there is a flying crossover west of Bilthoven <br />
* from Roosendaal to the Belgian border <br />
* from Maastricht to the Belgian border<br />
<br />
There are connections between the high speed line and the old line to Breda where they run parallel south of Lage Zwaluwe, at which the two lines are handed in opposite directions. This results in the two southbound lines (which are adjacent) being linked merely by a long crossover whereas the connection between the northbound lines crosses over all four tracks on a flyover.<br />
<br />
===Distances===<br />
[https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lijst_van_spoorlijnen_in_Nederland Wikipedia] gives distances for all lines in the Netherlands. Click on the line wanted, and on the right distances for stations are given. [http://www.sporenplan.nl/html_nl/sporenplan/ns/ns_nummer/start.html Sporeneplan] provides an alternative source. Click on the line wanted to reach a schematic line plan, alongside which distances for stations (named in abbreviated code) are given. ''Neither is an official page and can be out of date.'' '''If any user can point to an official source for distance information the compilers would be glad to hear.'''<br />
<br />
==Other Railways==<br />
Private operators have franchises to work a number of local passenger services over NS lines, thus:<br />
* Arriva Nederland: Leeuwarden - Harlingen, Leeuwarden - Stavoren, Leeuwarden - Groningen, Groningen - Roodeschool/Eemshaven/Delfzijl, Groningen - Veendam/Bad Nieuweschans - Leer (D), Apeldoorn - Zutphen, Zutphen - Winterswijk, Winterswijk - Arnhem, Arnhem - Tiel, Nijmegen - Venlo - Roermond - Maastricht/Heerlen, Maastricht Randwijck - Heerlen - Kerkrade/Aachen (D).<br />
* Abellio (part of NS): Gouda - Alphen aan den Rijn, Arnhem - Emmerich (D).<br />
* Blauwnet (Arriva/Keolis/Syntus): Enschede - Almelo - Mariënberg, Kampen - Zwolle - Emmen, Zutphen - Hengelo - Oldenzaal.<br />
* Breng: Doetinchem - Arnhem.<br />
* Q-Buzz (R-Net): Dordrecht - Geldermalsen<br />
* Valleilijn (Connexxion): Amersfoort - Ede-Wageningen. <br />
<br />
In addition next cross border services are operated: <br />
Keolis: Hengelo - Bielefeld(D), <br />
DB Regio: Enschede - Gronau - Münster / Dortmund <br />
Abellio: Arnhem - Düsseldorf (RE19) <br />
Regiobahn: Venlo - Düsseldorf - Hamm (RE13)(D),<br />
NMBS: local services Roosendaal - Antwerpen (B)<br />
NMBS: local services Maastricht - Luik / Liège (B)<br />
<br />
The German based Bentheimer Eisenbahn owns and operates its trunk line from Bentheim to the border at Laarwald and a further 2 km on to Coevorden. The line is freight only; there has never been any significant border crossing passenger traffic, but freight has regained importance in recent times. Coevorden effectively serves as a German rail bridgehead into the Netherlands, traffic mainly consisting of containers that are subsequently road-hauled into the northern provinces. There are plans to introduce passenger services between Coevorden en Neuenhaus (D) by BE by 2024.<br />
<br />
==Tourist Lines==<br />
A list of Tourist & Museum Railways and Tramways in English is available on the [http://www.railmusea.nl/en Historisch Railvervoer Nederland (HRN)] website.<br />
<br />
Rail cycling is possible on the following sections of line:<br />
*[https://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?depth=1&hl=en&ie=UTF8&prev=_t&rurl=translate.google.co.uk&sl=auto&sp=nmt4&tl=en&u=https://grenzland-draisine.eu/de/&usg=ALkJrhjmVbKpWvild_3Gij1RKZm46b3XxA Grenzland Draisine]: based at Kranenburg in Germany, on the former Kleve [DE] - Nijmegen [NL] line, the ''Grenzenlose'' trip to Groesbeek (5.5 km one way) covers a portion in the Netherlands <br />
*[https://translate.google.co.uk/translate?sl=auto&tl=en&js=y&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&u=http%3A%2F%2Frailpleasure.nl%2Fspoorfietsen%2F&edit-text= Rail Pleasure]: Hengelo - Twekkelo (a short stretch of Hengelo - Boekelo line, latterly serving AKZO factory)<br />
<br />
==Metro==<br />
[http://www.gvb.nl/ENGLISH/Pages/default.aspx Amsterdam], [https://www.ret.nl/en.html Rotterdam], [https://www.ret.nl/en/home/travelling-with-the-ret.html RandstadRail].<br />
<br />
Track plans for all metro systems in the Netherlands are available on the [http://www.gleisplanweb.eu/ Gleisplanweb site].<br />
<br />
== Trams/LRT-Systems ==<br />
Amsterdam, Den Haag, Rotterdam, Utrecht.<br />
<br />
Track plans for all tram systems in the Netherlands are available on the [http://www.gleisplanweb.eu/ Gleisplanweb site].<br />
<br />
See also [[Netherlands_-_Tram_services_over_obscure_routes|Netherlands - Tram services over obscure routes]]<br />
<br />
==Recent and future changes==<br />
===Future changes===<br />
Work is in progress to extend RET Metro line B from Hoek van Holland Haven to the site of the former Hoek Van Holland Strand, and then a further 1.1km to the beach.<br />
<br />
European Sleeper will start to operate from June 2022 a night service via Roosendaal, Rotterdam, The Hague via Bad Bentheim to Berlin and Prague.<br />
<br />
Works to double track Heerlen - Landgraaf will be completed by summer 2022 in order to facilitate an increase of services between Heerlen and Aachen (D).<br />
<br />
Passenger services are to resume between Veendam and Stadskanaal in 2024. Simultaneously introduction of passenger services between Coevorden - Neuenhaus (D) and on to Bad Bentheim (D) are expected by 2024.<br />
<br />
Extensive works are under way or recently completed to increase line capacity. These include realignment and quadrupling of lines and construction of flyovers at junctions. However, the proposed electrification of Nijmegen - Venlo - Roermond has been cancelled because of the increasing cost of materials and the effects of the coronavirus pandemic on the supply chain. <br />
<br />
The new 'Friesenbrücke' bridge, facilitating the passenger traffic Groningen - Bad Nieuweschans - Leer (D) should be constructed by 2024.<br />
<br />
Infrastructure manager ProRail warned in August 2018 that the main line network is ‘almost full’. ProRail said it was ‘running up against the limits’ of its 7 300 track-km network, pointing out that traffic had grown from 129 million train-km in 2004 to 165 million train-km planned for 2019. It added that there would be ‘little point’ in trying to add more infrastructure as there was ‘no room for that’ across the country. <br />
<br />
Looking ahead, the infrastructure manager believes that more capacity can be squeezed out through the deployment of intelligent timetabling tools, particularly aimed at freight trains which often require short notice paths or changes to booked workings. From 2020, the national working timetable will be specified to the nearest 6 sec rather than whole minutes, which ProRail believes will ‘help it better deliver the public timetable’.<br />
<br />
Long term projects:<br />
On 10 October 2017, the coalition government agreed plans to reopen Weert - Hamont, with co-financing from regional authorities, following the reopening of Neerpelt - Hamont by SNCB. On 9 November the governments concluded an agreement to electrify the line.<br />
<br />
The "Iron Rhine" freight line between Roermond and Dalheim (Germany) is planned to reopened for traffic between Antwerpen and the Ruhr. However this has been delayed by a dispute between the Dutch and Belgian governments, which has gone to arbitration.<br />
<br />
===Recent changes===<br />
The last museum trains to use the Blauwkapel Kruispunt, where the line northwards from the ''Nederlands Spoorwegmuseum'' at Utrecht Maliebaan station makes a flat crossing with the Utrecht - Amersfoort line, ran on 14 May 2022. The north - south link at Blauwkapel is to be removed. This will not affect the shuttle trains between Utrecht Centraal station and the museum, which will continue to run. <br />
<br />
By December 2021 Zürich - Amsterdam NightJet services were introduced, complementing the Vienna - Amsterdam services which started on 25th of May 2021.<br />
As of November 28, cargo trains can run via RET Metro line B to Vlaardingen Oost. There is a switch to the Vulcaanhaven emplacement, connecting the nearby oil terminals.<br />
<br />
The (Rotterdam -) Schiedam Centrum - Hoek van Holland ''Hoekse Lijn'' line closed to passengers as an NS line on 1 April 2017 and reopened as RET Metro line B between Nesselande and Hoek van Holland on 30 September 2019, thus bringing a new connection into use between Schiedam Centrum metro station and Schiedam Nieuwland. The former passenger connection between the Metro and the ProRail/NS network is retained for freight. Until the line onwards to Hoek van Holland Strand plus a 1km extension to a station much nearer the Beach is opened, RET trains are temporarily using the old Hoek van Holland International Boat Train platforms.<br />
<br />
Landgraaf - Herzogenrath (Germany) has been electrified, with Arriva EMUs running between Aachen Hbf and Maastricht from 27 December 2018. The planned through Arriva service between Aachen and Liège has been delayed and until further notice NMBS continue to operate a separate train service between Maastricht and Liège.<br />
<br />
The new station of Lansingerland-Zoetermeer on the NS Den Haag to Gouda line opened on 9 December 2018 and the extension to tram line 4 (RandstadRail4) from Zoetermeer Javalaan to the new station opened on 19 May 2019.<br />
<br />
The 'Intercity Direct' service between Amsterdam and Brussel/Bruxelles (the successor to the former Benelux service) was diverted via the HSL Zuid and Breda [reverse] from 9 April 2018, thus opening for passenger traffic the curve southwards from Breda towards the Belgian border.<br />
<br />
==Special notes==<br />
Many trains worked by multiple units split en route to serve more than one destination. External displays may show the destination of each portion; newer train sets are provided with internal displays as well. The number of each unit is displayed prominently in each carriage and when trains divide public address announcements usually refer to these to inform passengers where each unit is going.<br />
<br />
The freight line to Terneuzen is accessible only from Gent in Belgium.<br />
<br />
'''New trains'''<br />
<br />
NS has ordered 79 EMU 'Intercity New Generation' at Alstom, based on Coradia platform for use on the HSL by 2021. <br />
<br />
NS has ordered 20 EMU 'Intercity New Generation' at Alstom, based on Coradia platform for services to Brussels by 2025.<br />
<br />
'''Wifi'''<br />
<br />
Most stations have free internet access via KPN hotspots. NS Intercity trains have free internet by 'Wifi in de trein' provided by T-mobile; other operators like Arriva and Veolia offer free wifi in their trains. However loco hauled services are not provided with wifi.<br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
{{Navbox Netherlands}}</div>Theijs Europehttps://www.egtre.info/w/index.php?title=Netherlands_-_General_Information&diff=48583Netherlands - General Information2023-01-08T16:46:02Z<p>Theijs Europe: /* Web-based Maps */ update link to NS railway map</p>
<hr />
<div>==Country Name==<br />
Netherlands (Nederland)<br />
<br />
==National Railway System==<br />
===National Railway Operator===<br />
Nederlandse Spoorwegen (https://www.ns.nl/en NS]) is the principal passenger carrier, which operates through various subsidiary companies, including:<br />
* NS Reizigers - Domestic passenger services <br />
* NS International - International passenger services.<br />
<br />
[https://www.thalys.com/img/1427897808/pdf/presse/release/en/1427897799_15.04.01._Thalys_is_now_a_train_operati.pdf ''Thalys''] services to the Netherlands are operated by a stand-alone company owned by SNCF (62%), SNCB/NMBS (28%) and DB (10%); NS is not a partner. <br />
<br />
There is no longer a national freight operator. The former NS freight operation has been sold and is a subsidiary of DB (see below). Open access freight operators have a considerable market share. Current freight operators in The Netherlands as at 2021 are DB Cargo Nederland (German), Lineas Nederland (Belgian), LTE Netherlands (Austrian), Captrain (French) and RTB Cargo German) amoungst others.<br />
<br />
==Language==<br />
Dutch<br />
<br />
==Currency==<br />
Euro<br />
<br />
==UIC code==<br />
Numeric 84; alpha NL<br />
<br />
==Timetable==<br />
As of 14 December 2014, every station should be served twice an hour.<br />
<br />
===Journey Planner===<br />
* PC: [https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information Travel Information].<br />
* Smartphone: [http://m.ns.nl/planner.action?lang=en m.ns.nl/planner.action?lang=en]. <br />
* Iphone application: [https://apps.apple.com/nl/app/ns/id370362301 Reisplanner].<br />
* Android application: [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=nl.ns.android.activity&utm_source=ns&utm_medium=banner&utm_campaign=rpxpagina Reisplanner]<br />
* Windows application: [https://www.microsoft.com/store/apps/9wzdncrdmbbm Treinplanner]<br />
<br />
===Actual Train Times===<br />
* [https://spoorkaart.mwnn.nl/ Actuele spoorkaart Nederland]<br />
*[https://treinenradar.nl/ Treinenradar Live]<br />
<br />
===Downloadable Timetable===<br />
By December 2023, NS no longer produces timetables in pdf format on its website.<br />
<br />
===Printed Timetable===<br />
''Rover'' offers a paper [https://www.ovshop.nl/shop/rover-spoorboekje-2023/ ''Spoorboekje''] for 2022-2023. NS discontinued paper timetables after the 2009-2010 edition. Rover took the publication over from Treinreiziger.<br />
<br />
===Engineering Information===<br />
[https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/current-situation-on-the-tracks The current situation on the tracks].<br />
[https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/maintenance-on-the-tracks/ An overview of scheduled works in the upcoming months that will effect services].<br />
<br />
===Real Time Train Information===<br />
Real time train running information is available on the [http://treinenradar.nl/ ''Treinenradar''] and [http://spoorkaart.mwnn.nl/ Spoorkaart] websites. Moreover, public transport Apps like OV9292 and NS Reisplanner offer real time journey information.<br />
<br />
==Maps==<br />
===Printed Maps===<br />
*[[Printed Maps#ERA-E | European Railway Atlas (All-Europe Edition)]] by M.G. Ball.<br />
*[[Printed Maps#ERA-R-FR-BE-NL-LU | European Railway Atlas (Regional Series - France and Benelux)]] by M.G. Ball.<br />
*[https://treinwebshop.nl/product/poster-spoorkaart-2021/ Rail Map 2021] by Treinreiziger.nl<br />
<br />
===Web-based Maps===<br />
*NS no longer provides a map with all train services and their frequencies.<br />
*NS provides a map with all passenger train service numbers: [https://www.ns.nl/binaries/_ht_1642770500516/content/assets/ns-nl/dienstregeling/nieuwe-dienstregeling/ns-spoorkaart-2022.pdf Spoorkaart 2022]. <br />
*Prorail provides a [https://www.prorail.nl/siteassets/homepage/reizen/documenten/spoorkaart-2020-webversie.pdf detailed geographical map].<br />
*[http://www.sporenplan.nl/ Sporenplan] has a series of on-line maps and schematic track diagrams. Click on "Sporenplannen" on the left hand side for a map showing the countries covered.<br />
*Thorsten Büker's [http://www.bueker.net/trainspotting/maps_benelux.php Map of Benelux network] Although this remains on-line, the Büker maps are no longer being maintained. Last updated March 2018.<br />
*[[Maps and Plans#Netherlands|Maps and Plans - Netherlands]]<br />
<br />
==Ticketing==<br />
All stations are equipped with ticket machines which all accept debit and credit cards (V PAY, Maestro, Mastercard, Visa and American Express). However, some foreign Visa debit cards are not accepted. Some machines accept coins as well. All machines offer domestic tickets and some provide international tickets to Belgium, and a selection of destinations in Germany. All tickets contain a chip to validate your ticket. Booking offices at small stations have almost all been closed. A surcharge is payable at booking offices when buying a ticket which is available from a ticket machine.<br />
<br />
The smart card [https://www.ov-chipkaart.nl/home-1.htm OV Chipkaart] is the normal ticket on public transport and can be bought at any ticket machine. Machines that add value to an OV Chipkaart accept debit cards issued outside the Netherlands. However, only a few machines (such as at some tobacconists) accept credit cards. Paper tickets continue to be issued from machines and booking offices for rail journeys.<br />
<br />
Information on tickets and passes can be found on the NS [https://www.ns.nl/producten/en/losse-kaartjes-toeslagen Individual tickets & supplements] page. A supplement is required to travel on the HSL between Rotterdam and Schiphol Airport unless the passenger has a valid international ticket (which includes Interrail). The supplement can be purchased from vending machines; there are red validation machines for such supplements on the platforms.<br />
<br />
'''Note''': ALL tickets from machines MUST be touched in and out with ALL operators used in the correct order, when changing operators en-route. Travellers may be fined if they do not do this.<br />
<br />
NS-Zonetaxi (formerly known as treintaxi) tickets include a taxi from/to the railway station for a fixed fare. The service is available in most mid-size towns, but not in Utrecht, Amsterdam, Den Haag and Rotterdam. When riding on single or return tickets, trein-taxi tickets should be bought at the departure station. For the return trip by taxi, tickets are best bought in advance, but the taxi driver sells tickets with a small surcharge.<br />
<br />
Although more local services are to be franchised over the next few years, a uniform ticketing system, including NS and all franchisees, is being retained.<br />
<br />
''Special offers:''<br />
Supermarket chains may offer cheap day tickets from time to time for a limited period. At Amsterdam Schiphol Airport both NS and GVB Amsterdam sell tickets for public transport connections to Amsterdam.[https://www.spoordeelwinkel.nl/product/eindhoven-airport NS-Voordeelwinkel] has special offers for Eindhoven Airport. [http://www.treinreiziger.nl/ Treinreiziger] offers news about the Dutch railwaysystem, including the availabillity of discounted tickets.<br />
<br />
==Infrastructure==<br />
===Infrastructure Authority===<br />
[http://www.prorail.nl/ ProRail] owns and manages the NS infrastructure and is responsible for traffic control and capacity allocation, under the authority of the minister of transport. On 1 July 2015 the operation of the ''Betuweroute'' was transferred to ProRail and the previous owners, Keyrail, ceased to exist.<br />
<br />
[https://www.ilent.nl/ Inspectie Leefomgeving en Transport], part of the Ministry of Transport, is responsible for safety and rolling stock certification.<br />
<br />
===Network Statement===<br />
The Prorail Website gives access to various [http://www.prorail.nl/vervoerders/network-statement NS Network Statement] documents.<br />
<br />
===Gauge===<br />
Standard.<br />
<br />
===Electrification===<br />
1500 V dc. New high-speed lines and the Betuwe trunk freight line between Rotterdam and Zevenaar (- Emmerich (Germany)) are electrified at 25 kV 50 Hz; Zevenaar - Emmerich was converted to 25 kV in 2016 so that freight trains have to change voltage only once, although it caused passenger trains to have to change voltage twice. The Hanzelijn is not officially a high-speed line, so is 1500 V dc. Large-scale conversion to 25 kV 50 Hz in the long term was envisaged but this was abandoned in the late 1990s as too expensive. In 2014 Prorail started a feasibility study into upgrading to 3000 V dc.<br />
Metros and Tramways are 750 V dc, with third rail used on the Amsterdam and Rotterdam metros.<br />
<br />
===Rule of the road===<br />
Right, but most lines are reversibly signalled. The following lines have left-hand running:<br />
* the high speed line from Rotterdam Lombardijen (where there is a flying crossover) to the Belgian border <br />
* the fast lines between Utrecht Centraal and Bilthoven; there is a flying crossover west of Bilthoven <br />
* from Roosendaal to the Belgian border <br />
* from Maastricht to the Belgian border<br />
<br />
There are connections between the high speed line and the old line to Breda where they run parallel south of Lage Zwaluwe, at which the two lines are handed in opposite directions. This results in the two southbound lines (which are adjacent) being linked merely by a long crossover whereas the connection between the northbound lines crosses over all four tracks on a flyover.<br />
<br />
===Distances===<br />
[https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lijst_van_spoorlijnen_in_Nederland Wikipedia] gives distances for all lines in the Netherlands. Click on the line wanted, and on the right distances for stations are given. [http://www.sporenplan.nl/html_nl/sporenplan/ns/ns_nummer/start.html Sporeneplan] provides an alternative source. Click on the line wanted to reach a schematic line plan, alongside which distances for stations (named in abbreviated code) are given. ''Neither is an official page and can be out of date.'' '''If any user can point to an official source for distance information the compilers would be glad to hear.'''<br />
<br />
==Other Railways==<br />
Private operators have franchises to work a number of local passenger services over NS lines, thus:<br />
* Arriva Nederland: Leeuwarden - Harlingen, Leeuwarden - Stavoren, Leeuwarden - Groningen, Groningen - Roodeschool/Eemshaven/Delfzijl, Groningen - Veendam/Bad Nieuweschans - Leer (D), Apeldoorn - Zutphen, Zutphen - Winterswijk, Winterswijk - Arnhem, Arnhem - Tiel, Nijmegen - Venlo - Roermond - Maastricht/Heerlen, Maastricht Randwijck - Heerlen - Kerkrade/Aachen (D).<br />
* Abellio (part of NS): Gouda - Alphen aan den Rijn, Arnhem - Emmerich (D).<br />
* Blauwnet (Arriva/Keolis/Syntus): Enschede - Almelo - Mariënberg, Kampen - Zwolle - Emmen, Zutphen - Hengelo - Oldenzaal.<br />
* Breng: Doetinchem - Arnhem.<br />
* Q-Buzz (R-Net): Dordrecht - Geldermalsen<br />
* Valleilijn (Connexxion): Amersfoort - Ede-Wageningen. <br />
<br />
In addition next cross border services are operated: <br />
Keolis: Hengelo - Bielefeld(D), <br />
DB Regio: Enschede - Gronau - Münster / Dortmund <br />
Abellio: Arnhem - Düsseldorf (RE19) <br />
Regiobahn: Venlo - Düsseldorf - Hamm (RE13)(D),<br />
NMBS: local services Roosendaal - Antwerpen (B)<br />
NMBS: local services Maastricht - Luik / Liège (B)<br />
<br />
The German based Bentheimer Eisenbahn owns and operates its trunk line from Bentheim to the border at Laarwald and a further 2 km on to Coevorden. The line is freight only; there has never been any significant border crossing passenger traffic, but freight has regained importance in recent times. Coevorden effectively serves as a German rail bridgehead into the Netherlands, traffic mainly consisting of containers that are subsequently road-hauled into the northern provinces. There are plans to introduce passenger services between Coevorden en Neuenhaus (D) by BE by 2024.<br />
<br />
==Tourist Lines==<br />
A list of Tourist & Museum Railways and Tramways in English is available on the [http://www.railmusea.nl/en Historisch Railvervoer Nederland (HRN)] website.<br />
<br />
Rail cycling is possible on the following sections of line:<br />
*[https://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?depth=1&hl=en&ie=UTF8&prev=_t&rurl=translate.google.co.uk&sl=auto&sp=nmt4&tl=en&u=https://grenzland-draisine.eu/de/&usg=ALkJrhjmVbKpWvild_3Gij1RKZm46b3XxA Grenzland Draisine]: based at Kranenburg in Germany, on the former Kleve [DE] - Nijmegen [NL] line, the ''Grenzenlose'' trip to Groesbeek (5.5 km one way) covers a portion in the Netherlands <br />
*[https://translate.google.co.uk/translate?sl=auto&tl=en&js=y&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&u=http%3A%2F%2Frailpleasure.nl%2Fspoorfietsen%2F&edit-text= Rail Pleasure]: Hengelo - Twekkelo (a short stretch of Hengelo - Boekelo line, latterly serving AKZO factory)<br />
<br />
==Metro==<br />
[http://www.gvb.nl/ENGLISH/Pages/default.aspx Amsterdam], [https://www.ret.nl/en.html Rotterdam], [https://www.ret.nl/en/home/travelling-with-the-ret.html RandstadRail].<br />
<br />
Track plans for all metro systems in the Netherlands are available on the [http://www.gleisplanweb.eu/ Gleisplanweb site].<br />
<br />
== Trams/LRT-Systems ==<br />
Amsterdam, Den Haag, Rotterdam, Utrecht.<br />
<br />
Track plans for all tram systems in the Netherlands are available on the [http://www.gleisplanweb.eu/ Gleisplanweb site].<br />
<br />
See also [[Netherlands_-_Tram_services_over_obscure_routes|Netherlands - Tram services over obscure routes]]<br />
<br />
==Recent and future changes==<br />
===Future changes===<br />
Work is in progress to extend RET Metro line B from Hoek van Holland Haven to the site of the former Hoek Van Holland Strand, and then a further 1.1km to the beach.<br />
<br />
European Sleeper will start to operate from June 2022 a night service via Roosendaal, Rotterdam, The Hague via Bad Bentheim to Berlin and Prague.<br />
<br />
Works to double track Heerlen - Landgraaf will be completed by summer 2022 in order to facilitate an increase of services between Heerlen and Aachen (D).<br />
<br />
Passenger services are to resume between Veendam and Stadskanaal in 2024. Simultaneously introduction of passenger services between Coevorden - Neuenhaus (D) and on to Bad Bentheim (D) are expected by 2024.<br />
<br />
Extensive works are under way or recently completed to increase line capacity. These include realignment and quadrupling of lines and construction of flyovers at junctions. However, the proposed electrification of Nijmegen - Venlo - Roermond has been cancelled because of the increasing cost of materials and the effects of the coronavirus pandemic on the supply chain. <br />
<br />
The new 'Friesenbrücke' bridge, facilitating the passenger traffic Groningen - Bad Nieuweschans - Leer (D) should be constructed by 2024.<br />
<br />
Infrastructure manager ProRail warned in August 2018 that the main line network is ‘almost full’. ProRail said it was ‘running up against the limits’ of its 7 300 track-km network, pointing out that traffic had grown from 129 million train-km in 2004 to 165 million train-km planned for 2019. It added that there would be ‘little point’ in trying to add more infrastructure as there was ‘no room for that’ across the country. <br />
<br />
Looking ahead, the infrastructure manager believes that more capacity can be squeezed out through the deployment of intelligent timetabling tools, particularly aimed at freight trains which often require short notice paths or changes to booked workings. From 2020, the national working timetable will be specified to the nearest 6 sec rather than whole minutes, which ProRail believes will ‘help it better deliver the public timetable’.<br />
<br />
Long term projects:<br />
On 10 October 2017, the coalition government agreed plans to reopen Weert - Hamont, with co-financing from regional authorities, following the reopening of Neerpelt - Hamont by SNCB. On 9 November the governments concluded an agreement to electrify the line.<br />
<br />
The "Iron Rhine" freight line between Roermond and Dalheim (Germany) is planned to reopened for traffic between Antwerpen and the Ruhr. However this has been delayed by a dispute between the Dutch and Belgian governments, which has gone to arbitration.<br />
<br />
===Recent changes===<br />
The last museum trains to use the Blauwkapel Kruispunt, where the line northwards from the ''Nederlands Spoorwegmuseum'' at Utrecht Maliebaan station makes a flat crossing with the Utrecht - Amersfoort line, ran on 14 May 2022. The north - south link at Blauwkapel is to be removed. This will not affect the shuttle trains between Utrecht Centraal station and the museum, which will continue to run. <br />
<br />
By December 2021 Zürich - Amsterdam NightJet services were introduced, complementing the Vienna - Amsterdam services which started on 25th of May 2021.<br />
As of November 28, cargo trains can run via RET Metro line B to Vlaardingen Oost. There is a switch to the Vulcaanhaven emplacement, connecting the nearby oil terminals.<br />
<br />
The (Rotterdam -) Schiedam Centrum - Hoek van Holland ''Hoekse Lijn'' line closed to passengers as an NS line on 1 April 2017 and reopened as RET Metro line B between Nesselande and Hoek van Holland on 30 September 2019, thus bringing a new connection into use between Schiedam Centrum metro station and Schiedam Nieuwland. The former passenger connection between the Metro and the ProRail/NS network is retained for freight. Until the line onwards to Hoek van Holland Strand plus a 1km extension to a station much nearer the Beach is opened, RET trains are temporarily using the old Hoek van Holland International Boat Train platforms.<br />
<br />
Landgraaf - Herzogenrath (Germany) has been electrified, with Arriva EMUs running between Aachen Hbf and Maastricht from 27 December 2018. The planned through Arriva service between Aachen and Liège has been delayed and until further notice NMBS continue to operate a separate train service between Maastricht and Liège.<br />
<br />
The new station of Lansingerland-Zoetermeer on the NS Den Haag to Gouda line opened on 9 December 2018 and the extension to tram line 4 (RandstadRail4) from Zoetermeer Javalaan to the new station opened on 19 May 2019.<br />
<br />
The 'Intercity Direct' service between Amsterdam and Brussel/Bruxelles (the successor to the former Benelux service) was diverted via the HSL Zuid and Breda [reverse] from 9 April 2018, thus opening for passenger traffic the curve southwards from Breda towards the Belgian border.<br />
<br />
==Special notes==<br />
Many trains worked by multiple units split en route to serve more than one destination. External displays may show the destination of each portion; newer train sets are provided with internal displays as well. The number of each unit is displayed prominently in each carriage and when trains divide public address announcements usually refer to these to inform passengers where each unit is going.<br />
<br />
The freight line to Terneuzen is accessible only from Gent in Belgium.<br />
<br />
'''New trains'''<br />
<br />
NS has ordered 79 EMU 'Intercity New Generation' at Alstom, based on Coradia platform for use on the HSL by 2021. <br />
<br />
NS has ordered 20 EMU 'Intercity New Generation' at Alstom, based on Coradia platform for services to Brussels by 2025.<br />
<br />
'''Wifi'''<br />
<br />
Most stations have free internet access via KPN hotspots. NS Intercity trains have free internet by 'Wifi in de trein' provided by T-mobile; other operators like Arriva and Veolia offer free wifi in their trains. However loco hauled services are not provided with wifi.<br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
{{Navbox Netherlands}}</div>Theijs Europehttps://www.egtre.info/w/index.php?title=Netherlands_-_General_Information&diff=48580Netherlands - General Information2023-01-08T16:34:22Z<p>Theijs Europe: /* Real Time Train Information */ update</p>
<hr />
<div>==Country Name==<br />
Netherlands (Nederland)<br />
<br />
==National Railway System==<br />
===National Railway Operator===<br />
Nederlandse Spoorwegen (https://www.ns.nl/en NS]) is the principal passenger carrier, which operates through various subsidiary companies, including:<br />
* NS Reizigers - Domestic passenger services <br />
* NS International - International passenger services.<br />
<br />
[https://www.thalys.com/img/1427897808/pdf/presse/release/en/1427897799_15.04.01._Thalys_is_now_a_train_operati.pdf ''Thalys''] services to the Netherlands are operated by a stand-alone company owned by SNCF (62%), SNCB/NMBS (28%) and DB (10%); NS is not a partner. <br />
<br />
There is no longer a national freight operator. The former NS freight operation has been sold and is a subsidiary of DB (see below). Open access freight operators have a considerable market share. Current freight operators in The Netherlands as at 2021 are DB Cargo Nederland (German), Lineas Nederland (Belgian), LTE Netherlands (Austrian), Captrain (French) and RTB Cargo German) amoungst others.<br />
<br />
==Language==<br />
Dutch<br />
<br />
==Currency==<br />
Euro<br />
<br />
==UIC code==<br />
Numeric 84; alpha NL<br />
<br />
==Timetable==<br />
As of 14 December 2014, every station should be served twice an hour.<br />
<br />
===Journey Planner===<br />
* PC: [https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information Travel Information].<br />
* Smartphone: [http://m.ns.nl/planner.action?lang=en m.ns.nl/planner.action?lang=en]. <br />
* Iphone application: [https://apps.apple.com/nl/app/ns/id370362301 Reisplanner].<br />
* Android application: [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=nl.ns.android.activity&utm_source=ns&utm_medium=banner&utm_campaign=rpxpagina Reisplanner]<br />
* Windows application: [https://www.microsoft.com/store/apps/9wzdncrdmbbm Treinplanner]<br />
<br />
===Actual Train Times===<br />
* [https://spoorkaart.mwnn.nl/ Actuele spoorkaart Nederland]<br />
*[https://treinenradar.nl/ Treinenradar Live]<br />
<br />
===Downloadable Timetable===<br />
By December 2023, NS no longer produces timetables in pdf format on its website.<br />
<br />
===Printed Timetable===<br />
''Rover'' offers a paper [https://www.ovshop.nl/shop/rover-spoorboekje-2023/ ''Spoorboekje''] for 2022-2023. NS discontinued paper timetables after the 2009-2010 edition. Rover took the publication over from Treinreiziger.<br />
<br />
===Engineering Information===<br />
[https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/current-situation-on-the-tracks The current situation on the tracks].<br />
[https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/maintenance-on-the-tracks/ An overview of scheduled works in the upcoming months that will effect services].<br />
<br />
===Real Time Train Information===<br />
Real time train running information is available on the [http://treinenradar.nl/ ''Treinenradar''] and [http://spoorkaart.mwnn.nl/ Spoorkaart] websites. Moreover, public transport Apps like OV9292 and NS Reisplanner offer real time journey information.<br />
<br />
==Maps==<br />
===Printed Maps===<br />
*[[Printed Maps#ERA-E | European Railway Atlas (All-Europe Edition)]] by M.G. Ball.<br />
*[[Printed Maps#ERA-R-FR-BE-NL-LU | European Railway Atlas (Regional Series - France and Benelux)]] by M.G. Ball.<br />
*[https://treinwebshop.nl/product/poster-spoorkaart-2021/ Rail Map 2021] by Treinreiziger.nl<br />
<br />
===Web-based Maps===<br />
*NS no longer provides a map with all train services and their frequencies due to COVID-19.<br />
*NS provides a map with all passenger lines and their operators according to timetable numbers. Go to [https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/new-timetable/domestic-routes.html Travel information/New timetable/Domestic routes], scroll down to '''Downloads''' and click on "Spoorkaart 2021". <br />
*Prorail provides a [https://www.prorail.nl/siteassets/homepage/reizen/documenten/spoorkaart-2020-webversie.pdf detailed geographical map].<br />
*[http://www.sporenplan.nl/ Sporenplan] has a series of on-line maps and schematic track diagrams. Click on "Sporenplannen" on the left hand side for a map showing the countries covered.<br />
*Thorsten Büker's [http://www.bueker.net/trainspotting/maps_benelux.php Map of Benelux network] Although this remains on-line, the Büker maps are no longer being maintained. Last updated March 2018.<br />
*[[Maps and Plans#Netherlands|Maps and Plans - Netherlands]]<br />
<br />
==Ticketing==<br />
All stations are equipped with ticket machines which all accept debit and credit cards (V PAY, Maestro, Mastercard, Visa and American Express). However, some foreign Visa debit cards are not accepted. Some machines accept coins as well. All machines offer domestic tickets and some provide international tickets to Belgium, and a selection of destinations in Germany. All tickets contain a chip to validate your ticket. Booking offices at small stations have almost all been closed. A surcharge is payable at booking offices when buying a ticket which is available from a ticket machine.<br />
<br />
The smart card [https://www.ov-chipkaart.nl/home-1.htm OV Chipkaart] is the normal ticket on public transport and can be bought at any ticket machine. Machines that add value to an OV Chipkaart accept debit cards issued outside the Netherlands. However, only a few machines (such as at some tobacconists) accept credit cards. Paper tickets continue to be issued from machines and booking offices for rail journeys.<br />
<br />
Information on tickets and passes can be found on the NS [https://www.ns.nl/producten/en/losse-kaartjes-toeslagen Individual tickets & supplements] page. A supplement is required to travel on the HSL between Rotterdam and Schiphol Airport unless the passenger has a valid international ticket (which includes Interrail). The supplement can be purchased from vending machines; there are red validation machines for such supplements on the platforms.<br />
<br />
'''Note''': ALL tickets from machines MUST be touched in and out with ALL operators used in the correct order, when changing operators en-route. Travellers may be fined if they do not do this.<br />
<br />
NS-Zonetaxi (formerly known as treintaxi) tickets include a taxi from/to the railway station for a fixed fare. The service is available in most mid-size towns, but not in Utrecht, Amsterdam, Den Haag and Rotterdam. When riding on single or return tickets, trein-taxi tickets should be bought at the departure station. For the return trip by taxi, tickets are best bought in advance, but the taxi driver sells tickets with a small surcharge.<br />
<br />
Although more local services are to be franchised over the next few years, a uniform ticketing system, including NS and all franchisees, is being retained.<br />
<br />
''Special offers:''<br />
Supermarket chains may offer cheap day tickets from time to time for a limited period. At Amsterdam Schiphol Airport both NS and GVB Amsterdam sell tickets for public transport connections to Amsterdam.[https://www.spoordeelwinkel.nl/product/eindhoven-airport NS-Voordeelwinkel] has special offers for Eindhoven Airport. [http://www.treinreiziger.nl/ Treinreiziger] offers news about the Dutch railwaysystem, including the availabillity of discounted tickets.<br />
<br />
==Infrastructure==<br />
===Infrastructure Authority===<br />
[http://www.prorail.nl/ ProRail] owns and manages the NS infrastructure and is responsible for traffic control and capacity allocation, under the authority of the minister of transport. On 1 July 2015 the operation of the ''Betuweroute'' was transferred to ProRail and the previous owners, Keyrail, ceased to exist.<br />
<br />
[https://www.ilent.nl/ Inspectie Leefomgeving en Transport], part of the Ministry of Transport, is responsible for safety and rolling stock certification.<br />
<br />
===Network Statement===<br />
The Prorail Website gives access to various [http://www.prorail.nl/vervoerders/network-statement NS Network Statement] documents.<br />
<br />
===Gauge===<br />
Standard.<br />
<br />
===Electrification===<br />
1500 V dc. New high-speed lines and the Betuwe trunk freight line between Rotterdam and Zevenaar (- Emmerich (Germany)) are electrified at 25 kV 50 Hz; Zevenaar - Emmerich was converted to 25 kV in 2016 so that freight trains have to change voltage only once, although it caused passenger trains to have to change voltage twice. The Hanzelijn is not officially a high-speed line, so is 1500 V dc. Large-scale conversion to 25 kV 50 Hz in the long term was envisaged but this was abandoned in the late 1990s as too expensive. In 2014 Prorail started a feasibility study into upgrading to 3000 V dc.<br />
Metros and Tramways are 750 V dc, with third rail used on the Amsterdam and Rotterdam metros.<br />
<br />
===Rule of the road===<br />
Right, but most lines are reversibly signalled. The following lines have left-hand running:<br />
* the high speed line from Rotterdam Lombardijen (where there is a flying crossover) to the Belgian border <br />
* the fast lines between Utrecht Centraal and Bilthoven; there is a flying crossover west of Bilthoven <br />
* from Roosendaal to the Belgian border <br />
* from Maastricht to the Belgian border<br />
<br />
There are connections between the high speed line and the old line to Breda where they run parallel south of Lage Zwaluwe, at which the two lines are handed in opposite directions. This results in the two southbound lines (which are adjacent) being linked merely by a long crossover whereas the connection between the northbound lines crosses over all four tracks on a flyover.<br />
<br />
===Distances===<br />
[https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lijst_van_spoorlijnen_in_Nederland Wikipedia] gives distances for all lines in the Netherlands. Click on the line wanted, and on the right distances for stations are given. [http://www.sporenplan.nl/html_nl/sporenplan/ns/ns_nummer/start.html Sporeneplan] provides an alternative source. Click on the line wanted to reach a schematic line plan, alongside which distances for stations (named in abbreviated code) are given. ''Neither is an official page and can be out of date.'' '''If any user can point to an official source for distance information the compilers would be glad to hear.'''<br />
<br />
==Other Railways==<br />
Private operators have franchises to work a number of local passenger services over NS lines, thus:<br />
* Arriva Nederland: Leeuwarden - Harlingen, Leeuwarden - Stavoren, Leeuwarden - Groningen, Groningen - Roodeschool/Eemshaven/Delfzijl, Groningen - Veendam/Bad Nieuweschans - Leer (D), Apeldoorn - Zutphen, Zutphen - Winterswijk, Winterswijk - Arnhem, Arnhem - Tiel, Nijmegen - Venlo - Roermond - Maastricht/Heerlen, Maastricht Randwijck - Heerlen - Kerkrade/Aachen (D).<br />
* Abellio (part of NS): Gouda - Alphen aan den Rijn, Arnhem - Emmerich (D).<br />
* Blauwnet (Arriva/Keolis/Syntus): Enschede - Almelo - Mariënberg, Kampen - Zwolle - Emmen, Zutphen - Hengelo - Oldenzaal.<br />
* Breng: Doetinchem - Arnhem.<br />
* Q-Buzz (R-Net): Dordrecht - Geldermalsen<br />
* Valleilijn (Connexxion): Amersfoort - Ede-Wageningen. <br />
<br />
In addition next cross border services are operated: <br />
Keolis: Hengelo - Bielefeld(D), <br />
DB Regio: Enschede - Gronau - Münster / Dortmund <br />
Abellio: Arnhem - Düsseldorf (RE19) <br />
Regiobahn: Venlo - Düsseldorf - Hamm (RE13)(D),<br />
NMBS: local services Roosendaal - Antwerpen (B)<br />
NMBS: local services Maastricht - Luik / Liège (B)<br />
<br />
The German based Bentheimer Eisenbahn owns and operates its trunk line from Bentheim to the border at Laarwald and a further 2 km on to Coevorden. The line is freight only; there has never been any significant border crossing passenger traffic, but freight has regained importance in recent times. Coevorden effectively serves as a German rail bridgehead into the Netherlands, traffic mainly consisting of containers that are subsequently road-hauled into the northern provinces. There are plans to introduce passenger services between Coevorden en Neuenhaus (D) by BE by 2024.<br />
<br />
==Tourist Lines==<br />
A list of Tourist & Museum Railways and Tramways in English is available on the [http://www.railmusea.nl/en Historisch Railvervoer Nederland (HRN)] website.<br />
<br />
Rail cycling is possible on the following sections of line:<br />
*[https://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?depth=1&hl=en&ie=UTF8&prev=_t&rurl=translate.google.co.uk&sl=auto&sp=nmt4&tl=en&u=https://grenzland-draisine.eu/de/&usg=ALkJrhjmVbKpWvild_3Gij1RKZm46b3XxA Grenzland Draisine]: based at Kranenburg in Germany, on the former Kleve [DE] - Nijmegen [NL] line, the ''Grenzenlose'' trip to Groesbeek (5.5 km one way) covers a portion in the Netherlands <br />
*[https://translate.google.co.uk/translate?sl=auto&tl=en&js=y&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&u=http%3A%2F%2Frailpleasure.nl%2Fspoorfietsen%2F&edit-text= Rail Pleasure]: Hengelo - Twekkelo (a short stretch of Hengelo - Boekelo line, latterly serving AKZO factory)<br />
<br />
==Metro==<br />
[http://www.gvb.nl/ENGLISH/Pages/default.aspx Amsterdam], [https://www.ret.nl/en.html Rotterdam], [https://www.ret.nl/en/home/travelling-with-the-ret.html RandstadRail].<br />
<br />
Track plans for all metro systems in the Netherlands are available on the [http://www.gleisplanweb.eu/ Gleisplanweb site].<br />
<br />
== Trams/LRT-Systems ==<br />
Amsterdam, Den Haag, Rotterdam, Utrecht.<br />
<br />
Track plans for all tram systems in the Netherlands are available on the [http://www.gleisplanweb.eu/ Gleisplanweb site].<br />
<br />
See also [[Netherlands_-_Tram_services_over_obscure_routes|Netherlands - Tram services over obscure routes]]<br />
<br />
==Recent and future changes==<br />
===Future changes===<br />
Work is in progress to extend RET Metro line B from Hoek van Holland Haven to the site of the former Hoek Van Holland Strand, and then a further 1.1km to the beach.<br />
<br />
European Sleeper will start to operate from June 2022 a night service via Roosendaal, Rotterdam, The Hague via Bad Bentheim to Berlin and Prague.<br />
<br />
Works to double track Heerlen - Landgraaf will be completed by summer 2022 in order to facilitate an increase of services between Heerlen and Aachen (D).<br />
<br />
Passenger services are to resume between Veendam and Stadskanaal in 2024. Simultaneously introduction of passenger services between Coevorden - Neuenhaus (D) and on to Bad Bentheim (D) are expected by 2024.<br />
<br />
Extensive works are under way or recently completed to increase line capacity. These include realignment and quadrupling of lines and construction of flyovers at junctions. However, the proposed electrification of Nijmegen - Venlo - Roermond has been cancelled because of the increasing cost of materials and the effects of the coronavirus pandemic on the supply chain. <br />
<br />
The new 'Friesenbrücke' bridge, facilitating the passenger traffic Groningen - Bad Nieuweschans - Leer (D) should be constructed by 2024.<br />
<br />
Infrastructure manager ProRail warned in August 2018 that the main line network is ‘almost full’. ProRail said it was ‘running up against the limits’ of its 7 300 track-km network, pointing out that traffic had grown from 129 million train-km in 2004 to 165 million train-km planned for 2019. It added that there would be ‘little point’ in trying to add more infrastructure as there was ‘no room for that’ across the country. <br />
<br />
Looking ahead, the infrastructure manager believes that more capacity can be squeezed out through the deployment of intelligent timetabling tools, particularly aimed at freight trains which often require short notice paths or changes to booked workings. From 2020, the national working timetable will be specified to the nearest 6 sec rather than whole minutes, which ProRail believes will ‘help it better deliver the public timetable’.<br />
<br />
Long term projects:<br />
On 10 October 2017, the coalition government agreed plans to reopen Weert - Hamont, with co-financing from regional authorities, following the reopening of Neerpelt - Hamont by SNCB. On 9 November the governments concluded an agreement to electrify the line.<br />
<br />
The "Iron Rhine" freight line between Roermond and Dalheim (Germany) is planned to reopened for traffic between Antwerpen and the Ruhr. However this has been delayed by a dispute between the Dutch and Belgian governments, which has gone to arbitration.<br />
<br />
===Recent changes===<br />
The last museum trains to use the Blauwkapel Kruispunt, where the line northwards from the ''Nederlands Spoorwegmuseum'' at Utrecht Maliebaan station makes a flat crossing with the Utrecht - Amersfoort line, ran on 14 May 2022. The north - south link at Blauwkapel is to be removed. This will not affect the shuttle trains between Utrecht Centraal station and the museum, which will continue to run. <br />
<br />
By December 2021 Zürich - Amsterdam NightJet services were introduced, complementing the Vienna - Amsterdam services which started on 25th of May 2021.<br />
As of November 28, cargo trains can run via RET Metro line B to Vlaardingen Oost. There is a switch to the Vulcaanhaven emplacement, connecting the nearby oil terminals.<br />
<br />
The (Rotterdam -) Schiedam Centrum - Hoek van Holland ''Hoekse Lijn'' line closed to passengers as an NS line on 1 April 2017 and reopened as RET Metro line B between Nesselande and Hoek van Holland on 30 September 2019, thus bringing a new connection into use between Schiedam Centrum metro station and Schiedam Nieuwland. The former passenger connection between the Metro and the ProRail/NS network is retained for freight. Until the line onwards to Hoek van Holland Strand plus a 1km extension to a station much nearer the Beach is opened, RET trains are temporarily using the old Hoek van Holland International Boat Train platforms.<br />
<br />
Landgraaf - Herzogenrath (Germany) has been electrified, with Arriva EMUs running between Aachen Hbf and Maastricht from 27 December 2018. The planned through Arriva service between Aachen and Liège has been delayed and until further notice NMBS continue to operate a separate train service between Maastricht and Liège.<br />
<br />
The new station of Lansingerland-Zoetermeer on the NS Den Haag to Gouda line opened on 9 December 2018 and the extension to tram line 4 (RandstadRail4) from Zoetermeer Javalaan to the new station opened on 19 May 2019.<br />
<br />
The 'Intercity Direct' service between Amsterdam and Brussel/Bruxelles (the successor to the former Benelux service) was diverted via the HSL Zuid and Breda [reverse] from 9 April 2018, thus opening for passenger traffic the curve southwards from Breda towards the Belgian border.<br />
<br />
==Special notes==<br />
Many trains worked by multiple units split en route to serve more than one destination. External displays may show the destination of each portion; newer train sets are provided with internal displays as well. The number of each unit is displayed prominently in each carriage and when trains divide public address announcements usually refer to these to inform passengers where each unit is going.<br />
<br />
The freight line to Terneuzen is accessible only from Gent in Belgium.<br />
<br />
'''New trains'''<br />
<br />
NS has ordered 79 EMU 'Intercity New Generation' at Alstom, based on Coradia platform for use on the HSL by 2021. <br />
<br />
NS has ordered 20 EMU 'Intercity New Generation' at Alstom, based on Coradia platform for services to Brussels by 2025.<br />
<br />
'''Wifi'''<br />
<br />
Most stations have free internet access via KPN hotspots. NS Intercity trains have free internet by 'Wifi in de trein' provided by T-mobile; other operators like Arriva and Veolia offer free wifi in their trains. However loco hauled services are not provided with wifi.<br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
{{Navbox Netherlands}}</div>Theijs Europehttps://www.egtre.info/w/index.php?title=Netherlands_-_General_Information&diff=48579Netherlands - General Information2023-01-08T16:32:59Z<p>Theijs Europe: /* Printed Timetable */ update to 2023</p>
<hr />
<div>==Country Name==<br />
Netherlands (Nederland)<br />
<br />
==National Railway System==<br />
===National Railway Operator===<br />
Nederlandse Spoorwegen (https://www.ns.nl/en NS]) is the principal passenger carrier, which operates through various subsidiary companies, including:<br />
* NS Reizigers - Domestic passenger services <br />
* NS International - International passenger services.<br />
<br />
[https://www.thalys.com/img/1427897808/pdf/presse/release/en/1427897799_15.04.01._Thalys_is_now_a_train_operati.pdf ''Thalys''] services to the Netherlands are operated by a stand-alone company owned by SNCF (62%), SNCB/NMBS (28%) and DB (10%); NS is not a partner. <br />
<br />
There is no longer a national freight operator. The former NS freight operation has been sold and is a subsidiary of DB (see below). Open access freight operators have a considerable market share. Current freight operators in The Netherlands as at 2021 are DB Cargo Nederland (German), Lineas Nederland (Belgian), LTE Netherlands (Austrian), Captrain (French) and RTB Cargo German) amoungst others.<br />
<br />
==Language==<br />
Dutch<br />
<br />
==Currency==<br />
Euro<br />
<br />
==UIC code==<br />
Numeric 84; alpha NL<br />
<br />
==Timetable==<br />
As of 14 December 2014, every station should be served twice an hour.<br />
<br />
===Journey Planner===<br />
* PC: [https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information Travel Information].<br />
* Smartphone: [http://m.ns.nl/planner.action?lang=en m.ns.nl/planner.action?lang=en]. <br />
* Iphone application: [https://apps.apple.com/nl/app/ns/id370362301 Reisplanner].<br />
* Android application: [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=nl.ns.android.activity&utm_source=ns&utm_medium=banner&utm_campaign=rpxpagina Reisplanner]<br />
* Windows application: [https://www.microsoft.com/store/apps/9wzdncrdmbbm Treinplanner]<br />
<br />
===Actual Train Times===<br />
* [https://spoorkaart.mwnn.nl/ Actuele spoorkaart Nederland]<br />
*[https://treinenradar.nl/ Treinenradar Live]<br />
<br />
===Downloadable Timetable===<br />
By December 2023, NS no longer produces timetables in pdf format on its website.<br />
<br />
===Printed Timetable===<br />
''Rover'' offers a paper [https://www.ovshop.nl/shop/rover-spoorboekje-2023/ ''Spoorboekje''] for 2022-2023. NS discontinued paper timetables after the 2009-2010 edition. Rover took the publication over from Treinreiziger.<br />
<br />
===Engineering Information===<br />
[https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/current-situation-on-the-tracks The current situation on the tracks].<br />
[https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/maintenance-on-the-tracks/ An overview of scheduled works in the upcoming months that will effect services].<br />
<br />
===Real Time Train Information===<br />
Real time train running information is available on the [http://treinenradar.nl/ ''Treinenradar''] and [http://spoorkaart.mwnn.nl/ Spoorkaart] websites.<br />
<br />
==Maps==<br />
===Printed Maps===<br />
*[[Printed Maps#ERA-E | European Railway Atlas (All-Europe Edition)]] by M.G. Ball.<br />
*[[Printed Maps#ERA-R-FR-BE-NL-LU | European Railway Atlas (Regional Series - France and Benelux)]] by M.G. Ball.<br />
*[https://treinwebshop.nl/product/poster-spoorkaart-2021/ Rail Map 2021] by Treinreiziger.nl<br />
<br />
===Web-based Maps===<br />
*NS no longer provides a map with all train services and their frequencies due to COVID-19.<br />
*NS provides a map with all passenger lines and their operators according to timetable numbers. Go to [https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/new-timetable/domestic-routes.html Travel information/New timetable/Domestic routes], scroll down to '''Downloads''' and click on "Spoorkaart 2021". <br />
*Prorail provides a [https://www.prorail.nl/siteassets/homepage/reizen/documenten/spoorkaart-2020-webversie.pdf detailed geographical map].<br />
*[http://www.sporenplan.nl/ Sporenplan] has a series of on-line maps and schematic track diagrams. Click on "Sporenplannen" on the left hand side for a map showing the countries covered.<br />
*Thorsten Büker's [http://www.bueker.net/trainspotting/maps_benelux.php Map of Benelux network] Although this remains on-line, the Büker maps are no longer being maintained. Last updated March 2018.<br />
*[[Maps and Plans#Netherlands|Maps and Plans - Netherlands]]<br />
<br />
==Ticketing==<br />
All stations are equipped with ticket machines which all accept debit and credit cards (V PAY, Maestro, Mastercard, Visa and American Express). However, some foreign Visa debit cards are not accepted. Some machines accept coins as well. All machines offer domestic tickets and some provide international tickets to Belgium, and a selection of destinations in Germany. All tickets contain a chip to validate your ticket. Booking offices at small stations have almost all been closed. A surcharge is payable at booking offices when buying a ticket which is available from a ticket machine.<br />
<br />
The smart card [https://www.ov-chipkaart.nl/home-1.htm OV Chipkaart] is the normal ticket on public transport and can be bought at any ticket machine. Machines that add value to an OV Chipkaart accept debit cards issued outside the Netherlands. However, only a few machines (such as at some tobacconists) accept credit cards. Paper tickets continue to be issued from machines and booking offices for rail journeys.<br />
<br />
Information on tickets and passes can be found on the NS [https://www.ns.nl/producten/en/losse-kaartjes-toeslagen Individual tickets & supplements] page. A supplement is required to travel on the HSL between Rotterdam and Schiphol Airport unless the passenger has a valid international ticket (which includes Interrail). The supplement can be purchased from vending machines; there are red validation machines for such supplements on the platforms.<br />
<br />
'''Note''': ALL tickets from machines MUST be touched in and out with ALL operators used in the correct order, when changing operators en-route. Travellers may be fined if they do not do this.<br />
<br />
NS-Zonetaxi (formerly known as treintaxi) tickets include a taxi from/to the railway station for a fixed fare. The service is available in most mid-size towns, but not in Utrecht, Amsterdam, Den Haag and Rotterdam. When riding on single or return tickets, trein-taxi tickets should be bought at the departure station. For the return trip by taxi, tickets are best bought in advance, but the taxi driver sells tickets with a small surcharge.<br />
<br />
Although more local services are to be franchised over the next few years, a uniform ticketing system, including NS and all franchisees, is being retained.<br />
<br />
''Special offers:''<br />
Supermarket chains may offer cheap day tickets from time to time for a limited period. At Amsterdam Schiphol Airport both NS and GVB Amsterdam sell tickets for public transport connections to Amsterdam.[https://www.spoordeelwinkel.nl/product/eindhoven-airport NS-Voordeelwinkel] has special offers for Eindhoven Airport. [http://www.treinreiziger.nl/ Treinreiziger] offers news about the Dutch railwaysystem, including the availabillity of discounted tickets.<br />
<br />
==Infrastructure==<br />
===Infrastructure Authority===<br />
[http://www.prorail.nl/ ProRail] owns and manages the NS infrastructure and is responsible for traffic control and capacity allocation, under the authority of the minister of transport. On 1 July 2015 the operation of the ''Betuweroute'' was transferred to ProRail and the previous owners, Keyrail, ceased to exist.<br />
<br />
[https://www.ilent.nl/ Inspectie Leefomgeving en Transport], part of the Ministry of Transport, is responsible for safety and rolling stock certification.<br />
<br />
===Network Statement===<br />
The Prorail Website gives access to various [http://www.prorail.nl/vervoerders/network-statement NS Network Statement] documents.<br />
<br />
===Gauge===<br />
Standard.<br />
<br />
===Electrification===<br />
1500 V dc. New high-speed lines and the Betuwe trunk freight line between Rotterdam and Zevenaar (- Emmerich (Germany)) are electrified at 25 kV 50 Hz; Zevenaar - Emmerich was converted to 25 kV in 2016 so that freight trains have to change voltage only once, although it caused passenger trains to have to change voltage twice. The Hanzelijn is not officially a high-speed line, so is 1500 V dc. Large-scale conversion to 25 kV 50 Hz in the long term was envisaged but this was abandoned in the late 1990s as too expensive. In 2014 Prorail started a feasibility study into upgrading to 3000 V dc.<br />
Metros and Tramways are 750 V dc, with third rail used on the Amsterdam and Rotterdam metros.<br />
<br />
===Rule of the road===<br />
Right, but most lines are reversibly signalled. The following lines have left-hand running:<br />
* the high speed line from Rotterdam Lombardijen (where there is a flying crossover) to the Belgian border <br />
* the fast lines between Utrecht Centraal and Bilthoven; there is a flying crossover west of Bilthoven <br />
* from Roosendaal to the Belgian border <br />
* from Maastricht to the Belgian border<br />
<br />
There are connections between the high speed line and the old line to Breda where they run parallel south of Lage Zwaluwe, at which the two lines are handed in opposite directions. This results in the two southbound lines (which are adjacent) being linked merely by a long crossover whereas the connection between the northbound lines crosses over all four tracks on a flyover.<br />
<br />
===Distances===<br />
[https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lijst_van_spoorlijnen_in_Nederland Wikipedia] gives distances for all lines in the Netherlands. Click on the line wanted, and on the right distances for stations are given. [http://www.sporenplan.nl/html_nl/sporenplan/ns/ns_nummer/start.html Sporeneplan] provides an alternative source. Click on the line wanted to reach a schematic line plan, alongside which distances for stations (named in abbreviated code) are given. ''Neither is an official page and can be out of date.'' '''If any user can point to an official source for distance information the compilers would be glad to hear.'''<br />
<br />
==Other Railways==<br />
Private operators have franchises to work a number of local passenger services over NS lines, thus:<br />
* Arriva Nederland: Leeuwarden - Harlingen, Leeuwarden - Stavoren, Leeuwarden - Groningen, Groningen - Roodeschool/Eemshaven/Delfzijl, Groningen - Veendam/Bad Nieuweschans - Leer (D), Apeldoorn - Zutphen, Zutphen - Winterswijk, Winterswijk - Arnhem, Arnhem - Tiel, Nijmegen - Venlo - Roermond - Maastricht/Heerlen, Maastricht Randwijck - Heerlen - Kerkrade/Aachen (D).<br />
* Abellio (part of NS): Gouda - Alphen aan den Rijn, Arnhem - Emmerich (D).<br />
* Blauwnet (Arriva/Keolis/Syntus): Enschede - Almelo - Mariënberg, Kampen - Zwolle - Emmen, Zutphen - Hengelo - Oldenzaal.<br />
* Breng: Doetinchem - Arnhem.<br />
* Q-Buzz (R-Net): Dordrecht - Geldermalsen<br />
* Valleilijn (Connexxion): Amersfoort - Ede-Wageningen. <br />
<br />
In addition next cross border services are operated: <br />
Keolis: Hengelo - Bielefeld(D), <br />
DB Regio: Enschede - Gronau - Münster / Dortmund <br />
Abellio: Arnhem - Düsseldorf (RE19) <br />
Regiobahn: Venlo - Düsseldorf - Hamm (RE13)(D),<br />
NMBS: local services Roosendaal - Antwerpen (B)<br />
NMBS: local services Maastricht - Luik / Liège (B)<br />
<br />
The German based Bentheimer Eisenbahn owns and operates its trunk line from Bentheim to the border at Laarwald and a further 2 km on to Coevorden. The line is freight only; there has never been any significant border crossing passenger traffic, but freight has regained importance in recent times. Coevorden effectively serves as a German rail bridgehead into the Netherlands, traffic mainly consisting of containers that are subsequently road-hauled into the northern provinces. There are plans to introduce passenger services between Coevorden en Neuenhaus (D) by BE by 2024.<br />
<br />
==Tourist Lines==<br />
A list of Tourist & Museum Railways and Tramways in English is available on the [http://www.railmusea.nl/en Historisch Railvervoer Nederland (HRN)] website.<br />
<br />
Rail cycling is possible on the following sections of line:<br />
*[https://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?depth=1&hl=en&ie=UTF8&prev=_t&rurl=translate.google.co.uk&sl=auto&sp=nmt4&tl=en&u=https://grenzland-draisine.eu/de/&usg=ALkJrhjmVbKpWvild_3Gij1RKZm46b3XxA Grenzland Draisine]: based at Kranenburg in Germany, on the former Kleve [DE] - Nijmegen [NL] line, the ''Grenzenlose'' trip to Groesbeek (5.5 km one way) covers a portion in the Netherlands <br />
*[https://translate.google.co.uk/translate?sl=auto&tl=en&js=y&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&u=http%3A%2F%2Frailpleasure.nl%2Fspoorfietsen%2F&edit-text= Rail Pleasure]: Hengelo - Twekkelo (a short stretch of Hengelo - Boekelo line, latterly serving AKZO factory)<br />
<br />
==Metro==<br />
[http://www.gvb.nl/ENGLISH/Pages/default.aspx Amsterdam], [https://www.ret.nl/en.html Rotterdam], [https://www.ret.nl/en/home/travelling-with-the-ret.html RandstadRail].<br />
<br />
Track plans for all metro systems in the Netherlands are available on the [http://www.gleisplanweb.eu/ Gleisplanweb site].<br />
<br />
== Trams/LRT-Systems ==<br />
Amsterdam, Den Haag, Rotterdam, Utrecht.<br />
<br />
Track plans for all tram systems in the Netherlands are available on the [http://www.gleisplanweb.eu/ Gleisplanweb site].<br />
<br />
See also [[Netherlands_-_Tram_services_over_obscure_routes|Netherlands - Tram services over obscure routes]]<br />
<br />
==Recent and future changes==<br />
===Future changes===<br />
Work is in progress to extend RET Metro line B from Hoek van Holland Haven to the site of the former Hoek Van Holland Strand, and then a further 1.1km to the beach.<br />
<br />
European Sleeper will start to operate from June 2022 a night service via Roosendaal, Rotterdam, The Hague via Bad Bentheim to Berlin and Prague.<br />
<br />
Works to double track Heerlen - Landgraaf will be completed by summer 2022 in order to facilitate an increase of services between Heerlen and Aachen (D).<br />
<br />
Passenger services are to resume between Veendam and Stadskanaal in 2024. Simultaneously introduction of passenger services between Coevorden - Neuenhaus (D) and on to Bad Bentheim (D) are expected by 2024.<br />
<br />
Extensive works are under way or recently completed to increase line capacity. These include realignment and quadrupling of lines and construction of flyovers at junctions. However, the proposed electrification of Nijmegen - Venlo - Roermond has been cancelled because of the increasing cost of materials and the effects of the coronavirus pandemic on the supply chain. <br />
<br />
The new 'Friesenbrücke' bridge, facilitating the passenger traffic Groningen - Bad Nieuweschans - Leer (D) should be constructed by 2024.<br />
<br />
Infrastructure manager ProRail warned in August 2018 that the main line network is ‘almost full’. ProRail said it was ‘running up against the limits’ of its 7 300 track-km network, pointing out that traffic had grown from 129 million train-km in 2004 to 165 million train-km planned for 2019. It added that there would be ‘little point’ in trying to add more infrastructure as there was ‘no room for that’ across the country. <br />
<br />
Looking ahead, the infrastructure manager believes that more capacity can be squeezed out through the deployment of intelligent timetabling tools, particularly aimed at freight trains which often require short notice paths or changes to booked workings. From 2020, the national working timetable will be specified to the nearest 6 sec rather than whole minutes, which ProRail believes will ‘help it better deliver the public timetable’.<br />
<br />
Long term projects:<br />
On 10 October 2017, the coalition government agreed plans to reopen Weert - Hamont, with co-financing from regional authorities, following the reopening of Neerpelt - Hamont by SNCB. On 9 November the governments concluded an agreement to electrify the line.<br />
<br />
The "Iron Rhine" freight line between Roermond and Dalheim (Germany) is planned to reopened for traffic between Antwerpen and the Ruhr. However this has been delayed by a dispute between the Dutch and Belgian governments, which has gone to arbitration.<br />
<br />
===Recent changes===<br />
The last museum trains to use the Blauwkapel Kruispunt, where the line northwards from the ''Nederlands Spoorwegmuseum'' at Utrecht Maliebaan station makes a flat crossing with the Utrecht - Amersfoort line, ran on 14 May 2022. The north - south link at Blauwkapel is to be removed. This will not affect the shuttle trains between Utrecht Centraal station and the museum, which will continue to run. <br />
<br />
By December 2021 Zürich - Amsterdam NightJet services were introduced, complementing the Vienna - Amsterdam services which started on 25th of May 2021.<br />
As of November 28, cargo trains can run via RET Metro line B to Vlaardingen Oost. There is a switch to the Vulcaanhaven emplacement, connecting the nearby oil terminals.<br />
<br />
The (Rotterdam -) Schiedam Centrum - Hoek van Holland ''Hoekse Lijn'' line closed to passengers as an NS line on 1 April 2017 and reopened as RET Metro line B between Nesselande and Hoek van Holland on 30 September 2019, thus bringing a new connection into use between Schiedam Centrum metro station and Schiedam Nieuwland. The former passenger connection between the Metro and the ProRail/NS network is retained for freight. Until the line onwards to Hoek van Holland Strand plus a 1km extension to a station much nearer the Beach is opened, RET trains are temporarily using the old Hoek van Holland International Boat Train platforms.<br />
<br />
Landgraaf - Herzogenrath (Germany) has been electrified, with Arriva EMUs running between Aachen Hbf and Maastricht from 27 December 2018. The planned through Arriva service between Aachen and Liège has been delayed and until further notice NMBS continue to operate a separate train service between Maastricht and Liège.<br />
<br />
The new station of Lansingerland-Zoetermeer on the NS Den Haag to Gouda line opened on 9 December 2018 and the extension to tram line 4 (RandstadRail4) from Zoetermeer Javalaan to the new station opened on 19 May 2019.<br />
<br />
The 'Intercity Direct' service between Amsterdam and Brussel/Bruxelles (the successor to the former Benelux service) was diverted via the HSL Zuid and Breda [reverse] from 9 April 2018, thus opening for passenger traffic the curve southwards from Breda towards the Belgian border.<br />
<br />
==Special notes==<br />
Many trains worked by multiple units split en route to serve more than one destination. External displays may show the destination of each portion; newer train sets are provided with internal displays as well. The number of each unit is displayed prominently in each carriage and when trains divide public address announcements usually refer to these to inform passengers where each unit is going.<br />
<br />
The freight line to Terneuzen is accessible only from Gent in Belgium.<br />
<br />
'''New trains'''<br />
<br />
NS has ordered 79 EMU 'Intercity New Generation' at Alstom, based on Coradia platform for use on the HSL by 2021. <br />
<br />
NS has ordered 20 EMU 'Intercity New Generation' at Alstom, based on Coradia platform for services to Brussels by 2025.<br />
<br />
'''Wifi'''<br />
<br />
Most stations have free internet access via KPN hotspots. NS Intercity trains have free internet by 'Wifi in de trein' provided by T-mobile; other operators like Arriva and Veolia offer free wifi in their trains. However loco hauled services are not provided with wifi.<br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
{{Navbox Netherlands}}</div>Theijs Europehttps://www.egtre.info/w/index.php?title=Netherlands_-_General_Information&diff=48576Netherlands - General Information2023-01-08T16:27:42Z<p>Theijs Europe: /* Downloadable Timetable */ abollished by NS</p>
<hr />
<div>==Country Name==<br />
Netherlands (Nederland)<br />
<br />
==National Railway System==<br />
===National Railway Operator===<br />
Nederlandse Spoorwegen (https://www.ns.nl/en NS]) is the principal passenger carrier, which operates through various subsidiary companies, including:<br />
* NS Reizigers - Domestic passenger services <br />
* NS International - International passenger services.<br />
<br />
[https://www.thalys.com/img/1427897808/pdf/presse/release/en/1427897799_15.04.01._Thalys_is_now_a_train_operati.pdf ''Thalys''] services to the Netherlands are operated by a stand-alone company owned by SNCF (62%), SNCB/NMBS (28%) and DB (10%); NS is not a partner. <br />
<br />
There is no longer a national freight operator. The former NS freight operation has been sold and is a subsidiary of DB (see below). Open access freight operators have a considerable market share. Current freight operators in The Netherlands as at 2021 are DB Cargo Nederland (German), Lineas Nederland (Belgian), LTE Netherlands (Austrian), Captrain (French) and RTB Cargo German) amoungst others.<br />
<br />
==Language==<br />
Dutch<br />
<br />
==Currency==<br />
Euro<br />
<br />
==UIC code==<br />
Numeric 84; alpha NL<br />
<br />
==Timetable==<br />
As of 14 December 2014, every station should be served twice an hour.<br />
<br />
===Journey Planner===<br />
* PC: [https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information Travel Information].<br />
* Smartphone: [http://m.ns.nl/planner.action?lang=en m.ns.nl/planner.action?lang=en]. <br />
* Iphone application: [https://apps.apple.com/nl/app/ns/id370362301 Reisplanner].<br />
* Android application: [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=nl.ns.android.activity&utm_source=ns&utm_medium=banner&utm_campaign=rpxpagina Reisplanner]<br />
* Windows application: [https://www.microsoft.com/store/apps/9wzdncrdmbbm Treinplanner]<br />
<br />
===Actual Train Times===<br />
* [https://spoorkaart.mwnn.nl/ Actuele spoorkaart Nederland]<br />
*[https://treinenradar.nl/ Treinenradar Live]<br />
<br />
===Downloadable Timetable===<br />
By December 2023, NS no longer produces timetables in pdf format on its website.<br />
<br />
===Printed Timetable===<br />
''Rover'' offers a paper [https://www.ovshop.nl/shop/rover-spoorboekje-2022/ ''Spoorboekje''] for 2021-2022. NS discontinued paper timetables after the 2009-2010 edition. For 2020-2021 no printed booklet has been published due to COVID-19. As of 2021, Rover took the publication over from Treinreiziger.<br />
<br />
===Engineering Information===<br />
[https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/current-situation-on-the-tracks The current situation on the tracks].<br />
[https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/maintenance-on-the-tracks/ An overview of scheduled works in the upcoming months that will effect services].<br />
<br />
===Real Time Train Information===<br />
Real time train running information is available on the [http://treinenradar.nl/ ''Treinenradar''] and [http://spoorkaart.mwnn.nl/ Spoorkaart] websites.<br />
<br />
==Maps==<br />
===Printed Maps===<br />
*[[Printed Maps#ERA-E | European Railway Atlas (All-Europe Edition)]] by M.G. Ball.<br />
*[[Printed Maps#ERA-R-FR-BE-NL-LU | European Railway Atlas (Regional Series - France and Benelux)]] by M.G. Ball.<br />
*[https://treinwebshop.nl/product/poster-spoorkaart-2021/ Rail Map 2021] by Treinreiziger.nl<br />
<br />
===Web-based Maps===<br />
*NS no longer provides a map with all train services and their frequencies due to COVID-19.<br />
*NS provides a map with all passenger lines and their operators according to timetable numbers. Go to [https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/new-timetable/domestic-routes.html Travel information/New timetable/Domestic routes], scroll down to '''Downloads''' and click on "Spoorkaart 2021". <br />
*Prorail provides a [https://www.prorail.nl/siteassets/homepage/reizen/documenten/spoorkaart-2020-webversie.pdf detailed geographical map].<br />
*[http://www.sporenplan.nl/ Sporenplan] has a series of on-line maps and schematic track diagrams. Click on "Sporenplannen" on the left hand side for a map showing the countries covered.<br />
*Thorsten Büker's [http://www.bueker.net/trainspotting/maps_benelux.php Map of Benelux network] Although this remains on-line, the Büker maps are no longer being maintained. Last updated March 2018.<br />
*[[Maps and Plans#Netherlands|Maps and Plans - Netherlands]]<br />
<br />
==Ticketing==<br />
All stations are equipped with ticket machines which all accept debit and credit cards (V PAY, Maestro, Mastercard, Visa and American Express). However, some foreign Visa debit cards are not accepted. Some machines accept coins as well. All machines offer domestic tickets and some provide international tickets to Belgium, and a selection of destinations in Germany. All tickets contain a chip to validate your ticket. Booking offices at small stations have almost all been closed. A surcharge is payable at booking offices when buying a ticket which is available from a ticket machine.<br />
<br />
The smart card [https://www.ov-chipkaart.nl/home-1.htm OV Chipkaart] is the normal ticket on public transport and can be bought at any ticket machine. Machines that add value to an OV Chipkaart accept debit cards issued outside the Netherlands. However, only a few machines (such as at some tobacconists) accept credit cards. Paper tickets continue to be issued from machines and booking offices for rail journeys.<br />
<br />
Information on tickets and passes can be found on the NS [https://www.ns.nl/producten/en/losse-kaartjes-toeslagen Individual tickets & supplements] page. A supplement is required to travel on the HSL between Rotterdam and Schiphol Airport unless the passenger has a valid international ticket (which includes Interrail). The supplement can be purchased from vending machines; there are red validation machines for such supplements on the platforms.<br />
<br />
'''Note''': ALL tickets from machines MUST be touched in and out with ALL operators used in the correct order, when changing operators en-route. Travellers may be fined if they do not do this.<br />
<br />
NS-Zonetaxi (formerly known as treintaxi) tickets include a taxi from/to the railway station for a fixed fare. The service is available in most mid-size towns, but not in Utrecht, Amsterdam, Den Haag and Rotterdam. When riding on single or return tickets, trein-taxi tickets should be bought at the departure station. For the return trip by taxi, tickets are best bought in advance, but the taxi driver sells tickets with a small surcharge.<br />
<br />
Although more local services are to be franchised over the next few years, a uniform ticketing system, including NS and all franchisees, is being retained.<br />
<br />
''Special offers:''<br />
Supermarket chains may offer cheap day tickets from time to time for a limited period. At Amsterdam Schiphol Airport both NS and GVB Amsterdam sell tickets for public transport connections to Amsterdam.[https://www.spoordeelwinkel.nl/product/eindhoven-airport NS-Voordeelwinkel] has special offers for Eindhoven Airport. [http://www.treinreiziger.nl/ Treinreiziger] offers news about the Dutch railwaysystem, including the availabillity of discounted tickets.<br />
<br />
==Infrastructure==<br />
===Infrastructure Authority===<br />
[http://www.prorail.nl/ ProRail] owns and manages the NS infrastructure and is responsible for traffic control and capacity allocation, under the authority of the minister of transport. On 1 July 2015 the operation of the ''Betuweroute'' was transferred to ProRail and the previous owners, Keyrail, ceased to exist.<br />
<br />
[https://www.ilent.nl/ Inspectie Leefomgeving en Transport], part of the Ministry of Transport, is responsible for safety and rolling stock certification.<br />
<br />
===Network Statement===<br />
The Prorail Website gives access to various [http://www.prorail.nl/vervoerders/network-statement NS Network Statement] documents.<br />
<br />
===Gauge===<br />
Standard.<br />
<br />
===Electrification===<br />
1500 V dc. New high-speed lines and the Betuwe trunk freight line between Rotterdam and Zevenaar (- Emmerich (Germany)) are electrified at 25 kV 50 Hz; Zevenaar - Emmerich was converted to 25 kV in 2016 so that freight trains have to change voltage only once, although it caused passenger trains to have to change voltage twice. The Hanzelijn is not officially a high-speed line, so is 1500 V dc. Large-scale conversion to 25 kV 50 Hz in the long term was envisaged but this was abandoned in the late 1990s as too expensive. In 2014 Prorail started a feasibility study into upgrading to 3000 V dc.<br />
Metros and Tramways are 750 V dc, with third rail used on the Amsterdam and Rotterdam metros.<br />
<br />
===Rule of the road===<br />
Right, but most lines are reversibly signalled. The following lines have left-hand running:<br />
* the high speed line from Rotterdam Lombardijen (where there is a flying crossover) to the Belgian border <br />
* the fast lines between Utrecht Centraal and Bilthoven; there is a flying crossover west of Bilthoven <br />
* from Roosendaal to the Belgian border <br />
* from Maastricht to the Belgian border<br />
<br />
There are connections between the high speed line and the old line to Breda where they run parallel south of Lage Zwaluwe, at which the two lines are handed in opposite directions. This results in the two southbound lines (which are adjacent) being linked merely by a long crossover whereas the connection between the northbound lines crosses over all four tracks on a flyover.<br />
<br />
===Distances===<br />
[https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lijst_van_spoorlijnen_in_Nederland Wikipedia] gives distances for all lines in the Netherlands. Click on the line wanted, and on the right distances for stations are given. [http://www.sporenplan.nl/html_nl/sporenplan/ns/ns_nummer/start.html Sporeneplan] provides an alternative source. Click on the line wanted to reach a schematic line plan, alongside which distances for stations (named in abbreviated code) are given. ''Neither is an official page and can be out of date.'' '''If any user can point to an official source for distance information the compilers would be glad to hear.'''<br />
<br />
==Other Railways==<br />
Private operators have franchises to work a number of local passenger services over NS lines, thus:<br />
* Arriva Nederland: Leeuwarden - Harlingen, Leeuwarden - Stavoren, Leeuwarden - Groningen, Groningen - Roodeschool/Eemshaven/Delfzijl, Groningen - Veendam/Bad Nieuweschans - Leer (D), Apeldoorn - Zutphen, Zutphen - Winterswijk, Winterswijk - Arnhem, Arnhem - Tiel, Nijmegen - Venlo - Roermond - Maastricht/Heerlen, Maastricht Randwijck - Heerlen - Kerkrade/Aachen (D).<br />
* Abellio (part of NS): Gouda - Alphen aan den Rijn, Arnhem - Emmerich (D).<br />
* Blauwnet (Arriva/Keolis/Syntus): Enschede - Almelo - Mariënberg, Kampen - Zwolle - Emmen, Zutphen - Hengelo - Oldenzaal.<br />
* Breng: Doetinchem - Arnhem.<br />
* Q-Buzz (R-Net): Dordrecht - Geldermalsen<br />
* Valleilijn (Connexxion): Amersfoort - Ede-Wageningen. <br />
<br />
In addition next cross border services are operated: <br />
Keolis: Hengelo - Bielefeld(D), <br />
DB Regio: Enschede - Gronau - Münster / Dortmund <br />
Abellio: Arnhem - Düsseldorf (RE19) <br />
Regiobahn: Venlo - Düsseldorf - Hamm (RE13)(D),<br />
NMBS: local services Roosendaal - Antwerpen (B)<br />
NMBS: local services Maastricht - Luik / Liège (B)<br />
<br />
The German based Bentheimer Eisenbahn owns and operates its trunk line from Bentheim to the border at Laarwald and a further 2 km on to Coevorden. The line is freight only; there has never been any significant border crossing passenger traffic, but freight has regained importance in recent times. Coevorden effectively serves as a German rail bridgehead into the Netherlands, traffic mainly consisting of containers that are subsequently road-hauled into the northern provinces. There are plans to introduce passenger services between Coevorden en Neuenhaus (D) by BE by 2024.<br />
<br />
==Tourist Lines==<br />
A list of Tourist & Museum Railways and Tramways in English is available on the [http://www.railmusea.nl/en Historisch Railvervoer Nederland (HRN)] website.<br />
<br />
Rail cycling is possible on the following sections of line:<br />
*[https://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?depth=1&hl=en&ie=UTF8&prev=_t&rurl=translate.google.co.uk&sl=auto&sp=nmt4&tl=en&u=https://grenzland-draisine.eu/de/&usg=ALkJrhjmVbKpWvild_3Gij1RKZm46b3XxA Grenzland Draisine]: based at Kranenburg in Germany, on the former Kleve [DE] - Nijmegen [NL] line, the ''Grenzenlose'' trip to Groesbeek (5.5 km one way) covers a portion in the Netherlands <br />
*[https://translate.google.co.uk/translate?sl=auto&tl=en&js=y&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&u=http%3A%2F%2Frailpleasure.nl%2Fspoorfietsen%2F&edit-text= Rail Pleasure]: Hengelo - Twekkelo (a short stretch of Hengelo - Boekelo line, latterly serving AKZO factory)<br />
<br />
==Metro==<br />
[http://www.gvb.nl/ENGLISH/Pages/default.aspx Amsterdam], [https://www.ret.nl/en.html Rotterdam], [https://www.ret.nl/en/home/travelling-with-the-ret.html RandstadRail].<br />
<br />
Track plans for all metro systems in the Netherlands are available on the [http://www.gleisplanweb.eu/ Gleisplanweb site].<br />
<br />
== Trams/LRT-Systems ==<br />
Amsterdam, Den Haag, Rotterdam, Utrecht.<br />
<br />
Track plans for all tram systems in the Netherlands are available on the [http://www.gleisplanweb.eu/ Gleisplanweb site].<br />
<br />
See also [[Netherlands_-_Tram_services_over_obscure_routes|Netherlands - Tram services over obscure routes]]<br />
<br />
==Recent and future changes==<br />
===Future changes===<br />
Work is in progress to extend RET Metro line B from Hoek van Holland Haven to the site of the former Hoek Van Holland Strand, and then a further 1.1km to the beach.<br />
<br />
European Sleeper will start to operate from June 2022 a night service via Roosendaal, Rotterdam, The Hague via Bad Bentheim to Berlin and Prague.<br />
<br />
Works to double track Heerlen - Landgraaf will be completed by summer 2022 in order to facilitate an increase of services between Heerlen and Aachen (D).<br />
<br />
Passenger services are to resume between Veendam and Stadskanaal in 2024. Simultaneously introduction of passenger services between Coevorden - Neuenhaus (D) and on to Bad Bentheim (D) are expected by 2024.<br />
<br />
Extensive works are under way or recently completed to increase line capacity. These include realignment and quadrupling of lines and construction of flyovers at junctions. However, the proposed electrification of Nijmegen - Venlo - Roermond has been cancelled because of the increasing cost of materials and the effects of the coronavirus pandemic on the supply chain. <br />
<br />
The new 'Friesenbrücke' bridge, facilitating the passenger traffic Groningen - Bad Nieuweschans - Leer (D) should be constructed by 2024.<br />
<br />
Infrastructure manager ProRail warned in August 2018 that the main line network is ‘almost full’. ProRail said it was ‘running up against the limits’ of its 7 300 track-km network, pointing out that traffic had grown from 129 million train-km in 2004 to 165 million train-km planned for 2019. It added that there would be ‘little point’ in trying to add more infrastructure as there was ‘no room for that’ across the country. <br />
<br />
Looking ahead, the infrastructure manager believes that more capacity can be squeezed out through the deployment of intelligent timetabling tools, particularly aimed at freight trains which often require short notice paths or changes to booked workings. From 2020, the national working timetable will be specified to the nearest 6 sec rather than whole minutes, which ProRail believes will ‘help it better deliver the public timetable’.<br />
<br />
Long term projects:<br />
On 10 October 2017, the coalition government agreed plans to reopen Weert - Hamont, with co-financing from regional authorities, following the reopening of Neerpelt - Hamont by SNCB. On 9 November the governments concluded an agreement to electrify the line.<br />
<br />
The "Iron Rhine" freight line between Roermond and Dalheim (Germany) is planned to reopened for traffic between Antwerpen and the Ruhr. However this has been delayed by a dispute between the Dutch and Belgian governments, which has gone to arbitration.<br />
<br />
===Recent changes===<br />
The last museum trains to use the Blauwkapel Kruispunt, where the line northwards from the ''Nederlands Spoorwegmuseum'' at Utrecht Maliebaan station makes a flat crossing with the Utrecht - Amersfoort line, ran on 14 May 2022. The north - south link at Blauwkapel is to be removed. This will not affect the shuttle trains between Utrecht Centraal station and the museum, which will continue to run. <br />
<br />
By December 2021 Zürich - Amsterdam NightJet services were introduced, complementing the Vienna - Amsterdam services which started on 25th of May 2021.<br />
As of November 28, cargo trains can run via RET Metro line B to Vlaardingen Oost. There is a switch to the Vulcaanhaven emplacement, connecting the nearby oil terminals.<br />
<br />
The (Rotterdam -) Schiedam Centrum - Hoek van Holland ''Hoekse Lijn'' line closed to passengers as an NS line on 1 April 2017 and reopened as RET Metro line B between Nesselande and Hoek van Holland on 30 September 2019, thus bringing a new connection into use between Schiedam Centrum metro station and Schiedam Nieuwland. The former passenger connection between the Metro and the ProRail/NS network is retained for freight. Until the line onwards to Hoek van Holland Strand plus a 1km extension to a station much nearer the Beach is opened, RET trains are temporarily using the old Hoek van Holland International Boat Train platforms.<br />
<br />
Landgraaf - Herzogenrath (Germany) has been electrified, with Arriva EMUs running between Aachen Hbf and Maastricht from 27 December 2018. The planned through Arriva service between Aachen and Liège has been delayed and until further notice NMBS continue to operate a separate train service between Maastricht and Liège.<br />
<br />
The new station of Lansingerland-Zoetermeer on the NS Den Haag to Gouda line opened on 9 December 2018 and the extension to tram line 4 (RandstadRail4) from Zoetermeer Javalaan to the new station opened on 19 May 2019.<br />
<br />
The 'Intercity Direct' service between Amsterdam and Brussel/Bruxelles (the successor to the former Benelux service) was diverted via the HSL Zuid and Breda [reverse] from 9 April 2018, thus opening for passenger traffic the curve southwards from Breda towards the Belgian border.<br />
<br />
==Special notes==<br />
Many trains worked by multiple units split en route to serve more than one destination. External displays may show the destination of each portion; newer train sets are provided with internal displays as well. The number of each unit is displayed prominently in each carriage and when trains divide public address announcements usually refer to these to inform passengers where each unit is going.<br />
<br />
The freight line to Terneuzen is accessible only from Gent in Belgium.<br />
<br />
'''New trains'''<br />
<br />
NS has ordered 79 EMU 'Intercity New Generation' at Alstom, based on Coradia platform for use on the HSL by 2021. <br />
<br />
NS has ordered 20 EMU 'Intercity New Generation' at Alstom, based on Coradia platform for services to Brussels by 2025.<br />
<br />
'''Wifi'''<br />
<br />
Most stations have free internet access via KPN hotspots. NS Intercity trains have free internet by 'Wifi in de trein' provided by T-mobile; other operators like Arriva and Veolia offer free wifi in their trains. However loco hauled services are not provided with wifi.<br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
{{Navbox Netherlands}}</div>Theijs Europehttps://www.egtre.info/w/index.php?title=Moldova_-_Lines_with_Obscure_or_Sparse_passenger_services&diff=48107Moldova - Lines with Obscure or Sparse passenger services2022-12-29T10:28:18Z<p>Theijs Europe: /* Bălţi-Slobozia avoiding line */ suspended</p>
<hr />
<div>==Introduction==<br />
<br />
This list is based on CFM timetable information from 12 December 2021, unless otherwise stated. Standard abbreviations are explained in [[General Information]].<br />
<br />
{{Map Refs ERA-E}} {{Map Refs ERA-R-RO-BG-MD}}<br />
<br />
==Obscure Services==<br />
<br />
===Bălţi-Slobozia avoiding line===<br />
(ERA-E 109B4; ERA-R 236C3) MD22/1<br />
<br />
Bălţi has a triangular layout with stations at Bălţi-Oraş (south apex), Bălţi-Slobozia (east apex) and Pelenia (north apex, towards Ocniţa). The general service patterns over the three sides of the triangle are:<br />
* Bălţi-Oraş - Pelenia/Ocniţa: international services between Chişinău and Moskva/Sankt Petersburg, two or three train pairs per day. '''These trains are currently suspended.'''<br />
* Bălţi-Oraş - Bălţi-Slobozia: two local train pairs per day to/from Ungheni; '''These trains are currently suspended.'''<br />
* Bălţi-Slobozia - Pelenia/Ocniţa: one local train pair per day. '''These trains are currently suspended.'''<br />
<br />
===Ungheni avoiding line===<br />
(ERA-E 109B4; ERA-R 236C2) MD22/2<br />
<br />
This east <=> west connection links the lines from Chişinău and Bălţi. it is used by international trains Chişinău < = > Sankt Petersburg/Moskva. '''These trains are currently suspended.'''<br />
<br />
===<span id="UngheniBG"></span>Ungheni CFM - Ungheni Prut CFR - Socola (1520 mm gauge)===<br />
(ERA-E 109B4; ERA-R 236C2) MD22/3<br />
<br />
The track is dual 1435/1520&nbsp;mm gauge between Ungheni and Socola marshalling yard on the eastern outskirts of Iaşi. CFM introduced a daily 1520&nbsp;mm gauge train between Chişinău and Socola on 30 September 2015, since reduced to an extended weekend service. This is the only broad gauge train, but there are other 1435&nbsp;mm gauge services - see [[Border Crossings: Moldova - Romania#Ungheni | Border Crossings: Moldova - Romania]].<br />
<br />
This service is currently suspended.<br />
<br />
===<span id="Chişinău-Revaca"></span>Chişinău - Chişinău-3 - Revaca===<br />
(ERA-E 109B4-C4, not shown; ERA-R 237B1, not shown) MD22/4<br />
<br />
Between Chişinău and Revaca there is a section of effectively double track, with the two tracks separated by up to 200&nbsp;m. The station named Chişinău-3 (also shown on some maps as "S.T.V.C.") has platforms on the two routes, one for each direction, and they are labelled as such. The two routes appear to be worked as conventional "right hand running".<br />
<br />
==Other Sparse services==<br />
<br />
The following lines have few trains (relative to service levels generally in this country) – fewer than three trains each way on at least three days a week – or do not run each weekday: <br />
<br />
* Bălţi-Slobozia - Rogojeni - One train pair daily in December 2021<br />
* Basarabeasca - Zloți - Two train pairs daily in December 2021<br />
* Bender-3 - Tiraspol - Kuchurhan (Ukraine) - Only used by international trains Chișinău < = > Odessa<br />
* Etulia - Reni (Ukraine) (operated by Ukrainian Railways)<br />
<br />
==Deletions since previous edition==<br />
None.<br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
{{Navbox Moldova}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Lines with Obscure or Sparse passenger services]]</div>Theijs Europehttps://www.egtre.info/w/index.php?title=Moldova_-_General_Information&diff=48106Moldova - General Information2022-12-29T10:21:53Z<p>Theijs Europe: /* Recent and future changes (latest first) */</p>
<hr />
<div>==Country Name==<br />
Moldova (Republica Moldova)<br />
<br />
==National railway system==<br />
===National Railway Operator===<br />
[http://www.railway.md/ CFM - Caile Ferată Moldova].<br />
<br />
==Language==<br />
The Constitution of 1994 states that "the national language of the Republic of Moldova is Moldovan, and its writing is based on the Latin alphabet," while the 1991 Declaration of Independence names the official language Romanian. The 1989 State Language Law speaks of a Moldo-Romanian linguistic identity. Russian is provided with the status of a "language of interethnic communication" (alongside the official language), and in practice remains widely used. Gagauz and Ukrainian have significant regional speaker populations and are granted official status together with Russian in Gagauzia and Transnistria respectively.<br />
<br />
==Currency==<br />
Moldova Leu (MDL; plural Lei), 1 Leu = 100 Bani (singular Ban). In Transnistria, a partially recognized state claimed in whole by Moldova, the Transnistrian rouble is used instead.<br />
<br />
==UIC code==<br />
numeric 23; alpha CFM.<br />
<br />
==Timetable==<br />
===Journey Planner===<br />
A station to station timetable facility including days of running is available at [http://www.railway.md/]. On the menu bar select 'Transportul de Pasageri' then select 'Mersul Trenilor'.<br />
<br />
===Downloadable Timetable===<br />
None<br />
<br />
However, a good [https://drive.google.com/open?id=1r3NiwZLbodz0Pd5H-k05T4BByU4I-0clVQ2nJnMiq6s privately compiled timetable] is available (as at 19 December 2019, not updated since August 2019).<br />
<br />
===Printed Timetable===<br />
There is no public timetable as such.<br />
<br />
===Engineering Information===<br />
None.<br />
<br />
===Bus Information===<br />
None known.<br />
<br />
==Maps==<br />
===Printed Maps===<br />
*[[Printed Maps#ERA-E | European Railway Atlas (All-Europe Edition)]] by M.G. Ball.<br />
*[[Printed Maps#ERA-R-EE-LV-LT-BY-UA-MD | European Railway Atlas (Regional Series - Baltic States, Belarus and Ukraine)]] by M.G. Ball.<br />
*[[Printed Maps#UA-BY-MD | Ukraine, Belarus and Moldova Railway Atlas]] by Quail Map Company. A comprehensive atlas of the Moldova rail network in English and German, which records the evolution of the network and place-names on it, published December 1995, but now out of print. <br />
*An excellent 1:200.000 Moldova map, produced by the Kiev map publishers, can be found in book shops in Chişinău or in larger Ukrainian towns. It is very like the popular Ukraine Oblast maps.<br />
<br />
===Web-based Maps===<br />
* Map offered by CFM [https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipPSYBdbm8K76IElApA8N1DF6u8f1KBDp9oxkaGx0_Aw7M7Iz4KNQs0KVIOOT13NOQ?key=WkNfQ3ZnRGllSUIzdWg5MjBrQ3Q2cmEtUy1LeGR3 CFM Network Map] dated November 2022<br />
*Thorsten Büker's single sheet [http://www.bueker.net/trainspotting/maps_ukraine.php Map of Ukraine and Moldova] dated March 2018.<br />
<br />
==Ticketing==<br />
Online tickets are available for the international trains from Chisinau to Iasi Socola and Chisinau - Bucharest via the [http://www.railway.md CFM website]<br />
<br />
Opportunities to use credit or debit cards at ticket offices may be limited, particularly in Transnistria. Normally, payment is possible only in local currency. Purchase of tickets from Transnistria to Chisinau may be possible only at limited times.<br />
<br />
==Infrastructure==<br />
===Infrastructure Authority===<br />
Not known.<br />
<br />
===Network Statement===<br />
None known.<br />
===Gauge===<br />
"Russian" gauge (1520mm). There is a gauge changer at Ungheni, where bogies are changed.<br />
<br />
===Electrification===<br />
None. Electrification had been planned into Moldova from the Ukraine border at Kuchurhan, and electrification masts were installed from the end of the UZ electrification at Kuchurhan through Tiraspol to Bender, but no further work has been done for many years.<br />
<br />
===Rule of the road===<br />
There is a section of effectively double track between [[Moldova_-_Lines_with_Obscure_or_Sparse_passenger_services#Chişinău-Revaca | Chişinău and Revaca (see Obscure Services)]], and between Cornești and Pîrlița on the line between Chișinău to Ungheni with right-hand running, but otherwise all lines are single track.<br />
<br />
===Distances===<br />
Some distances are visible via the Network Map<br />
<br />
==Other railways==<br />
None.<br />
<br />
==Tourist lines==<br />
None.<br />
<br />
==Metro==<br />
None.<br />
<br />
== Trams/LRT-Systems ==<br />
None.<br />
<br />
==Recent and future changes (latest first)==<br />
On 10 November 2022 the night train 351/352 Chişinău - Kyiv was reinstated, operated by UZ. <br />
<br />
On 22 August 2022 the cross border line Basarabeasca - Berezino (- Odessa), avoiding Transnistria, was reopened for through freight traffic.<br />
<br />
On 18 May 2022 modernisation work on the 233 km Bender (Tighina) – Basarabeasca – Giurgiulești line was officially launched. This will remove weight and speed restrictions, increasing the line speed to 120 km/h for passenger trains and 90 km/h for freight.<br />
<br />
All train traffic from Chişinău/Tiraspol towards Odessa was halted in late February 2022 as a result of the collapsed cross border bridge at Cuciurgan. <br />
<br />
Starting from 12 December 2021, trains 105/106 Chisinau-Bucharest resumed.<br />
<br />
The Moldovan parliament has voted (October 2021)to bring CFM into line with EU legislation by breaking the railway into passenger, freight and infrastructure divisions. Passenger and freight may be opened to private operators.<br />
<br />
On 2 August 2021 services were restored Bălți Slobozia - Ocnița - Bălți Slobozia, Bălți Slobozia - Rogojeni - Bălți Slobozia and Ungheni - Bălți Slobozia - Ungheni <br />
<br />
Reported in early 2021 that a collapse in freight revenues has led to financial problems with workers not paid and no money to buy fuel, so service cuts necessary in addition to those caused by the Pandemic. Local services Chişinău - Ungheni, Chişinău - Bender and Bălți-Slobozia - Ocnita were reported operating. <br />
<br />
Services via Bender and Tiraspol, which are in Transnistria, continue to be affected. See [[#Special Notes|'''Special Notes''']] below.<br />
<br />
Local trains between Chişinău and Bender-2 in practice only run as far as Bender-3; passengers for Bender-2 must cross the border into and out of Transnistria on foot.<br />
<br />
From 2019 there are services through Transnistria: Chişinău <=> Moskva (alternate days from December 2019) and Chişinău <=> Odessa (from mid September 2019 operates Fridays Saturdays and Sundays).<br />
<br />
The Chişinău <=> Basarabeasca service via Revaca and Căinari is show on the timetable displays as "suspended", it is not known when the service ceased. However since at least September 2019 two daily train pairs have been running between Basarabeasca and Zloţi.<br />
<br />
The Basarabeasca <=> Reni (Ukraine) passenger service ceased in 2015/2016, but in September 2019 Etulia <=> Reni saw two daily train pairs running, operated by Ukrainian Railways as the majority of the route in is Ukraine.<br />
<br />
Services east of Bălți-Slobozia now only run as far as Rogojeni, the service beyond there to Șoldănești having ceased at an unknown date, probably in 2015/2016.<br />
<br />
Substantial investments have been made in building new railway lines since 2003, with the goal of connecting Chişinău to southern Moldova and the Giurgiuleşti oil terminal. The first such segment was the 40&nbsp;km Revaca - Căinari line, opened in 2006. The 53km Cahul - Giurgiuleşti line, opened only in 2008, closed in summer 2012 for a period because 20 km of track near the river Prut need rebuilding owing to poor construction. A passenger service over this section ran for a period in 2013/2014, reportedly only as far as the port gates at Giurgiuleşti.<br />
<br />
The daily Basarabeasca <=> Cahul train was reported to have been withdrawn by August 2013.<br />
<br />
The cross-border service between Prut-2 and Fălciu CFR, re-introduced in 2010, was missing from the 2011-2012 and subsequent timetables, and by September 2019 the line had been cut at the former junction west of Prut-1.<br />
<br />
The route between Ocnita and Chernivitsi (Ukraine) crosses the border a total of five times: most through services were withdrawn by August 2013 though overnight service 117/118 'Bukovina' (Chernivtsi-Kyiv) ran this way during summer 2014. See [[Border Crossings: Moldova - Ukraine | Border Crossings: Moldova - Ukraine]] for more details.<br />
<br />
An agreement was signed in October 2015 to reopen the Basarabeasca - Berezyne (Ukraine) line, closed to all traffic in 1997 and lifted in 1999. This would have enabled traffic between the two countries to avoid passing through the breakaway territory of Transnistria. Work was supposed to start in summer 2016, but it appears that a lack of funds has meant that the project has been postponed.<br />
<br />
Moldova is to receive €100&nbsp;M in loans and grants from the EIB and EBRD. Most of this will be used to modernize the Chişinău - Ungheni line. It is said that the line will also be converted to 1435&nbsp;mm gauge. This seems most unlikely as it would cut off northern Moldova from Chişinău and it is more likely that dual 1435/1520mm is meant.<br />
<br />
==Special Notes==<br />
Local services are mostly suspended due to the lack of finances for diesel. Priority is given to international services to Iasi, Bucharest and Kyiv, serving some local stations.<br />
<br />
Transnistria, also known as Trans-Dniestr or Transdniestria is a breakaway territory located mostly in a strip between the Dniester River and the eastern border with Ukraine. It is generally recognised internationally as being the de jure government of Eastern Moldova as the Stînga Nistrului ("Left Dnestr bank") autonomous region. Since its declaration of independence in 1990, it has been governed de facto by the unrecognized Pridnestrovskaya Moldavskaya Respublica (Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic - PMR, also known as "Pridnestrovie"), which claims the east bank of the river Dniester and the town of Bender and its locality on the right bank of the Dnestr. The Republic of Moldova does not recognize this secession and considers it to be part of Moldova.<br />
<br />
Travellers entering Moldova from Transnistria do not receive an entry stamp because the Republic of Moldova considers Transnistria to be part of Moldova. Until recently, this caused problems on leaving Moldova as it could be construed as having entered the country illegally. To avoid problems on leaving Moldova, it was recommended to cross Transnistria only from west to east, or to cross the whole of Moldova in the same train from Kuchurhan to Iaşi, using the Saratov – Varna summer-only train. Recent advice to westbound passengers has been to request a Moldovan entry stamp on arrival at Chişinău.<br />
<br />
However, see the [[Border_Crossings:_Moldova_-_Ukraine#NOV_KUC|Novosavickaia CFM - Kuchurhan UZ border crossing]] for the situation with local services to and from Bender.<br />
<br />
Photographers must ask permission from railway staff and police before taking pictures. Often they give permission, but do not attempt to take pictures if they refuse it.<br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
{{Navbox Moldova}}</div>Theijs Europehttps://www.egtre.info/w/index.php?title=Border_Crossings:_Moldova_-_Ukraine&diff=48105Border Crossings: Moldova - Ukraine2022-12-29T10:18:03Z<p>Theijs Europe: /* Basarabeasca CFM - Serpneve I UZ (- Berezyne - Artsyz) */ shortened</p>
<hr />
<div>All rail routes between this pair of countries are 1520mm gauge.<br />
<br />
==(Chernivtsi -) Mamalyha UZ - Criva CFM - Lipcani CFM - border - border - Medveja CFM - Larha UZ==<br />
[D] This route crosses the Moldova/Ukraine border four times, and is operated by Ukrainian Railways. However, passeneger services is reported to be suspended. Local and long distance passenger services used to run between Chernivtsi and Larha. One daily local passenger train pair continued beyond Larha to Sokyriany; since summer 2014 the long distance services have reversed direction at Larha and run via Khmel'nyts'kyi rather than passing through Moldova at Ocniţa.<br />
<br />
==Ocniţa CFM - Sokyriany UZ (- Larha)==<br />
[D] Freight only. One daily Ukrainian local passenger train pair to/from Chernivtsi continues beyond Larha to Sokyriany. Since the passenger service over this route ceased in 2014, the method of operation across the border is not known.<br />
<br />
==(Ocniţa -) Vălcineţ CFM - Mohyliv-Podil’s’kyi UZ (- Zhmerynka)==<br />
[D] UZ operates to Ocniţa, although Moldovan border formalities are performed at Vălcineţ.<br />
<br />
==(Rîbnița -) Cobasna CFM - Tymkove UZ (- Slobidka)==<br />
[D] Freight only. The method of operation is not known. Note that this line passes through Transnistria between Rîbnița and Cobasna/Tymkove.<br />
<br />
==<div id="NOV_KUC"></div>(Tiraspol -) Novosavitskaia CFM - Kuchurhan UZ (- Rozdina)==<br />
[D] CFM operates to Kuchurhan. However, rail traffic is suspended as the cross border bridge has collapsed due to the war in Ukraine.<br />
<br />
Note that Tiraspol is the "capital" of Transnistria; passport checks and the police registration are carried out here at the station, and not in the train.<br />
<br />
The CFM lines from (Chişinău -) Revaca and from (Căinari –) Căuşeni cross into Transnistria at Tighina/Bender-2 and Tighina/Bender-1 respectively. Moldova does not recognise Tighina/Bender as a border. Border checks on trains running through Transnistria from Moldova to Ukraine are carried out on the train.<br />
<br />
Owing to disagreements between Moldova and Transnistria, local trains between Chişinău and Bender now use the new station of Bender-3, just on the Moldovan side of the de-facto border. Passengers to and from the town of Bender must travel on foot via the official road crossing.<br />
<br />
As of March 2022 this bordercrossing has been closed for all railway traffic due to the war in Ukraine.<br />
<br />
==(Căinari -) Iserlia CFM - Karabutseny (Ukraine) - 121 km (Ukraine) - Basarabeasca CFM==<br />
[D] CFM operates throughout between Căinari and Basarabeasca. Two local train pairs run daily between Basarabeasca and Zloți.<br />
<br />
==Basarabeasca CFM - Serpneve I UZ (- Berezyne - Artsyz)==<br />
[D] Closed to all traffic in 1997 and lifted in 1999. Reopened for freight traffic on 22 August to enable traffic between the two countries avoiding the breakaway territory of Transnistria.<br />
<br />
==(Basarabeasca - Taraclia -) 208 km CFM - border - Bolhrad (Ukraine) - border - Greceni CFM (- Etulia)==<br />
[D] Freight only. Operated by CFM.<br />
<br />
==(Basarabeasca -) Etulia CFM - Frykatsei UZ (- Reni)==<br />
[D] Two local train pairs run daily between Etulia and Reni, operated by UZ. This crossing is officially permitted only to local citizens, but normally other European nationals are tolerated.<br />
<br />
==Giurgiuleşti CFM - Reni UZ==<br />
[D] Freight only.<br />
<br />
== See also ==<br />
* [[Border Crossings - General Information]]<br />
<br />
{{Navbox Moldova}}<br />
{{Navbox Ukraine}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Border Crossings|Moldova - Ukraine]]</div>Theijs Europehttps://www.egtre.info/w/index.php?title=Border_Crossings:_Moldova_-_Ukraine&diff=48104Border Crossings: Moldova - Ukraine2022-12-29T10:16:15Z<p>Theijs Europe: /* (Tiraspol -) Novosavitskaia CFM - Kuchurhan UZ (- Rozdina) */ suspension of railtraffic</p>
<hr />
<div>All rail routes between this pair of countries are 1520mm gauge.<br />
<br />
==(Chernivtsi -) Mamalyha UZ - Criva CFM - Lipcani CFM - border - border - Medveja CFM - Larha UZ==<br />
[D] This route crosses the Moldova/Ukraine border four times, and is operated by Ukrainian Railways. However, passeneger services is reported to be suspended. Local and long distance passenger services used to run between Chernivtsi and Larha. One daily local passenger train pair continued beyond Larha to Sokyriany; since summer 2014 the long distance services have reversed direction at Larha and run via Khmel'nyts'kyi rather than passing through Moldova at Ocniţa.<br />
<br />
==Ocniţa CFM - Sokyriany UZ (- Larha)==<br />
[D] Freight only. One daily Ukrainian local passenger train pair to/from Chernivtsi continues beyond Larha to Sokyriany. Since the passenger service over this route ceased in 2014, the method of operation across the border is not known.<br />
<br />
==(Ocniţa -) Vălcineţ CFM - Mohyliv-Podil’s’kyi UZ (- Zhmerynka)==<br />
[D] UZ operates to Ocniţa, although Moldovan border formalities are performed at Vălcineţ.<br />
<br />
==(Rîbnița -) Cobasna CFM - Tymkove UZ (- Slobidka)==<br />
[D] Freight only. The method of operation is not known. Note that this line passes through Transnistria between Rîbnița and Cobasna/Tymkove.<br />
<br />
==<div id="NOV_KUC"></div>(Tiraspol -) Novosavitskaia CFM - Kuchurhan UZ (- Rozdina)==<br />
[D] CFM operates to Kuchurhan. However, rail traffic is suspended as the cross border bridge has collapsed due to the war in Ukraine.<br />
<br />
Note that Tiraspol is the "capital" of Transnistria; passport checks and the police registration are carried out here at the station, and not in the train.<br />
<br />
The CFM lines from (Chişinău -) Revaca and from (Căinari –) Căuşeni cross into Transnistria at Tighina/Bender-2 and Tighina/Bender-1 respectively. Moldova does not recognise Tighina/Bender as a border. Border checks on trains running through Transnistria from Moldova to Ukraine are carried out on the train.<br />
<br />
Owing to disagreements between Moldova and Transnistria, local trains between Chişinău and Bender now use the new station of Bender-3, just on the Moldovan side of the de-facto border. Passengers to and from the town of Bender must travel on foot via the official road crossing.<br />
<br />
As of March 2022 this bordercrossing has been closed for all railway traffic due to the war in Ukraine.<br />
<br />
==(Căinari -) Iserlia CFM - Karabutseny (Ukraine) - 121 km (Ukraine) - Basarabeasca CFM==<br />
[D] CFM operates throughout between Căinari and Basarabeasca. Two local train pairs run daily between Basarabeasca and Zloți.<br />
<br />
==Basarabeasca CFM - Serpneve I UZ (- Berezyne - Artsyz)==<br />
[D] Closed to all traffic in 1997 and lifted in 1999. An agreement to reconstruct the line between Basarabeasca and Berezyne was signed in June 2022: this will enable traffic between the two countries to avoid passing through the breakaway territory of Transnistria. An official opening ceremony took place on 22 August 2022 and through freight traffic is expected to start in September 2022.<br />
<br />
==(Basarabeasca - Taraclia -) 208 km CFM - border - Bolhrad (Ukraine) - border - Greceni CFM (- Etulia)==<br />
[D] Freight only. Operated by CFM.<br />
<br />
==(Basarabeasca -) Etulia CFM - Frykatsei UZ (- Reni)==<br />
[D] Two local train pairs run daily between Etulia and Reni, operated by UZ. This crossing is officially permitted only to local citizens, but normally other European nationals are tolerated.<br />
<br />
==Giurgiuleşti CFM - Reni UZ==<br />
[D] Freight only.<br />
<br />
== See also ==<br />
* [[Border Crossings - General Information]]<br />
<br />
{{Navbox Moldova}}<br />
{{Navbox Ukraine}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Border Crossings|Moldova - Ukraine]]</div>Theijs Europehttps://www.egtre.info/w/index.php?title=Border_Crossings:_Moldova_-_Ukraine&diff=48103Border Crossings: Moldova - Ukraine2022-12-29T10:14:28Z<p>Theijs Europe: /* (Chernivtsi -) Mamalyha UZ - Criva CFM - Lipcani CFM - border - border - Medveja CFM - Larha UZ */ suspension of passenger services</p>
<hr />
<div>All rail routes between this pair of countries are 1520mm gauge.<br />
<br />
==(Chernivtsi -) Mamalyha UZ - Criva CFM - Lipcani CFM - border - border - Medveja CFM - Larha UZ==<br />
[D] This route crosses the Moldova/Ukraine border four times, and is operated by Ukrainian Railways. However, passeneger services is reported to be suspended. Local and long distance passenger services used to run between Chernivtsi and Larha. One daily local passenger train pair continued beyond Larha to Sokyriany; since summer 2014 the long distance services have reversed direction at Larha and run via Khmel'nyts'kyi rather than passing through Moldova at Ocniţa.<br />
<br />
==Ocniţa CFM - Sokyriany UZ (- Larha)==<br />
[D] Freight only. One daily Ukrainian local passenger train pair to/from Chernivtsi continues beyond Larha to Sokyriany. Since the passenger service over this route ceased in 2014, the method of operation across the border is not known.<br />
<br />
==(Ocniţa -) Vălcineţ CFM - Mohyliv-Podil’s’kyi UZ (- Zhmerynka)==<br />
[D] UZ operates to Ocniţa, although Moldovan border formalities are performed at Vălcineţ.<br />
<br />
==(Rîbnița -) Cobasna CFM - Tymkove UZ (- Slobidka)==<br />
[D] Freight only. The method of operation is not known. Note that this line passes through Transnistria between Rîbnița and Cobasna/Tymkove.<br />
<br />
==<div id="NOV_KUC"></div>(Tiraspol -) Novosavitskaia CFM - Kuchurhan UZ (- Rozdina)==<br />
[D] CFM operates to Kuchurhan.<br />
<br />
Note that Tiraspol is the "capital" of Transnistria; passport checks and the police registration are carried out here at the station, and not in the train.<br />
<br />
The CFM lines from (Chişinău -) Revaca and from (Căinari –) Căuşeni cross into Transnistria at Tighina/Bender-2 and Tighina/Bender-1 respectively. Moldova does not recognise Tighina/Bender as a border. Border checks on trains running through Transnistria from Moldova to Ukraine are carried out on the train.<br />
<br />
Owing to disagreements between Moldova and Transnistria, local trains between Chişinău and Bender now use the new station of Bender-3, just on the Moldovan side of the de-facto border. Passengers to and from the town of Bender must travel on foot via the official road crossing.<br />
<br />
As of March 2022 this bordercrossing has been closed for all railway traffic due to the war in Ukraine.<br />
<br />
==(Căinari -) Iserlia CFM - Karabutseny (Ukraine) - 121 km (Ukraine) - Basarabeasca CFM==<br />
[D] CFM operates throughout between Căinari and Basarabeasca. Two local train pairs run daily between Basarabeasca and Zloți.<br />
<br />
==Basarabeasca CFM - Serpneve I UZ (- Berezyne - Artsyz)==<br />
[D] Closed to all traffic in 1997 and lifted in 1999. An agreement to reconstruct the line between Basarabeasca and Berezyne was signed in June 2022: this will enable traffic between the two countries to avoid passing through the breakaway territory of Transnistria. An official opening ceremony took place on 22 August 2022 and through freight traffic is expected to start in September 2022.<br />
<br />
==(Basarabeasca - Taraclia -) 208 km CFM - border - Bolhrad (Ukraine) - border - Greceni CFM (- Etulia)==<br />
[D] Freight only. Operated by CFM.<br />
<br />
==(Basarabeasca -) Etulia CFM - Frykatsei UZ (- Reni)==<br />
[D] Two local train pairs run daily between Etulia and Reni, operated by UZ. This crossing is officially permitted only to local citizens, but normally other European nationals are tolerated.<br />
<br />
==Giurgiuleşti CFM - Reni UZ==<br />
[D] Freight only.<br />
<br />
== See also ==<br />
* [[Border Crossings - General Information]]<br />
<br />
{{Navbox Moldova}}<br />
{{Navbox Ukraine}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Border Crossings|Moldova - Ukraine]]</div>Theijs Europehttps://www.egtre.info/w/index.php?title=Moldova_-_General_Information&diff=48102Moldova - General Information2022-12-29T10:10:57Z<p>Theijs Europe: /* Special Notes */ local services suspended</p>
<hr />
<div>==Country Name==<br />
Moldova (Republica Moldova)<br />
<br />
==National railway system==<br />
===National Railway Operator===<br />
[http://www.railway.md/ CFM - Caile Ferată Moldova].<br />
<br />
==Language==<br />
The Constitution of 1994 states that "the national language of the Republic of Moldova is Moldovan, and its writing is based on the Latin alphabet," while the 1991 Declaration of Independence names the official language Romanian. The 1989 State Language Law speaks of a Moldo-Romanian linguistic identity. Russian is provided with the status of a "language of interethnic communication" (alongside the official language), and in practice remains widely used. Gagauz and Ukrainian have significant regional speaker populations and are granted official status together with Russian in Gagauzia and Transnistria respectively.<br />
<br />
==Currency==<br />
Moldova Leu (MDL; plural Lei), 1 Leu = 100 Bani (singular Ban). In Transnistria, a partially recognized state claimed in whole by Moldova, the Transnistrian rouble is used instead.<br />
<br />
==UIC code==<br />
numeric 23; alpha CFM.<br />
<br />
==Timetable==<br />
===Journey Planner===<br />
A station to station timetable facility including days of running is available at [http://www.railway.md/]. On the menu bar select 'Transportul de Pasageri' then select 'Mersul Trenilor'.<br />
<br />
===Downloadable Timetable===<br />
None<br />
<br />
However, a good [https://drive.google.com/open?id=1r3NiwZLbodz0Pd5H-k05T4BByU4I-0clVQ2nJnMiq6s privately compiled timetable] is available (as at 19 December 2019, not updated since August 2019).<br />
<br />
===Printed Timetable===<br />
There is no public timetable as such.<br />
<br />
===Engineering Information===<br />
None.<br />
<br />
===Bus Information===<br />
None known.<br />
<br />
==Maps==<br />
===Printed Maps===<br />
*[[Printed Maps#ERA-E | European Railway Atlas (All-Europe Edition)]] by M.G. Ball.<br />
*[[Printed Maps#ERA-R-EE-LV-LT-BY-UA-MD | European Railway Atlas (Regional Series - Baltic States, Belarus and Ukraine)]] by M.G. Ball.<br />
*[[Printed Maps#UA-BY-MD | Ukraine, Belarus and Moldova Railway Atlas]] by Quail Map Company. A comprehensive atlas of the Moldova rail network in English and German, which records the evolution of the network and place-names on it, published December 1995, but now out of print. <br />
*An excellent 1:200.000 Moldova map, produced by the Kiev map publishers, can be found in book shops in Chişinău or in larger Ukrainian towns. It is very like the popular Ukraine Oblast maps.<br />
<br />
===Web-based Maps===<br />
* Map offered by CFM [https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipPSYBdbm8K76IElApA8N1DF6u8f1KBDp9oxkaGx0_Aw7M7Iz4KNQs0KVIOOT13NOQ?key=WkNfQ3ZnRGllSUIzdWg5MjBrQ3Q2cmEtUy1LeGR3 CFM Network Map] dated November 2022<br />
*Thorsten Büker's single sheet [http://www.bueker.net/trainspotting/maps_ukraine.php Map of Ukraine and Moldova] dated March 2018.<br />
<br />
==Ticketing==<br />
Online tickets are available for the international trains from Chisinau to Iasi Socola and Chisinau - Bucharest via the [http://www.railway.md CFM website]<br />
<br />
Opportunities to use credit or debit cards at ticket offices may be limited, particularly in Transnistria. Normally, payment is possible only in local currency. Purchase of tickets from Transnistria to Chisinau may be possible only at limited times.<br />
<br />
==Infrastructure==<br />
===Infrastructure Authority===<br />
Not known.<br />
<br />
===Network Statement===<br />
None known.<br />
===Gauge===<br />
"Russian" gauge (1520mm). There is a gauge changer at Ungheni, where bogies are changed.<br />
<br />
===Electrification===<br />
None. Electrification had been planned into Moldova from the Ukraine border at Kuchurhan, and electrification masts were installed from the end of the UZ electrification at Kuchurhan through Tiraspol to Bender, but no further work has been done for many years.<br />
<br />
===Rule of the road===<br />
There is a section of effectively double track between [[Moldova_-_Lines_with_Obscure_or_Sparse_passenger_services#Chişinău-Revaca | Chişinău and Revaca (see Obscure Services)]], and between Cornești and Pîrlița on the line between Chișinău to Ungheni with right-hand running, but otherwise all lines are single track.<br />
<br />
===Distances===<br />
Some distances are visible via the Network Map<br />
<br />
==Other railways==<br />
None.<br />
<br />
==Tourist lines==<br />
None.<br />
<br />
==Metro==<br />
None.<br />
<br />
== Trams/LRT-Systems ==<br />
None.<br />
<br />
==Recent and future changes (latest first)==<br />
On 10 November 2022 the night train Chişinău - Kyiv was reinstated, operated by UZ. <br />
<br />
On 22 August 2022 the cross border line Basarabeasca - Berezino (- Odessa), avoiding Transnistria, was reopened for through freight traffic.<br />
<br />
On 18 May 2022 modernisation work on the 233 km Bender (Tighina) – Basarabeasca – Giurgiulești line was officially launched. This will remove weight and speed restrictions, increasing the line speed to 120 km/h for passenger trains and 90 km/h for freight.<br />
<br />
All train traffic from Chişinău/Tiraspol towards Odessa was halted in late February 2022 as a result of the collapsed cross border bridge at Cuciurgan. <br />
<br />
Starting from 12 December 2021, trains 105/106 Chisinau-Bucharest resumed.<br />
<br />
The Moldovan parliament has voted (October 2021)to bring CFM into line with EU legislation by breaking the railway into passenger, freight and infrastructure divisions. Passenger and freight may be opened to private operators.<br />
<br />
On 2 August 2021 services were restored Bălți Slobozia - Ocnița - Bălți Slobozia, Bălți Slobozia - Rogojeni - Bălți Slobozia and Ungheni - Bălți Slobozia - Ungheni <br />
<br />
Reported in early 2021 that a collapse in freight revenues has led to financial problems with workers not paid and no money to buy fuel, so service cuts necessary in addition to those caused by the Pandemic. Local services Chişinău - Ungheni, Chişinău - Bender and Bălți-Slobozia - Ocnita were reported operating. <br />
<br />
Services via Bender and Tiraspol, which are in Transnistria, continue to be affected. See [[#Special Notes|'''Special Notes''']] below.<br />
<br />
Local trains between Chişinău and Bender-2 in practice only run as far as Bender-3; passengers for Bender-2 must cross the border into and out of Transnistria on foot.<br />
<br />
From 2019 there are services through Transnistria: Chişinău <=> Moskva (alternate days from December 2019) and Chişinău <=> Odessa (from mid September 2019 operates Fridays Saturdays and Sundays).<br />
<br />
The Chişinău <=> Basarabeasca service via Revaca and Căinari is show on the timetable displays as "suspended", it is not known when the service ceased. However since at least September 2019 two daily train pairs have been running between Basarabeasca and Zloţi.<br />
<br />
The Basarabeasca <=> Reni (Ukraine) passenger service ceased in 2015/2016, but in September 2019 Etulia <=> Reni saw two daily train pairs running, operated by Ukrainian Railways as the majority of the route in is Ukraine.<br />
<br />
Services east of Bălți-Slobozia now only run as far as Rogojeni, the service beyond there to Șoldănești having ceased at an unknown date, probably in 2015/2016.<br />
<br />
Substantial investments have been made in building new railway lines since 2003, with the goal of connecting Chişinău to southern Moldova and the Giurgiuleşti oil terminal. The first such segment was the 40&nbsp;km Revaca - Căinari line, opened in 2006. The 53km Cahul - Giurgiuleşti line, opened only in 2008, closed in summer 2012 for a period because 20 km of track near the river Prut need rebuilding owing to poor construction. A passenger service over this section ran for a period in 2013/2014, reportedly only as far as the port gates at Giurgiuleşti.<br />
<br />
The daily Basarabeasca <=> Cahul train was reported to have been withdrawn by August 2013.<br />
<br />
The cross-border service between Prut-2 and Fălciu CFR, re-introduced in 2010, was missing from the 2011-2012 and subsequent timetables, and by September 2019 the line had been cut at the former junction west of Prut-1.<br />
<br />
The route between Ocnita and Chernivitsi (Ukraine) crosses the border a total of five times: most through services were withdrawn by August 2013 though overnight service 117/118 'Bukovina' (Chernivtsi-Kyiv) ran this way during summer 2014. See [[Border Crossings: Moldova - Ukraine | Border Crossings: Moldova - Ukraine]] for more details.<br />
<br />
An agreement was signed in October 2015 to reopen the Basarabeasca - Berezyne (Ukraine) line, closed to all traffic in 1997 and lifted in 1999. This would have enabled traffic between the two countries to avoid passing through the breakaway territory of Transnistria. Work was supposed to start in summer 2016, but it appears that a lack of funds has meant that the project has been postponed.<br />
<br />
Moldova is to receive €100&nbsp;M in loans and grants from the EIB and EBRD. Most of this will be used to modernize the Chişinău - Ungheni line. It is said that the line will also be converted to 1435&nbsp;mm gauge. This seems most unlikely as it would cut off northern Moldova from Chişinău and it is more likely that dual 1435/1520mm is meant.<br />
<br />
==Special Notes==<br />
Local services are mostly suspended due to the lack of finances for diesel. Priority is given to international services to Iasi, Bucharest and Kyiv, serving some local stations.<br />
<br />
Transnistria, also known as Trans-Dniestr or Transdniestria is a breakaway territory located mostly in a strip between the Dniester River and the eastern border with Ukraine. It is generally recognised internationally as being the de jure government of Eastern Moldova as the Stînga Nistrului ("Left Dnestr bank") autonomous region. Since its declaration of independence in 1990, it has been governed de facto by the unrecognized Pridnestrovskaya Moldavskaya Respublica (Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic - PMR, also known as "Pridnestrovie"), which claims the east bank of the river Dniester and the town of Bender and its locality on the right bank of the Dnestr. The Republic of Moldova does not recognize this secession and considers it to be part of Moldova.<br />
<br />
Travellers entering Moldova from Transnistria do not receive an entry stamp because the Republic of Moldova considers Transnistria to be part of Moldova. Until recently, this caused problems on leaving Moldova as it could be construed as having entered the country illegally. To avoid problems on leaving Moldova, it was recommended to cross Transnistria only from west to east, or to cross the whole of Moldova in the same train from Kuchurhan to Iaşi, using the Saratov – Varna summer-only train. Recent advice to westbound passengers has been to request a Moldovan entry stamp on arrival at Chişinău.<br />
<br />
However, see the [[Border_Crossings:_Moldova_-_Ukraine#NOV_KUC|Novosavickaia CFM - Kuchurhan UZ border crossing]] for the situation with local services to and from Bender.<br />
<br />
Photographers must ask permission from railway staff and police before taking pictures. Often they give permission, but do not attempt to take pictures if they refuse it.<br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
{{Navbox Moldova}}</div>Theijs Europehttps://www.egtre.info/w/index.php?title=Moldova_-_General_Information&diff=48101Moldova - General Information2022-12-29T10:07:49Z<p>Theijs Europe: /* Recent and future changes (latest first) */ nighttrain Chisinau - Kyiv</p>
<hr />
<div>==Country Name==<br />
Moldova (Republica Moldova)<br />
<br />
==National railway system==<br />
===National Railway Operator===<br />
[http://www.railway.md/ CFM - Caile Ferată Moldova].<br />
<br />
==Language==<br />
The Constitution of 1994 states that "the national language of the Republic of Moldova is Moldovan, and its writing is based on the Latin alphabet," while the 1991 Declaration of Independence names the official language Romanian. The 1989 State Language Law speaks of a Moldo-Romanian linguistic identity. Russian is provided with the status of a "language of interethnic communication" (alongside the official language), and in practice remains widely used. Gagauz and Ukrainian have significant regional speaker populations and are granted official status together with Russian in Gagauzia and Transnistria respectively.<br />
<br />
==Currency==<br />
Moldova Leu (MDL; plural Lei), 1 Leu = 100 Bani (singular Ban). In Transnistria, a partially recognized state claimed in whole by Moldova, the Transnistrian rouble is used instead.<br />
<br />
==UIC code==<br />
numeric 23; alpha CFM.<br />
<br />
==Timetable==<br />
===Journey Planner===<br />
A station to station timetable facility including days of running is available at [http://www.railway.md/]. On the menu bar select 'Transportul de Pasageri' then select 'Mersul Trenilor'.<br />
<br />
===Downloadable Timetable===<br />
None<br />
<br />
However, a good [https://drive.google.com/open?id=1r3NiwZLbodz0Pd5H-k05T4BByU4I-0clVQ2nJnMiq6s privately compiled timetable] is available (as at 19 December 2019, not updated since August 2019).<br />
<br />
===Printed Timetable===<br />
There is no public timetable as such.<br />
<br />
===Engineering Information===<br />
None.<br />
<br />
===Bus Information===<br />
None known.<br />
<br />
==Maps==<br />
===Printed Maps===<br />
*[[Printed Maps#ERA-E | European Railway Atlas (All-Europe Edition)]] by M.G. Ball.<br />
*[[Printed Maps#ERA-R-EE-LV-LT-BY-UA-MD | European Railway Atlas (Regional Series - Baltic States, Belarus and Ukraine)]] by M.G. Ball.<br />
*[[Printed Maps#UA-BY-MD | Ukraine, Belarus and Moldova Railway Atlas]] by Quail Map Company. A comprehensive atlas of the Moldova rail network in English and German, which records the evolution of the network and place-names on it, published December 1995, but now out of print. <br />
*An excellent 1:200.000 Moldova map, produced by the Kiev map publishers, can be found in book shops in Chişinău or in larger Ukrainian towns. It is very like the popular Ukraine Oblast maps.<br />
<br />
===Web-based Maps===<br />
* Map offered by CFM [https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipPSYBdbm8K76IElApA8N1DF6u8f1KBDp9oxkaGx0_Aw7M7Iz4KNQs0KVIOOT13NOQ?key=WkNfQ3ZnRGllSUIzdWg5MjBrQ3Q2cmEtUy1LeGR3 CFM Network Map] dated November 2022<br />
*Thorsten Büker's single sheet [http://www.bueker.net/trainspotting/maps_ukraine.php Map of Ukraine and Moldova] dated March 2018.<br />
<br />
==Ticketing==<br />
Online tickets are available for the international trains from Chisinau to Iasi Socola and Chisinau - Bucharest via the [http://www.railway.md CFM website]<br />
<br />
Opportunities to use credit or debit cards at ticket offices may be limited, particularly in Transnistria. Normally, payment is possible only in local currency. Purchase of tickets from Transnistria to Chisinau may be possible only at limited times.<br />
<br />
==Infrastructure==<br />
===Infrastructure Authority===<br />
Not known.<br />
<br />
===Network Statement===<br />
None known.<br />
===Gauge===<br />
"Russian" gauge (1520mm). There is a gauge changer at Ungheni, where bogies are changed.<br />
<br />
===Electrification===<br />
None. Electrification had been planned into Moldova from the Ukraine border at Kuchurhan, and electrification masts were installed from the end of the UZ electrification at Kuchurhan through Tiraspol to Bender, but no further work has been done for many years.<br />
<br />
===Rule of the road===<br />
There is a section of effectively double track between [[Moldova_-_Lines_with_Obscure_or_Sparse_passenger_services#Chişinău-Revaca | Chişinău and Revaca (see Obscure Services)]], and between Cornești and Pîrlița on the line between Chișinău to Ungheni with right-hand running, but otherwise all lines are single track.<br />
<br />
===Distances===<br />
Some distances are visible via the Network Map<br />
<br />
==Other railways==<br />
None.<br />
<br />
==Tourist lines==<br />
None.<br />
<br />
==Metro==<br />
None.<br />
<br />
== Trams/LRT-Systems ==<br />
None.<br />
<br />
==Recent and future changes (latest first)==<br />
On 10 November 2022 the night train Chişinău - Kyiv was reinstated, operated by UZ. <br />
<br />
On 22 August 2022 the cross border line Basarabeasca - Berezino (- Odessa), avoiding Transnistria, was reopened for through freight traffic.<br />
<br />
On 18 May 2022 modernisation work on the 233 km Bender (Tighina) – Basarabeasca – Giurgiulești line was officially launched. This will remove weight and speed restrictions, increasing the line speed to 120 km/h for passenger trains and 90 km/h for freight.<br />
<br />
All train traffic from Chişinău/Tiraspol towards Odessa was halted in late February 2022 as a result of the collapsed cross border bridge at Cuciurgan. <br />
<br />
Starting from 12 December 2021, trains 105/106 Chisinau-Bucharest resumed.<br />
<br />
The Moldovan parliament has voted (October 2021)to bring CFM into line with EU legislation by breaking the railway into passenger, freight and infrastructure divisions. Passenger and freight may be opened to private operators.<br />
<br />
On 2 August 2021 services were restored Bălți Slobozia - Ocnița - Bălți Slobozia, Bălți Slobozia - Rogojeni - Bălți Slobozia and Ungheni - Bălți Slobozia - Ungheni <br />
<br />
Reported in early 2021 that a collapse in freight revenues has led to financial problems with workers not paid and no money to buy fuel, so service cuts necessary in addition to those caused by the Pandemic. Local services Chişinău - Ungheni, Chişinău - Bender and Bălți-Slobozia - Ocnita were reported operating. <br />
<br />
Services via Bender and Tiraspol, which are in Transnistria, continue to be affected. See [[#Special Notes|'''Special Notes''']] below.<br />
<br />
Local trains between Chişinău and Bender-2 in practice only run as far as Bender-3; passengers for Bender-2 must cross the border into and out of Transnistria on foot.<br />
<br />
From 2019 there are services through Transnistria: Chişinău <=> Moskva (alternate days from December 2019) and Chişinău <=> Odessa (from mid September 2019 operates Fridays Saturdays and Sundays).<br />
<br />
The Chişinău <=> Basarabeasca service via Revaca and Căinari is show on the timetable displays as "suspended", it is not known when the service ceased. However since at least September 2019 two daily train pairs have been running between Basarabeasca and Zloţi.<br />
<br />
The Basarabeasca <=> Reni (Ukraine) passenger service ceased in 2015/2016, but in September 2019 Etulia <=> Reni saw two daily train pairs running, operated by Ukrainian Railways as the majority of the route in is Ukraine.<br />
<br />
Services east of Bălți-Slobozia now only run as far as Rogojeni, the service beyond there to Șoldănești having ceased at an unknown date, probably in 2015/2016.<br />
<br />
Substantial investments have been made in building new railway lines since 2003, with the goal of connecting Chişinău to southern Moldova and the Giurgiuleşti oil terminal. The first such segment was the 40&nbsp;km Revaca - Căinari line, opened in 2006. The 53km Cahul - Giurgiuleşti line, opened only in 2008, closed in summer 2012 for a period because 20 km of track near the river Prut need rebuilding owing to poor construction. A passenger service over this section ran for a period in 2013/2014, reportedly only as far as the port gates at Giurgiuleşti.<br />
<br />
The daily Basarabeasca <=> Cahul train was reported to have been withdrawn by August 2013.<br />
<br />
The cross-border service between Prut-2 and Fălciu CFR, re-introduced in 2010, was missing from the 2011-2012 and subsequent timetables, and by September 2019 the line had been cut at the former junction west of Prut-1.<br />
<br />
The route between Ocnita and Chernivitsi (Ukraine) crosses the border a total of five times: most through services were withdrawn by August 2013 though overnight service 117/118 'Bukovina' (Chernivtsi-Kyiv) ran this way during summer 2014. See [[Border Crossings: Moldova - Ukraine | Border Crossings: Moldova - Ukraine]] for more details.<br />
<br />
An agreement was signed in October 2015 to reopen the Basarabeasca - Berezyne (Ukraine) line, closed to all traffic in 1997 and lifted in 1999. This would have enabled traffic between the two countries to avoid passing through the breakaway territory of Transnistria. Work was supposed to start in summer 2016, but it appears that a lack of funds has meant that the project has been postponed.<br />
<br />
Moldova is to receive €100&nbsp;M in loans and grants from the EIB and EBRD. Most of this will be used to modernize the Chişinău - Ungheni line. It is said that the line will also be converted to 1435&nbsp;mm gauge. This seems most unlikely as it would cut off northern Moldova from Chişinău and it is more likely that dual 1435/1520mm is meant.<br />
<br />
==Special Notes==<br />
Transnistria, also known as Trans-Dniestr or Transdniestria is a breakaway territory located mostly in a strip between the Dniester River and the eastern border with Ukraine. It is generally recognised internationally as being the de jure government of Eastern Moldova as the Stînga Nistrului ("Left Dnestr bank") autonomous region. Since its declaration of independence in 1990, it has been governed de facto by the unrecognized Pridnestrovskaya Moldavskaya Respublica (Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic - PMR, also known as "Pridnestrovie"), which claims the east bank of the river Dniester and the town of Bender and its locality on the right bank of the Dnestr. The Republic of Moldova does not recognize this secession and considers it to be part of Moldova.<br />
<br />
Travellers entering Moldova from Transnistria do not receive an entry stamp because the Republic of Moldova considers Transnistria to be part of Moldova. Until recently, this caused problems on leaving Moldova as it could be construed as having entered the country illegally. To avoid problems on leaving Moldova, it was recommended to cross Transnistria only from west to east, or to cross the whole of Moldova in the same train from Kuchurhan to Iaşi, using the Saratov – Varna summer-only train. Recent advice to westbound passengers has been to request a Moldovan entry stamp on arrival at Chişinău.<br />
<br />
However, see the [[Border_Crossings:_Moldova_-_Ukraine#NOV_KUC|Novosavickaia CFM - Kuchurhan UZ border crossing]] for the situation with local services to and from Bender.<br />
<br />
Photographers must ask permission from railway staff and police before taking pictures. Often they give permission, but do not attempt to take pictures if they refuse it.<br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
{{Navbox Moldova}}</div>Theijs Europehttps://www.egtre.info/w/index.php?title=Moldova_-_General_Information&diff=48100Moldova - General Information2022-12-29T09:55:43Z<p>Theijs Europe: /* Distances */</p>
<hr />
<div>==Country Name==<br />
Moldova (Republica Moldova)<br />
<br />
==National railway system==<br />
===National Railway Operator===<br />
[http://www.railway.md/ CFM - Caile Ferată Moldova].<br />
<br />
==Language==<br />
The Constitution of 1994 states that "the national language of the Republic of Moldova is Moldovan, and its writing is based on the Latin alphabet," while the 1991 Declaration of Independence names the official language Romanian. The 1989 State Language Law speaks of a Moldo-Romanian linguistic identity. Russian is provided with the status of a "language of interethnic communication" (alongside the official language), and in practice remains widely used. Gagauz and Ukrainian have significant regional speaker populations and are granted official status together with Russian in Gagauzia and Transnistria respectively.<br />
<br />
==Currency==<br />
Moldova Leu (MDL; plural Lei), 1 Leu = 100 Bani (singular Ban). In Transnistria, a partially recognized state claimed in whole by Moldova, the Transnistrian rouble is used instead.<br />
<br />
==UIC code==<br />
numeric 23; alpha CFM.<br />
<br />
==Timetable==<br />
===Journey Planner===<br />
A station to station timetable facility including days of running is available at [http://www.railway.md/]. On the menu bar select 'Transportul de Pasageri' then select 'Mersul Trenilor'.<br />
<br />
===Downloadable Timetable===<br />
None<br />
<br />
However, a good [https://drive.google.com/open?id=1r3NiwZLbodz0Pd5H-k05T4BByU4I-0clVQ2nJnMiq6s privately compiled timetable] is available (as at 19 December 2019, not updated since August 2019).<br />
<br />
===Printed Timetable===<br />
There is no public timetable as such.<br />
<br />
===Engineering Information===<br />
None.<br />
<br />
===Bus Information===<br />
None known.<br />
<br />
==Maps==<br />
===Printed Maps===<br />
*[[Printed Maps#ERA-E | European Railway Atlas (All-Europe Edition)]] by M.G. Ball.<br />
*[[Printed Maps#ERA-R-EE-LV-LT-BY-UA-MD | European Railway Atlas (Regional Series - Baltic States, Belarus and Ukraine)]] by M.G. Ball.<br />
*[[Printed Maps#UA-BY-MD | Ukraine, Belarus and Moldova Railway Atlas]] by Quail Map Company. A comprehensive atlas of the Moldova rail network in English and German, which records the evolution of the network and place-names on it, published December 1995, but now out of print. <br />
*An excellent 1:200.000 Moldova map, produced by the Kiev map publishers, can be found in book shops in Chişinău or in larger Ukrainian towns. It is very like the popular Ukraine Oblast maps.<br />
<br />
===Web-based Maps===<br />
* Map offered by CFM [https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipPSYBdbm8K76IElApA8N1DF6u8f1KBDp9oxkaGx0_Aw7M7Iz4KNQs0KVIOOT13NOQ?key=WkNfQ3ZnRGllSUIzdWg5MjBrQ3Q2cmEtUy1LeGR3 CFM Network Map] dated November 2022<br />
*Thorsten Büker's single sheet [http://www.bueker.net/trainspotting/maps_ukraine.php Map of Ukraine and Moldova] dated March 2018.<br />
<br />
==Ticketing==<br />
Online tickets are available for the international trains from Chisinau to Iasi Socola and Chisinau - Bucharest via the [http://www.railway.md CFM website]<br />
<br />
Opportunities to use credit or debit cards at ticket offices may be limited, particularly in Transnistria. Normally, payment is possible only in local currency. Purchase of tickets from Transnistria to Chisinau may be possible only at limited times.<br />
<br />
==Infrastructure==<br />
===Infrastructure Authority===<br />
Not known.<br />
<br />
===Network Statement===<br />
None known.<br />
===Gauge===<br />
"Russian" gauge (1520mm). There is a gauge changer at Ungheni, where bogies are changed.<br />
<br />
===Electrification===<br />
None. Electrification had been planned into Moldova from the Ukraine border at Kuchurhan, and electrification masts were installed from the end of the UZ electrification at Kuchurhan through Tiraspol to Bender, but no further work has been done for many years.<br />
<br />
===Rule of the road===<br />
There is a section of effectively double track between [[Moldova_-_Lines_with_Obscure_or_Sparse_passenger_services#Chişinău-Revaca | Chişinău and Revaca (see Obscure Services)]], and between Cornești and Pîrlița on the line between Chișinău to Ungheni with right-hand running, but otherwise all lines are single track.<br />
<br />
===Distances===<br />
Some distances are visible via the Network Map<br />
<br />
==Other railways==<br />
None.<br />
<br />
==Tourist lines==<br />
None.<br />
<br />
==Metro==<br />
None.<br />
<br />
== Trams/LRT-Systems ==<br />
None.<br />
<br />
==Recent and future changes (latest first)==<br />
On 27 June 2022 a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between CFM and UZ to rebuild the line across the Basarabeasca - Berezino (- Odessa) border crossing, avoiding Transnistria. An official opening ceremony took place on 22 August 2022 and through freight traffic is expected to start in September 2022.<br />
<br />
On 18 May 2022 modernisation work on the 233 km Bender (Tighina) – Basarabeasca – Giurgiulești line was officially launched. This will remove weight and speed restrictions, increasing the line speed to 120 km/h for passenger trains and 90 km/h for freight.<br />
<br />
Starting from 12 December 2021, trains 105/106 Chisinau-Bucharest will resume.<br />
<br />
The Moldovan parliament has voted (October 2021)to bring CFM into line with EU legislation by breaking the railway into passenger, freight and infrastructure divisions. Passenger and freight may be opened to private operators.<br />
<br />
International services resumed on 28 August 2021 with a daily Chişinău - Odessa - Chişinău service. <br />
<br />
On 2 August 2021 services were restored Bălți Slobozia - Ocnița - Bălți Slobozia, Bălți Slobozia - Rogojeni - Bălți Slobozia and Ungheni - Bălți Slobozia - Ungheni <br />
<br />
Reported in early 2021 that a collapse in freight revenues has led to financial problems with workers not paid and no money to buy fuel, so service cuts necessary in addition to those caused by the Pandemic. Local services Chişinău - Ungheni, Chişinău - Bender and Bălți-Slobozia - Ocnita were reported operating. <br />
<br />
Services via Bender and Tiraspol, which are in Transnistria, continue to be affected. See [[#Special Notes|'''Special Notes''']] below.<br />
<br />
Local trains between Chişinău and Bender-2 in practice only run as far as Bender-3; passengers for Bender-2 must cross the border into and out of Transnistria on foot.<br />
<br />
From 2019 there are services through Transnistria: Chişinău <=> Moskva (alternate days from December 2019) and Chişinău <=> Odessa (from mid September 2019 operates Fridays Saturdays and Sundays).<br />
<br />
The Chişinău <=> Basarabeasca service via Revaca and Căinari is show on the timetable displays as "suspended", it is not known when the service ceased. However since at least September 2019 two daily train pairs have been running between Basarabeasca and Zloţi.<br />
<br />
The Basarabeasca <=> Reni (Ukraine) passenger service ceased in 2015/2016, but in September 2019 Etulia <=> Reni saw two daily train pairs running, operated by Ukrainian Railways as the majority of the route in is Ukraine.<br />
<br />
Services east of Bălți-Slobozia now only run as far as Rogojeni, the service beyond there to Șoldănești having ceased at an unknown date, probably in 2015/2016.<br />
<br />
Substantial investments have been made in building new railway lines since 2003, with the goal of connecting Chişinău to southern Moldova and the Giurgiuleşti oil terminal. The first such segment was the 40&nbsp;km Revaca - Căinari line, opened in 2006. The 53km Cahul - Giurgiuleşti line, opened only in 2008, closed in summer 2012 for a period because 20 km of track near the river Prut need rebuilding owing to poor construction. A passenger service over this section ran for a period in 2013/2014, reportedly only as far as the port gates at Giurgiuleşti.<br />
<br />
The daily Basarabeasca <=> Cahul train was reported to have been withdrawn by August 2013.<br />
<br />
The cross-border service between Prut-2 and Fălciu CFR, re-introduced in 2010, was missing from the 2011-2012 and subsequent timetables, and by September 2019 the line had been cut at the former junction west of Prut-1.<br />
<br />
The route between Ocnita and Chernivitsi (Ukraine) crosses the border a total of five times: most through services were withdrawn by August 2013 though overnight service 117/118 'Bukovina' (Chernivtsi-Kyiv) ran this way during summer 2014. See [[Border Crossings: Moldova - Ukraine | Border Crossings: Moldova - Ukraine]] for more details.<br />
<br />
An agreement was signed in October 2015 to reopen the Basarabeasca - Berezyne (Ukraine) line, closed to all traffic in 1997 and lifted in 1999. This would have enabled traffic between the two countries to avoid passing through the breakaway territory of Transnistria. Work was supposed to start in summer 2016, but it appears that a lack of funds has meant that the project has been postponed.<br />
<br />
Moldova is to receive €100&nbsp;M in loans and grants from the EIB and EBRD. Most of this will be used to modernize the Chişinău - Ungheni line. It is said that the line will also be converted to 1435&nbsp;mm gauge. This seems most unlikely as it would cut off northern Moldova from Chişinău and it is more likely that dual 1435/1520mm is meant.<br />
<br />
==Special Notes==<br />
Transnistria, also known as Trans-Dniestr or Transdniestria is a breakaway territory located mostly in a strip between the Dniester River and the eastern border with Ukraine. It is generally recognised internationally as being the de jure government of Eastern Moldova as the Stînga Nistrului ("Left Dnestr bank") autonomous region. Since its declaration of independence in 1990, it has been governed de facto by the unrecognized Pridnestrovskaya Moldavskaya Respublica (Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic - PMR, also known as "Pridnestrovie"), which claims the east bank of the river Dniester and the town of Bender and its locality on the right bank of the Dnestr. The Republic of Moldova does not recognize this secession and considers it to be part of Moldova.<br />
<br />
Travellers entering Moldova from Transnistria do not receive an entry stamp because the Republic of Moldova considers Transnistria to be part of Moldova. Until recently, this caused problems on leaving Moldova as it could be construed as having entered the country illegally. To avoid problems on leaving Moldova, it was recommended to cross Transnistria only from west to east, or to cross the whole of Moldova in the same train from Kuchurhan to Iaşi, using the Saratov – Varna summer-only train. Recent advice to westbound passengers has been to request a Moldovan entry stamp on arrival at Chişinău.<br />
<br />
However, see the [[Border_Crossings:_Moldova_-_Ukraine#NOV_KUC|Novosavickaia CFM - Kuchurhan UZ border crossing]] for the situation with local services to and from Bender.<br />
<br />
Photographers must ask permission from railway staff and police before taking pictures. Often they give permission, but do not attempt to take pictures if they refuse it.<br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
{{Navbox Moldova}}</div>Theijs Europehttps://www.egtre.info/w/index.php?title=Moldova_-_General_Information&diff=48099Moldova - General Information2022-12-29T09:54:23Z<p>Theijs Europe: /* Ticketing */</p>
<hr />
<div>==Country Name==<br />
Moldova (Republica Moldova)<br />
<br />
==National railway system==<br />
===National Railway Operator===<br />
[http://www.railway.md/ CFM - Caile Ferată Moldova].<br />
<br />
==Language==<br />
The Constitution of 1994 states that "the national language of the Republic of Moldova is Moldovan, and its writing is based on the Latin alphabet," while the 1991 Declaration of Independence names the official language Romanian. The 1989 State Language Law speaks of a Moldo-Romanian linguistic identity. Russian is provided with the status of a "language of interethnic communication" (alongside the official language), and in practice remains widely used. Gagauz and Ukrainian have significant regional speaker populations and are granted official status together with Russian in Gagauzia and Transnistria respectively.<br />
<br />
==Currency==<br />
Moldova Leu (MDL; plural Lei), 1 Leu = 100 Bani (singular Ban). In Transnistria, a partially recognized state claimed in whole by Moldova, the Transnistrian rouble is used instead.<br />
<br />
==UIC code==<br />
numeric 23; alpha CFM.<br />
<br />
==Timetable==<br />
===Journey Planner===<br />
A station to station timetable facility including days of running is available at [http://www.railway.md/]. On the menu bar select 'Transportul de Pasageri' then select 'Mersul Trenilor'.<br />
<br />
===Downloadable Timetable===<br />
None<br />
<br />
However, a good [https://drive.google.com/open?id=1r3NiwZLbodz0Pd5H-k05T4BByU4I-0clVQ2nJnMiq6s privately compiled timetable] is available (as at 19 December 2019, not updated since August 2019).<br />
<br />
===Printed Timetable===<br />
There is no public timetable as such.<br />
<br />
===Engineering Information===<br />
None.<br />
<br />
===Bus Information===<br />
None known.<br />
<br />
==Maps==<br />
===Printed Maps===<br />
*[[Printed Maps#ERA-E | European Railway Atlas (All-Europe Edition)]] by M.G. Ball.<br />
*[[Printed Maps#ERA-R-EE-LV-LT-BY-UA-MD | European Railway Atlas (Regional Series - Baltic States, Belarus and Ukraine)]] by M.G. Ball.<br />
*[[Printed Maps#UA-BY-MD | Ukraine, Belarus and Moldova Railway Atlas]] by Quail Map Company. A comprehensive atlas of the Moldova rail network in English and German, which records the evolution of the network and place-names on it, published December 1995, but now out of print. <br />
*An excellent 1:200.000 Moldova map, produced by the Kiev map publishers, can be found in book shops in Chişinău or in larger Ukrainian towns. It is very like the popular Ukraine Oblast maps.<br />
<br />
===Web-based Maps===<br />
* Map offered by CFM [https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipPSYBdbm8K76IElApA8N1DF6u8f1KBDp9oxkaGx0_Aw7M7Iz4KNQs0KVIOOT13NOQ?key=WkNfQ3ZnRGllSUIzdWg5MjBrQ3Q2cmEtUy1LeGR3 CFM Network Map] dated November 2022<br />
*Thorsten Büker's single sheet [http://www.bueker.net/trainspotting/maps_ukraine.php Map of Ukraine and Moldova] dated March 2018.<br />
<br />
==Ticketing==<br />
Online tickets are available for the international trains from Chisinau to Iasi Socola and Chisinau - Bucharest via the [http://www.railway.md CFM website]<br />
<br />
Opportunities to use credit or debit cards at ticket offices may be limited, particularly in Transnistria. Normally, payment is possible only in local currency. Purchase of tickets from Transnistria to Chisinau may be possible only at limited times.<br />
<br />
==Infrastructure==<br />
===Infrastructure Authority===<br />
Not known.<br />
<br />
===Network Statement===<br />
None known.<br />
===Gauge===<br />
"Russian" gauge (1520mm). There is a gauge changer at Ungheni, where bogies are changed.<br />
<br />
===Electrification===<br />
None. Electrification had been planned into Moldova from the Ukraine border at Kuchurhan, and electrification masts were installed from the end of the UZ electrification at Kuchurhan through Tiraspol to Bender, but no further work has been done for many years.<br />
<br />
===Rule of the road===<br />
There is a section of effectively double track between [[Moldova_-_Lines_with_Obscure_or_Sparse_passenger_services#Chişinău-Revaca | Chişinău and Revaca (see Obscure Services)]], and between Cornești and Pîrlița on the line between Chișinău to Ungheni with right-hand running, but otherwise all lines are single track.<br />
<br />
===Distances===<br />
No source known<br />
<br />
==Other railways==<br />
None.<br />
<br />
==Tourist lines==<br />
None.<br />
<br />
==Metro==<br />
None.<br />
<br />
== Trams/LRT-Systems ==<br />
None.<br />
<br />
==Recent and future changes (latest first)==<br />
On 27 June 2022 a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between CFM and UZ to rebuild the line across the Basarabeasca - Berezino (- Odessa) border crossing, avoiding Transnistria. An official opening ceremony took place on 22 August 2022 and through freight traffic is expected to start in September 2022.<br />
<br />
On 18 May 2022 modernisation work on the 233 km Bender (Tighina) – Basarabeasca – Giurgiulești line was officially launched. This will remove weight and speed restrictions, increasing the line speed to 120 km/h for passenger trains and 90 km/h for freight.<br />
<br />
Starting from 12 December 2021, trains 105/106 Chisinau-Bucharest will resume.<br />
<br />
The Moldovan parliament has voted (October 2021)to bring CFM into line with EU legislation by breaking the railway into passenger, freight and infrastructure divisions. Passenger and freight may be opened to private operators.<br />
<br />
International services resumed on 28 August 2021 with a daily Chişinău - Odessa - Chişinău service. <br />
<br />
On 2 August 2021 services were restored Bălți Slobozia - Ocnița - Bălți Slobozia, Bălți Slobozia - Rogojeni - Bălți Slobozia and Ungheni - Bălți Slobozia - Ungheni <br />
<br />
Reported in early 2021 that a collapse in freight revenues has led to financial problems with workers not paid and no money to buy fuel, so service cuts necessary in addition to those caused by the Pandemic. Local services Chişinău - Ungheni, Chişinău - Bender and Bălți-Slobozia - Ocnita were reported operating. <br />
<br />
Services via Bender and Tiraspol, which are in Transnistria, continue to be affected. See [[#Special Notes|'''Special Notes''']] below.<br />
<br />
Local trains between Chişinău and Bender-2 in practice only run as far as Bender-3; passengers for Bender-2 must cross the border into and out of Transnistria on foot.<br />
<br />
From 2019 there are services through Transnistria: Chişinău <=> Moskva (alternate days from December 2019) and Chişinău <=> Odessa (from mid September 2019 operates Fridays Saturdays and Sundays).<br />
<br />
The Chişinău <=> Basarabeasca service via Revaca and Căinari is show on the timetable displays as "suspended", it is not known when the service ceased. However since at least September 2019 two daily train pairs have been running between Basarabeasca and Zloţi.<br />
<br />
The Basarabeasca <=> Reni (Ukraine) passenger service ceased in 2015/2016, but in September 2019 Etulia <=> Reni saw two daily train pairs running, operated by Ukrainian Railways as the majority of the route in is Ukraine.<br />
<br />
Services east of Bălți-Slobozia now only run as far as Rogojeni, the service beyond there to Șoldănești having ceased at an unknown date, probably in 2015/2016.<br />
<br />
Substantial investments have been made in building new railway lines since 2003, with the goal of connecting Chişinău to southern Moldova and the Giurgiuleşti oil terminal. The first such segment was the 40&nbsp;km Revaca - Căinari line, opened in 2006. The 53km Cahul - Giurgiuleşti line, opened only in 2008, closed in summer 2012 for a period because 20 km of track near the river Prut need rebuilding owing to poor construction. A passenger service over this section ran for a period in 2013/2014, reportedly only as far as the port gates at Giurgiuleşti.<br />
<br />
The daily Basarabeasca <=> Cahul train was reported to have been withdrawn by August 2013.<br />
<br />
The cross-border service between Prut-2 and Fălciu CFR, re-introduced in 2010, was missing from the 2011-2012 and subsequent timetables, and by September 2019 the line had been cut at the former junction west of Prut-1.<br />
<br />
The route between Ocnita and Chernivitsi (Ukraine) crosses the border a total of five times: most through services were withdrawn by August 2013 though overnight service 117/118 'Bukovina' (Chernivtsi-Kyiv) ran this way during summer 2014. See [[Border Crossings: Moldova - Ukraine | Border Crossings: Moldova - Ukraine]] for more details.<br />
<br />
An agreement was signed in October 2015 to reopen the Basarabeasca - Berezyne (Ukraine) line, closed to all traffic in 1997 and lifted in 1999. This would have enabled traffic between the two countries to avoid passing through the breakaway territory of Transnistria. Work was supposed to start in summer 2016, but it appears that a lack of funds has meant that the project has been postponed.<br />
<br />
Moldova is to receive €100&nbsp;M in loans and grants from the EIB and EBRD. Most of this will be used to modernize the Chişinău - Ungheni line. It is said that the line will also be converted to 1435&nbsp;mm gauge. This seems most unlikely as it would cut off northern Moldova from Chişinău and it is more likely that dual 1435/1520mm is meant.<br />
<br />
==Special Notes==<br />
Transnistria, also known as Trans-Dniestr or Transdniestria is a breakaway territory located mostly in a strip between the Dniester River and the eastern border with Ukraine. It is generally recognised internationally as being the de jure government of Eastern Moldova as the Stînga Nistrului ("Left Dnestr bank") autonomous region. Since its declaration of independence in 1990, it has been governed de facto by the unrecognized Pridnestrovskaya Moldavskaya Respublica (Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic - PMR, also known as "Pridnestrovie"), which claims the east bank of the river Dniester and the town of Bender and its locality on the right bank of the Dnestr. The Republic of Moldova does not recognize this secession and considers it to be part of Moldova.<br />
<br />
Travellers entering Moldova from Transnistria do not receive an entry stamp because the Republic of Moldova considers Transnistria to be part of Moldova. Until recently, this caused problems on leaving Moldova as it could be construed as having entered the country illegally. To avoid problems on leaving Moldova, it was recommended to cross Transnistria only from west to east, or to cross the whole of Moldova in the same train from Kuchurhan to Iaşi, using the Saratov – Varna summer-only train. Recent advice to westbound passengers has been to request a Moldovan entry stamp on arrival at Chişinău.<br />
<br />
However, see the [[Border_Crossings:_Moldova_-_Ukraine#NOV_KUC|Novosavickaia CFM - Kuchurhan UZ border crossing]] for the situation with local services to and from Bender.<br />
<br />
Photographers must ask permission from railway staff and police before taking pictures. Often they give permission, but do not attempt to take pictures if they refuse it.<br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
{{Navbox Moldova}}</div>Theijs Europehttps://www.egtre.info/w/index.php?title=Moldova_-_General_Information&diff=48098Moldova - General Information2022-12-29T09:53:56Z<p>Theijs Europe: /* Ticketing */ online tickets</p>
<hr />
<div>==Country Name==<br />
Moldova (Republica Moldova)<br />
<br />
==National railway system==<br />
===National Railway Operator===<br />
[http://www.railway.md/ CFM - Caile Ferată Moldova].<br />
<br />
==Language==<br />
The Constitution of 1994 states that "the national language of the Republic of Moldova is Moldovan, and its writing is based on the Latin alphabet," while the 1991 Declaration of Independence names the official language Romanian. The 1989 State Language Law speaks of a Moldo-Romanian linguistic identity. Russian is provided with the status of a "language of interethnic communication" (alongside the official language), and in practice remains widely used. Gagauz and Ukrainian have significant regional speaker populations and are granted official status together with Russian in Gagauzia and Transnistria respectively.<br />
<br />
==Currency==<br />
Moldova Leu (MDL; plural Lei), 1 Leu = 100 Bani (singular Ban). In Transnistria, a partially recognized state claimed in whole by Moldova, the Transnistrian rouble is used instead.<br />
<br />
==UIC code==<br />
numeric 23; alpha CFM.<br />
<br />
==Timetable==<br />
===Journey Planner===<br />
A station to station timetable facility including days of running is available at [http://www.railway.md/]. On the menu bar select 'Transportul de Pasageri' then select 'Mersul Trenilor'.<br />
<br />
===Downloadable Timetable===<br />
None<br />
<br />
However, a good [https://drive.google.com/open?id=1r3NiwZLbodz0Pd5H-k05T4BByU4I-0clVQ2nJnMiq6s privately compiled timetable] is available (as at 19 December 2019, not updated since August 2019).<br />
<br />
===Printed Timetable===<br />
There is no public timetable as such.<br />
<br />
===Engineering Information===<br />
None.<br />
<br />
===Bus Information===<br />
None known.<br />
<br />
==Maps==<br />
===Printed Maps===<br />
*[[Printed Maps#ERA-E | European Railway Atlas (All-Europe Edition)]] by M.G. Ball.<br />
*[[Printed Maps#ERA-R-EE-LV-LT-BY-UA-MD | European Railway Atlas (Regional Series - Baltic States, Belarus and Ukraine)]] by M.G. Ball.<br />
*[[Printed Maps#UA-BY-MD | Ukraine, Belarus and Moldova Railway Atlas]] by Quail Map Company. A comprehensive atlas of the Moldova rail network in English and German, which records the evolution of the network and place-names on it, published December 1995, but now out of print. <br />
*An excellent 1:200.000 Moldova map, produced by the Kiev map publishers, can be found in book shops in Chişinău or in larger Ukrainian towns. It is very like the popular Ukraine Oblast maps.<br />
<br />
===Web-based Maps===<br />
* Map offered by CFM [https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipPSYBdbm8K76IElApA8N1DF6u8f1KBDp9oxkaGx0_Aw7M7Iz4KNQs0KVIOOT13NOQ?key=WkNfQ3ZnRGllSUIzdWg5MjBrQ3Q2cmEtUy1LeGR3 CFM Network Map] dated November 2022<br />
*Thorsten Büker's single sheet [http://www.bueker.net/trainspotting/maps_ukraine.php Map of Ukraine and Moldova] dated March 2018.<br />
<br />
==Ticketing==<br />
Online tickets are available for the international trains from Chisinau to Iasi Socola and Chisinau - Bucharest via the [http://www.railway.md CFM website]<br />
Opportunities to use credit or debit cards at ticket offices may be limited, particularly in Transnistria. Normally, payment is possible only in local currency. Purchase of tickets from Transnistria to Chisinau may be possible only at limited times.<br />
<br />
==Infrastructure==<br />
===Infrastructure Authority===<br />
Not known.<br />
<br />
===Network Statement===<br />
None known.<br />
===Gauge===<br />
"Russian" gauge (1520mm). There is a gauge changer at Ungheni, where bogies are changed.<br />
<br />
===Electrification===<br />
None. Electrification had been planned into Moldova from the Ukraine border at Kuchurhan, and electrification masts were installed from the end of the UZ electrification at Kuchurhan through Tiraspol to Bender, but no further work has been done for many years.<br />
<br />
===Rule of the road===<br />
There is a section of effectively double track between [[Moldova_-_Lines_with_Obscure_or_Sparse_passenger_services#Chişinău-Revaca | Chişinău and Revaca (see Obscure Services)]], and between Cornești and Pîrlița on the line between Chișinău to Ungheni with right-hand running, but otherwise all lines are single track.<br />
<br />
===Distances===<br />
No source known<br />
<br />
==Other railways==<br />
None.<br />
<br />
==Tourist lines==<br />
None.<br />
<br />
==Metro==<br />
None.<br />
<br />
== Trams/LRT-Systems ==<br />
None.<br />
<br />
==Recent and future changes (latest first)==<br />
On 27 June 2022 a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between CFM and UZ to rebuild the line across the Basarabeasca - Berezino (- Odessa) border crossing, avoiding Transnistria. An official opening ceremony took place on 22 August 2022 and through freight traffic is expected to start in September 2022.<br />
<br />
On 18 May 2022 modernisation work on the 233 km Bender (Tighina) – Basarabeasca – Giurgiulești line was officially launched. This will remove weight and speed restrictions, increasing the line speed to 120 km/h for passenger trains and 90 km/h for freight.<br />
<br />
Starting from 12 December 2021, trains 105/106 Chisinau-Bucharest will resume.<br />
<br />
The Moldovan parliament has voted (October 2021)to bring CFM into line with EU legislation by breaking the railway into passenger, freight and infrastructure divisions. Passenger and freight may be opened to private operators.<br />
<br />
International services resumed on 28 August 2021 with a daily Chişinău - Odessa - Chişinău service. <br />
<br />
On 2 August 2021 services were restored Bălți Slobozia - Ocnița - Bălți Slobozia, Bălți Slobozia - Rogojeni - Bălți Slobozia and Ungheni - Bălți Slobozia - Ungheni <br />
<br />
Reported in early 2021 that a collapse in freight revenues has led to financial problems with workers not paid and no money to buy fuel, so service cuts necessary in addition to those caused by the Pandemic. Local services Chişinău - Ungheni, Chişinău - Bender and Bălți-Slobozia - Ocnita were reported operating. <br />
<br />
Services via Bender and Tiraspol, which are in Transnistria, continue to be affected. See [[#Special Notes|'''Special Notes''']] below.<br />
<br />
Local trains between Chişinău and Bender-2 in practice only run as far as Bender-3; passengers for Bender-2 must cross the border into and out of Transnistria on foot.<br />
<br />
From 2019 there are services through Transnistria: Chişinău <=> Moskva (alternate days from December 2019) and Chişinău <=> Odessa (from mid September 2019 operates Fridays Saturdays and Sundays).<br />
<br />
The Chişinău <=> Basarabeasca service via Revaca and Căinari is show on the timetable displays as "suspended", it is not known when the service ceased. However since at least September 2019 two daily train pairs have been running between Basarabeasca and Zloţi.<br />
<br />
The Basarabeasca <=> Reni (Ukraine) passenger service ceased in 2015/2016, but in September 2019 Etulia <=> Reni saw two daily train pairs running, operated by Ukrainian Railways as the majority of the route in is Ukraine.<br />
<br />
Services east of Bălți-Slobozia now only run as far as Rogojeni, the service beyond there to Șoldănești having ceased at an unknown date, probably in 2015/2016.<br />
<br />
Substantial investments have been made in building new railway lines since 2003, with the goal of connecting Chişinău to southern Moldova and the Giurgiuleşti oil terminal. The first such segment was the 40&nbsp;km Revaca - Căinari line, opened in 2006. The 53km Cahul - Giurgiuleşti line, opened only in 2008, closed in summer 2012 for a period because 20 km of track near the river Prut need rebuilding owing to poor construction. A passenger service over this section ran for a period in 2013/2014, reportedly only as far as the port gates at Giurgiuleşti.<br />
<br />
The daily Basarabeasca <=> Cahul train was reported to have been withdrawn by August 2013.<br />
<br />
The cross-border service between Prut-2 and Fălciu CFR, re-introduced in 2010, was missing from the 2011-2012 and subsequent timetables, and by September 2019 the line had been cut at the former junction west of Prut-1.<br />
<br />
The route between Ocnita and Chernivitsi (Ukraine) crosses the border a total of five times: most through services were withdrawn by August 2013 though overnight service 117/118 'Bukovina' (Chernivtsi-Kyiv) ran this way during summer 2014. See [[Border Crossings: Moldova - Ukraine | Border Crossings: Moldova - Ukraine]] for more details.<br />
<br />
An agreement was signed in October 2015 to reopen the Basarabeasca - Berezyne (Ukraine) line, closed to all traffic in 1997 and lifted in 1999. This would have enabled traffic between the two countries to avoid passing through the breakaway territory of Transnistria. Work was supposed to start in summer 2016, but it appears that a lack of funds has meant that the project has been postponed.<br />
<br />
Moldova is to receive €100&nbsp;M in loans and grants from the EIB and EBRD. Most of this will be used to modernize the Chişinău - Ungheni line. It is said that the line will also be converted to 1435&nbsp;mm gauge. This seems most unlikely as it would cut off northern Moldova from Chişinău and it is more likely that dual 1435/1520mm is meant.<br />
<br />
==Special Notes==<br />
Transnistria, also known as Trans-Dniestr or Transdniestria is a breakaway territory located mostly in a strip between the Dniester River and the eastern border with Ukraine. It is generally recognised internationally as being the de jure government of Eastern Moldova as the Stînga Nistrului ("Left Dnestr bank") autonomous region. Since its declaration of independence in 1990, it has been governed de facto by the unrecognized Pridnestrovskaya Moldavskaya Respublica (Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic - PMR, also known as "Pridnestrovie"), which claims the east bank of the river Dniester and the town of Bender and its locality on the right bank of the Dnestr. The Republic of Moldova does not recognize this secession and considers it to be part of Moldova.<br />
<br />
Travellers entering Moldova from Transnistria do not receive an entry stamp because the Republic of Moldova considers Transnistria to be part of Moldova. Until recently, this caused problems on leaving Moldova as it could be construed as having entered the country illegally. To avoid problems on leaving Moldova, it was recommended to cross Transnistria only from west to east, or to cross the whole of Moldova in the same train from Kuchurhan to Iaşi, using the Saratov – Varna summer-only train. Recent advice to westbound passengers has been to request a Moldovan entry stamp on arrival at Chişinău.<br />
<br />
However, see the [[Border_Crossings:_Moldova_-_Ukraine#NOV_KUC|Novosavickaia CFM - Kuchurhan UZ border crossing]] for the situation with local services to and from Bender.<br />
<br />
Photographers must ask permission from railway staff and police before taking pictures. Often they give permission, but do not attempt to take pictures if they refuse it.<br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
{{Navbox Moldova}}</div>Theijs Europehttps://www.egtre.info/w/index.php?title=Moldova_-_General_Information&diff=48097Moldova - General Information2022-12-29T09:50:54Z<p>Theijs Europe: /* Journey Planner */</p>
<hr />
<div>==Country Name==<br />
Moldova (Republica Moldova)<br />
<br />
==National railway system==<br />
===National Railway Operator===<br />
[http://www.railway.md/ CFM - Caile Ferată Moldova].<br />
<br />
==Language==<br />
The Constitution of 1994 states that "the national language of the Republic of Moldova is Moldovan, and its writing is based on the Latin alphabet," while the 1991 Declaration of Independence names the official language Romanian. The 1989 State Language Law speaks of a Moldo-Romanian linguistic identity. Russian is provided with the status of a "language of interethnic communication" (alongside the official language), and in practice remains widely used. Gagauz and Ukrainian have significant regional speaker populations and are granted official status together with Russian in Gagauzia and Transnistria respectively.<br />
<br />
==Currency==<br />
Moldova Leu (MDL; plural Lei), 1 Leu = 100 Bani (singular Ban). In Transnistria, a partially recognized state claimed in whole by Moldova, the Transnistrian rouble is used instead.<br />
<br />
==UIC code==<br />
numeric 23; alpha CFM.<br />
<br />
==Timetable==<br />
===Journey Planner===<br />
A station to station timetable facility including days of running is available at [http://www.railway.md/]. On the menu bar select 'Transportul de Pasageri' then select 'Mersul Trenilor'.<br />
<br />
===Downloadable Timetable===<br />
None<br />
<br />
However, a good [https://drive.google.com/open?id=1r3NiwZLbodz0Pd5H-k05T4BByU4I-0clVQ2nJnMiq6s privately compiled timetable] is available (as at 19 December 2019, not updated since August 2019).<br />
<br />
===Printed Timetable===<br />
There is no public timetable as such.<br />
<br />
===Engineering Information===<br />
None.<br />
<br />
===Bus Information===<br />
None known.<br />
<br />
==Maps==<br />
===Printed Maps===<br />
*[[Printed Maps#ERA-E | European Railway Atlas (All-Europe Edition)]] by M.G. Ball.<br />
*[[Printed Maps#ERA-R-EE-LV-LT-BY-UA-MD | European Railway Atlas (Regional Series - Baltic States, Belarus and Ukraine)]] by M.G. Ball.<br />
*[[Printed Maps#UA-BY-MD | Ukraine, Belarus and Moldova Railway Atlas]] by Quail Map Company. A comprehensive atlas of the Moldova rail network in English and German, which records the evolution of the network and place-names on it, published December 1995, but now out of print. <br />
*An excellent 1:200.000 Moldova map, produced by the Kiev map publishers, can be found in book shops in Chişinău or in larger Ukrainian towns. It is very like the popular Ukraine Oblast maps.<br />
<br />
===Web-based Maps===<br />
* Map offered by CFM [https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipPSYBdbm8K76IElApA8N1DF6u8f1KBDp9oxkaGx0_Aw7M7Iz4KNQs0KVIOOT13NOQ?key=WkNfQ3ZnRGllSUIzdWg5MjBrQ3Q2cmEtUy1LeGR3 CFM Network Map] dated November 2022<br />
*Thorsten Büker's single sheet [http://www.bueker.net/trainspotting/maps_ukraine.php Map of Ukraine and Moldova] dated March 2018.<br />
<br />
==Ticketing==<br />
Opportunities to use credit or debit cards at ticket offices may be limited, particularly in Transnistria. Normally, payment is possible only in local currency. Purchase of tickets from Transnistria to Chisinau may be possible only at limited times.<br />
<br />
==Infrastructure==<br />
===Infrastructure Authority===<br />
Not known.<br />
<br />
===Network Statement===<br />
None known.<br />
===Gauge===<br />
"Russian" gauge (1520mm). There is a gauge changer at Ungheni, where bogies are changed.<br />
<br />
===Electrification===<br />
None. Electrification had been planned into Moldova from the Ukraine border at Kuchurhan, and electrification masts were installed from the end of the UZ electrification at Kuchurhan through Tiraspol to Bender, but no further work has been done for many years.<br />
<br />
===Rule of the road===<br />
There is a section of effectively double track between [[Moldova_-_Lines_with_Obscure_or_Sparse_passenger_services#Chişinău-Revaca | Chişinău and Revaca (see Obscure Services)]], and between Cornești and Pîrlița on the line between Chișinău to Ungheni with right-hand running, but otherwise all lines are single track.<br />
<br />
===Distances===<br />
No source known<br />
<br />
==Other railways==<br />
None.<br />
<br />
==Tourist lines==<br />
None.<br />
<br />
==Metro==<br />
None.<br />
<br />
== Trams/LRT-Systems ==<br />
None.<br />
<br />
==Recent and future changes (latest first)==<br />
On 27 June 2022 a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between CFM and UZ to rebuild the line across the Basarabeasca - Berezino (- Odessa) border crossing, avoiding Transnistria. An official opening ceremony took place on 22 August 2022 and through freight traffic is expected to start in September 2022.<br />
<br />
On 18 May 2022 modernisation work on the 233 km Bender (Tighina) – Basarabeasca – Giurgiulești line was officially launched. This will remove weight and speed restrictions, increasing the line speed to 120 km/h for passenger trains and 90 km/h for freight.<br />
<br />
Starting from 12 December 2021, trains 105/106 Chisinau-Bucharest will resume.<br />
<br />
The Moldovan parliament has voted (October 2021)to bring CFM into line with EU legislation by breaking the railway into passenger, freight and infrastructure divisions. Passenger and freight may be opened to private operators.<br />
<br />
International services resumed on 28 August 2021 with a daily Chişinău - Odessa - Chişinău service. <br />
<br />
On 2 August 2021 services were restored Bălți Slobozia - Ocnița - Bălți Slobozia, Bălți Slobozia - Rogojeni - Bălți Slobozia and Ungheni - Bălți Slobozia - Ungheni <br />
<br />
Reported in early 2021 that a collapse in freight revenues has led to financial problems with workers not paid and no money to buy fuel, so service cuts necessary in addition to those caused by the Pandemic. Local services Chişinău - Ungheni, Chişinău - Bender and Bălți-Slobozia - Ocnita were reported operating. <br />
<br />
Services via Bender and Tiraspol, which are in Transnistria, continue to be affected. See [[#Special Notes|'''Special Notes''']] below.<br />
<br />
Local trains between Chişinău and Bender-2 in practice only run as far as Bender-3; passengers for Bender-2 must cross the border into and out of Transnistria on foot.<br />
<br />
From 2019 there are services through Transnistria: Chişinău <=> Moskva (alternate days from December 2019) and Chişinău <=> Odessa (from mid September 2019 operates Fridays Saturdays and Sundays).<br />
<br />
The Chişinău <=> Basarabeasca service via Revaca and Căinari is show on the timetable displays as "suspended", it is not known when the service ceased. However since at least September 2019 two daily train pairs have been running between Basarabeasca and Zloţi.<br />
<br />
The Basarabeasca <=> Reni (Ukraine) passenger service ceased in 2015/2016, but in September 2019 Etulia <=> Reni saw two daily train pairs running, operated by Ukrainian Railways as the majority of the route in is Ukraine.<br />
<br />
Services east of Bălți-Slobozia now only run as far as Rogojeni, the service beyond there to Șoldănești having ceased at an unknown date, probably in 2015/2016.<br />
<br />
Substantial investments have been made in building new railway lines since 2003, with the goal of connecting Chişinău to southern Moldova and the Giurgiuleşti oil terminal. The first such segment was the 40&nbsp;km Revaca - Căinari line, opened in 2006. The 53km Cahul - Giurgiuleşti line, opened only in 2008, closed in summer 2012 for a period because 20 km of track near the river Prut need rebuilding owing to poor construction. A passenger service over this section ran for a period in 2013/2014, reportedly only as far as the port gates at Giurgiuleşti.<br />
<br />
The daily Basarabeasca <=> Cahul train was reported to have been withdrawn by August 2013.<br />
<br />
The cross-border service between Prut-2 and Fălciu CFR, re-introduced in 2010, was missing from the 2011-2012 and subsequent timetables, and by September 2019 the line had been cut at the former junction west of Prut-1.<br />
<br />
The route between Ocnita and Chernivitsi (Ukraine) crosses the border a total of five times: most through services were withdrawn by August 2013 though overnight service 117/118 'Bukovina' (Chernivtsi-Kyiv) ran this way during summer 2014. See [[Border Crossings: Moldova - Ukraine | Border Crossings: Moldova - Ukraine]] for more details.<br />
<br />
An agreement was signed in October 2015 to reopen the Basarabeasca - Berezyne (Ukraine) line, closed to all traffic in 1997 and lifted in 1999. This would have enabled traffic between the two countries to avoid passing through the breakaway territory of Transnistria. Work was supposed to start in summer 2016, but it appears that a lack of funds has meant that the project has been postponed.<br />
<br />
Moldova is to receive €100&nbsp;M in loans and grants from the EIB and EBRD. Most of this will be used to modernize the Chişinău - Ungheni line. It is said that the line will also be converted to 1435&nbsp;mm gauge. This seems most unlikely as it would cut off northern Moldova from Chişinău and it is more likely that dual 1435/1520mm is meant.<br />
<br />
==Special Notes==<br />
Transnistria, also known as Trans-Dniestr or Transdniestria is a breakaway territory located mostly in a strip between the Dniester River and the eastern border with Ukraine. It is generally recognised internationally as being the de jure government of Eastern Moldova as the Stînga Nistrului ("Left Dnestr bank") autonomous region. Since its declaration of independence in 1990, it has been governed de facto by the unrecognized Pridnestrovskaya Moldavskaya Respublica (Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic - PMR, also known as "Pridnestrovie"), which claims the east bank of the river Dniester and the town of Bender and its locality on the right bank of the Dnestr. The Republic of Moldova does not recognize this secession and considers it to be part of Moldova.<br />
<br />
Travellers entering Moldova from Transnistria do not receive an entry stamp because the Republic of Moldova considers Transnistria to be part of Moldova. Until recently, this caused problems on leaving Moldova as it could be construed as having entered the country illegally. To avoid problems on leaving Moldova, it was recommended to cross Transnistria only from west to east, or to cross the whole of Moldova in the same train from Kuchurhan to Iaşi, using the Saratov – Varna summer-only train. Recent advice to westbound passengers has been to request a Moldovan entry stamp on arrival at Chişinău.<br />
<br />
However, see the [[Border_Crossings:_Moldova_-_Ukraine#NOV_KUC|Novosavickaia CFM - Kuchurhan UZ border crossing]] for the situation with local services to and from Bender.<br />
<br />
Photographers must ask permission from railway staff and police before taking pictures. Often they give permission, but do not attempt to take pictures if they refuse it.<br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
{{Navbox Moldova}}</div>Theijs Europehttps://www.egtre.info/w/index.php?title=Moldova_-_General_Information&diff=48096Moldova - General Information2022-12-29T09:44:56Z<p>Theijs Europe: /* Web-based Maps */</p>
<hr />
<div>==Country Name==<br />
Moldova (Republica Moldova)<br />
<br />
==National railway system==<br />
===National Railway Operator===<br />
[http://www.railway.md/ CFM - Caile Ferată Moldova].<br />
<br />
==Language==<br />
The Constitution of 1994 states that "the national language of the Republic of Moldova is Moldovan, and its writing is based on the Latin alphabet," while the 1991 Declaration of Independence names the official language Romanian. The 1989 State Language Law speaks of a Moldo-Romanian linguistic identity. Russian is provided with the status of a "language of interethnic communication" (alongside the official language), and in practice remains widely used. Gagauz and Ukrainian have significant regional speaker populations and are granted official status together with Russian in Gagauzia and Transnistria respectively.<br />
<br />
==Currency==<br />
Moldova Leu (MDL; plural Lei), 1 Leu = 100 Bani (singular Ban). In Transnistria, a partially recognized state claimed in whole by Moldova, the Transnistrian rouble is used instead.<br />
<br />
==UIC code==<br />
numeric 23; alpha CFM.<br />
<br />
==Timetable==<br />
===Journey Planner===<br />
None. However a station to station timetable facility is available at [http://www.railway.md/]. On the menu bar select Transportul de Pasageri then select Mersul Trenilor.<br />
<br />
===Downloadable Timetable===<br />
None<br />
<br />
However, a good [https://drive.google.com/open?id=1r3NiwZLbodz0Pd5H-k05T4BByU4I-0clVQ2nJnMiq6s privately compiled timetable] is available (as at 19 December 2019, not updated since August 2019).<br />
<br />
===Printed Timetable===<br />
There is no public timetable as such.<br />
<br />
===Engineering Information===<br />
None.<br />
<br />
===Bus Information===<br />
None known.<br />
<br />
==Maps==<br />
===Printed Maps===<br />
*[[Printed Maps#ERA-E | European Railway Atlas (All-Europe Edition)]] by M.G. Ball.<br />
*[[Printed Maps#ERA-R-EE-LV-LT-BY-UA-MD | European Railway Atlas (Regional Series - Baltic States, Belarus and Ukraine)]] by M.G. Ball.<br />
*[[Printed Maps#UA-BY-MD | Ukraine, Belarus and Moldova Railway Atlas]] by Quail Map Company. A comprehensive atlas of the Moldova rail network in English and German, which records the evolution of the network and place-names on it, published December 1995, but now out of print. <br />
*An excellent 1:200.000 Moldova map, produced by the Kiev map publishers, can be found in book shops in Chişinău or in larger Ukrainian towns. It is very like the popular Ukraine Oblast maps.<br />
<br />
===Web-based Maps===<br />
* Map offered by CFM [https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipPSYBdbm8K76IElApA8N1DF6u8f1KBDp9oxkaGx0_Aw7M7Iz4KNQs0KVIOOT13NOQ?key=WkNfQ3ZnRGllSUIzdWg5MjBrQ3Q2cmEtUy1LeGR3 CFM Network Map] dated November 2022<br />
*Thorsten Büker's single sheet [http://www.bueker.net/trainspotting/maps_ukraine.php Map of Ukraine and Moldova] dated March 2018.<br />
<br />
==Ticketing==<br />
Opportunities to use credit or debit cards at ticket offices may be limited, particularly in Transnistria. Normally, payment is possible only in local currency. Purchase of tickets from Transnistria to Chisinau may be possible only at limited times.<br />
<br />
==Infrastructure==<br />
===Infrastructure Authority===<br />
Not known.<br />
<br />
===Network Statement===<br />
None known.<br />
===Gauge===<br />
"Russian" gauge (1520mm). There is a gauge changer at Ungheni, where bogies are changed.<br />
<br />
===Electrification===<br />
None. Electrification had been planned into Moldova from the Ukraine border at Kuchurhan, and electrification masts were installed from the end of the UZ electrification at Kuchurhan through Tiraspol to Bender, but no further work has been done for many years.<br />
<br />
===Rule of the road===<br />
There is a section of effectively double track between [[Moldova_-_Lines_with_Obscure_or_Sparse_passenger_services#Chişinău-Revaca | Chişinău and Revaca (see Obscure Services)]], and between Cornești and Pîrlița on the line between Chișinău to Ungheni with right-hand running, but otherwise all lines are single track.<br />
<br />
===Distances===<br />
No source known<br />
<br />
==Other railways==<br />
None.<br />
<br />
==Tourist lines==<br />
None.<br />
<br />
==Metro==<br />
None.<br />
<br />
== Trams/LRT-Systems ==<br />
None.<br />
<br />
==Recent and future changes (latest first)==<br />
On 27 June 2022 a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between CFM and UZ to rebuild the line across the Basarabeasca - Berezino (- Odessa) border crossing, avoiding Transnistria. An official opening ceremony took place on 22 August 2022 and through freight traffic is expected to start in September 2022.<br />
<br />
On 18 May 2022 modernisation work on the 233 km Bender (Tighina) – Basarabeasca – Giurgiulești line was officially launched. This will remove weight and speed restrictions, increasing the line speed to 120 km/h for passenger trains and 90 km/h for freight.<br />
<br />
Starting from 12 December 2021, trains 105/106 Chisinau-Bucharest will resume.<br />
<br />
The Moldovan parliament has voted (October 2021)to bring CFM into line with EU legislation by breaking the railway into passenger, freight and infrastructure divisions. Passenger and freight may be opened to private operators.<br />
<br />
International services resumed on 28 August 2021 with a daily Chişinău - Odessa - Chişinău service. <br />
<br />
On 2 August 2021 services were restored Bălți Slobozia - Ocnița - Bălți Slobozia, Bălți Slobozia - Rogojeni - Bălți Slobozia and Ungheni - Bălți Slobozia - Ungheni <br />
<br />
Reported in early 2021 that a collapse in freight revenues has led to financial problems with workers not paid and no money to buy fuel, so service cuts necessary in addition to those caused by the Pandemic. Local services Chişinău - Ungheni, Chişinău - Bender and Bălți-Slobozia - Ocnita were reported operating. <br />
<br />
Services via Bender and Tiraspol, which are in Transnistria, continue to be affected. See [[#Special Notes|'''Special Notes''']] below.<br />
<br />
Local trains between Chişinău and Bender-2 in practice only run as far as Bender-3; passengers for Bender-2 must cross the border into and out of Transnistria on foot.<br />
<br />
From 2019 there are services through Transnistria: Chişinău <=> Moskva (alternate days from December 2019) and Chişinău <=> Odessa (from mid September 2019 operates Fridays Saturdays and Sundays).<br />
<br />
The Chişinău <=> Basarabeasca service via Revaca and Căinari is show on the timetable displays as "suspended", it is not known when the service ceased. However since at least September 2019 two daily train pairs have been running between Basarabeasca and Zloţi.<br />
<br />
The Basarabeasca <=> Reni (Ukraine) passenger service ceased in 2015/2016, but in September 2019 Etulia <=> Reni saw two daily train pairs running, operated by Ukrainian Railways as the majority of the route in is Ukraine.<br />
<br />
Services east of Bălți-Slobozia now only run as far as Rogojeni, the service beyond there to Șoldănești having ceased at an unknown date, probably in 2015/2016.<br />
<br />
Substantial investments have been made in building new railway lines since 2003, with the goal of connecting Chişinău to southern Moldova and the Giurgiuleşti oil terminal. The first such segment was the 40&nbsp;km Revaca - Căinari line, opened in 2006. The 53km Cahul - Giurgiuleşti line, opened only in 2008, closed in summer 2012 for a period because 20 km of track near the river Prut need rebuilding owing to poor construction. A passenger service over this section ran for a period in 2013/2014, reportedly only as far as the port gates at Giurgiuleşti.<br />
<br />
The daily Basarabeasca <=> Cahul train was reported to have been withdrawn by August 2013.<br />
<br />
The cross-border service between Prut-2 and Fălciu CFR, re-introduced in 2010, was missing from the 2011-2012 and subsequent timetables, and by September 2019 the line had been cut at the former junction west of Prut-1.<br />
<br />
The route between Ocnita and Chernivitsi (Ukraine) crosses the border a total of five times: most through services were withdrawn by August 2013 though overnight service 117/118 'Bukovina' (Chernivtsi-Kyiv) ran this way during summer 2014. See [[Border Crossings: Moldova - Ukraine | Border Crossings: Moldova - Ukraine]] for more details.<br />
<br />
An agreement was signed in October 2015 to reopen the Basarabeasca - Berezyne (Ukraine) line, closed to all traffic in 1997 and lifted in 1999. This would have enabled traffic between the two countries to avoid passing through the breakaway territory of Transnistria. Work was supposed to start in summer 2016, but it appears that a lack of funds has meant that the project has been postponed.<br />
<br />
Moldova is to receive €100&nbsp;M in loans and grants from the EIB and EBRD. Most of this will be used to modernize the Chişinău - Ungheni line. It is said that the line will also be converted to 1435&nbsp;mm gauge. This seems most unlikely as it would cut off northern Moldova from Chişinău and it is more likely that dual 1435/1520mm is meant.<br />
<br />
==Special Notes==<br />
Transnistria, also known as Trans-Dniestr or Transdniestria is a breakaway territory located mostly in a strip between the Dniester River and the eastern border with Ukraine. It is generally recognised internationally as being the de jure government of Eastern Moldova as the Stînga Nistrului ("Left Dnestr bank") autonomous region. Since its declaration of independence in 1990, it has been governed de facto by the unrecognized Pridnestrovskaya Moldavskaya Respublica (Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic - PMR, also known as "Pridnestrovie"), which claims the east bank of the river Dniester and the town of Bender and its locality on the right bank of the Dnestr. The Republic of Moldova does not recognize this secession and considers it to be part of Moldova.<br />
<br />
Travellers entering Moldova from Transnistria do not receive an entry stamp because the Republic of Moldova considers Transnistria to be part of Moldova. Until recently, this caused problems on leaving Moldova as it could be construed as having entered the country illegally. To avoid problems on leaving Moldova, it was recommended to cross Transnistria only from west to east, or to cross the whole of Moldova in the same train from Kuchurhan to Iaşi, using the Saratov – Varna summer-only train. Recent advice to westbound passengers has been to request a Moldovan entry stamp on arrival at Chişinău.<br />
<br />
However, see the [[Border_Crossings:_Moldova_-_Ukraine#NOV_KUC|Novosavickaia CFM - Kuchurhan UZ border crossing]] for the situation with local services to and from Bender.<br />
<br />
Photographers must ask permission from railway staff and police before taking pictures. Often they give permission, but do not attempt to take pictures if they refuse it.<br />
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==See also==<br />
{{Navbox Moldova}}</div>Theijs Europehttps://www.egtre.info/w/index.php?title=Moldova_-_General_Information&diff=48095Moldova - General Information2022-12-29T09:44:13Z<p>Theijs Europe: /* Web-based Maps */ added CFM Network Map</p>
<hr />
<div>==Country Name==<br />
Moldova (Republica Moldova)<br />
<br />
==National railway system==<br />
===National Railway Operator===<br />
[http://www.railway.md/ CFM - Caile Ferată Moldova].<br />
<br />
==Language==<br />
The Constitution of 1994 states that "the national language of the Republic of Moldova is Moldovan, and its writing is based on the Latin alphabet," while the 1991 Declaration of Independence names the official language Romanian. The 1989 State Language Law speaks of a Moldo-Romanian linguistic identity. Russian is provided with the status of a "language of interethnic communication" (alongside the official language), and in practice remains widely used. Gagauz and Ukrainian have significant regional speaker populations and are granted official status together with Russian in Gagauzia and Transnistria respectively.<br />
<br />
==Currency==<br />
Moldova Leu (MDL; plural Lei), 1 Leu = 100 Bani (singular Ban). In Transnistria, a partially recognized state claimed in whole by Moldova, the Transnistrian rouble is used instead.<br />
<br />
==UIC code==<br />
numeric 23; alpha CFM.<br />
<br />
==Timetable==<br />
===Journey Planner===<br />
None. However a station to station timetable facility is available at [http://www.railway.md/]. On the menu bar select Transportul de Pasageri then select Mersul Trenilor.<br />
<br />
===Downloadable Timetable===<br />
None<br />
<br />
However, a good [https://drive.google.com/open?id=1r3NiwZLbodz0Pd5H-k05T4BByU4I-0clVQ2nJnMiq6s privately compiled timetable] is available (as at 19 December 2019, not updated since August 2019).<br />
<br />
===Printed Timetable===<br />
There is no public timetable as such.<br />
<br />
===Engineering Information===<br />
None.<br />
<br />
===Bus Information===<br />
None known.<br />
<br />
==Maps==<br />
===Printed Maps===<br />
*[[Printed Maps#ERA-E | European Railway Atlas (All-Europe Edition)]] by M.G. Ball.<br />
*[[Printed Maps#ERA-R-EE-LV-LT-BY-UA-MD | European Railway Atlas (Regional Series - Baltic States, Belarus and Ukraine)]] by M.G. Ball.<br />
*[[Printed Maps#UA-BY-MD | Ukraine, Belarus and Moldova Railway Atlas]] by Quail Map Company. A comprehensive atlas of the Moldova rail network in English and German, which records the evolution of the network and place-names on it, published December 1995, but now out of print. <br />
*An excellent 1:200.000 Moldova map, produced by the Kiev map publishers, can be found in book shops in Chişinău or in larger Ukrainian towns. It is very like the popular Ukraine Oblast maps.<br />
<br />
===Web-based Maps===<br />
* Map offered by CFM [https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipPSYBdbm8K76IElApA8N1DF6u8f1KBDp9oxkaGx0_Aw7M7Iz4KNQs0KVIOOT13NOQ?key=WkNfQ3ZnRGllSUIzdWg5MjBrQ3Q2cmEtUy1LeGR3 CFM Network Map November 2022<br />
*Thorsten Büker's single sheet [http://www.bueker.net/trainspotting/maps_ukraine.php Map of Ukraine and Moldova] dated March 2018.<br />
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==Ticketing==<br />
Opportunities to use credit or debit cards at ticket offices may be limited, particularly in Transnistria. Normally, payment is possible only in local currency. Purchase of tickets from Transnistria to Chisinau may be possible only at limited times.<br />
<br />
==Infrastructure==<br />
===Infrastructure Authority===<br />
Not known.<br />
<br />
===Network Statement===<br />
None known.<br />
===Gauge===<br />
"Russian" gauge (1520mm). There is a gauge changer at Ungheni, where bogies are changed.<br />
<br />
===Electrification===<br />
None. Electrification had been planned into Moldova from the Ukraine border at Kuchurhan, and electrification masts were installed from the end of the UZ electrification at Kuchurhan through Tiraspol to Bender, but no further work has been done for many years.<br />
<br />
===Rule of the road===<br />
There is a section of effectively double track between [[Moldova_-_Lines_with_Obscure_or_Sparse_passenger_services#Chişinău-Revaca | Chişinău and Revaca (see Obscure Services)]], and between Cornești and Pîrlița on the line between Chișinău to Ungheni with right-hand running, but otherwise all lines are single track.<br />
<br />
===Distances===<br />
No source known<br />
<br />
==Other railways==<br />
None.<br />
<br />
==Tourist lines==<br />
None.<br />
<br />
==Metro==<br />
None.<br />
<br />
== Trams/LRT-Systems ==<br />
None.<br />
<br />
==Recent and future changes (latest first)==<br />
On 27 June 2022 a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between CFM and UZ to rebuild the line across the Basarabeasca - Berezino (- Odessa) border crossing, avoiding Transnistria. An official opening ceremony took place on 22 August 2022 and through freight traffic is expected to start in September 2022.<br />
<br />
On 18 May 2022 modernisation work on the 233 km Bender (Tighina) – Basarabeasca – Giurgiulești line was officially launched. This will remove weight and speed restrictions, increasing the line speed to 120 km/h for passenger trains and 90 km/h for freight.<br />
<br />
Starting from 12 December 2021, trains 105/106 Chisinau-Bucharest will resume.<br />
<br />
The Moldovan parliament has voted (October 2021)to bring CFM into line with EU legislation by breaking the railway into passenger, freight and infrastructure divisions. Passenger and freight may be opened to private operators.<br />
<br />
International services resumed on 28 August 2021 with a daily Chişinău - Odessa - Chişinău service. <br />
<br />
On 2 August 2021 services were restored Bălți Slobozia - Ocnița - Bălți Slobozia, Bălți Slobozia - Rogojeni - Bălți Slobozia and Ungheni - Bălți Slobozia - Ungheni <br />
<br />
Reported in early 2021 that a collapse in freight revenues has led to financial problems with workers not paid and no money to buy fuel, so service cuts necessary in addition to those caused by the Pandemic. Local services Chişinău - Ungheni, Chişinău - Bender and Bălți-Slobozia - Ocnita were reported operating. <br />
<br />
Services via Bender and Tiraspol, which are in Transnistria, continue to be affected. See [[#Special Notes|'''Special Notes''']] below.<br />
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Local trains between Chişinău and Bender-2 in practice only run as far as Bender-3; passengers for Bender-2 must cross the border into and out of Transnistria on foot.<br />
<br />
From 2019 there are services through Transnistria: Chişinău <=> Moskva (alternate days from December 2019) and Chişinău <=> Odessa (from mid September 2019 operates Fridays Saturdays and Sundays).<br />
<br />
The Chişinău <=> Basarabeasca service via Revaca and Căinari is show on the timetable displays as "suspended", it is not known when the service ceased. However since at least September 2019 two daily train pairs have been running between Basarabeasca and Zloţi.<br />
<br />
The Basarabeasca <=> Reni (Ukraine) passenger service ceased in 2015/2016, but in September 2019 Etulia <=> Reni saw two daily train pairs running, operated by Ukrainian Railways as the majority of the route in is Ukraine.<br />
<br />
Services east of Bălți-Slobozia now only run as far as Rogojeni, the service beyond there to Șoldănești having ceased at an unknown date, probably in 2015/2016.<br />
<br />
Substantial investments have been made in building new railway lines since 2003, with the goal of connecting Chişinău to southern Moldova and the Giurgiuleşti oil terminal. The first such segment was the 40&nbsp;km Revaca - Căinari line, opened in 2006. The 53km Cahul - Giurgiuleşti line, opened only in 2008, closed in summer 2012 for a period because 20 km of track near the river Prut need rebuilding owing to poor construction. A passenger service over this section ran for a period in 2013/2014, reportedly only as far as the port gates at Giurgiuleşti.<br />
<br />
The daily Basarabeasca <=> Cahul train was reported to have been withdrawn by August 2013.<br />
<br />
The cross-border service between Prut-2 and Fălciu CFR, re-introduced in 2010, was missing from the 2011-2012 and subsequent timetables, and by September 2019 the line had been cut at the former junction west of Prut-1.<br />
<br />
The route between Ocnita and Chernivitsi (Ukraine) crosses the border a total of five times: most through services were withdrawn by August 2013 though overnight service 117/118 'Bukovina' (Chernivtsi-Kyiv) ran this way during summer 2014. See [[Border Crossings: Moldova - Ukraine | Border Crossings: Moldova - Ukraine]] for more details.<br />
<br />
An agreement was signed in October 2015 to reopen the Basarabeasca - Berezyne (Ukraine) line, closed to all traffic in 1997 and lifted in 1999. This would have enabled traffic between the two countries to avoid passing through the breakaway territory of Transnistria. Work was supposed to start in summer 2016, but it appears that a lack of funds has meant that the project has been postponed.<br />
<br />
Moldova is to receive €100&nbsp;M in loans and grants from the EIB and EBRD. Most of this will be used to modernize the Chişinău - Ungheni line. It is said that the line will also be converted to 1435&nbsp;mm gauge. This seems most unlikely as it would cut off northern Moldova from Chişinău and it is more likely that dual 1435/1520mm is meant.<br />
<br />
==Special Notes==<br />
Transnistria, also known as Trans-Dniestr or Transdniestria is a breakaway territory located mostly in a strip between the Dniester River and the eastern border with Ukraine. It is generally recognised internationally as being the de jure government of Eastern Moldova as the Stînga Nistrului ("Left Dnestr bank") autonomous region. Since its declaration of independence in 1990, it has been governed de facto by the unrecognized Pridnestrovskaya Moldavskaya Respublica (Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic - PMR, also known as "Pridnestrovie"), which claims the east bank of the river Dniester and the town of Bender and its locality on the right bank of the Dnestr. The Republic of Moldova does not recognize this secession and considers it to be part of Moldova.<br />
<br />
Travellers entering Moldova from Transnistria do not receive an entry stamp because the Republic of Moldova considers Transnistria to be part of Moldova. Until recently, this caused problems on leaving Moldova as it could be construed as having entered the country illegally. To avoid problems on leaving Moldova, it was recommended to cross Transnistria only from west to east, or to cross the whole of Moldova in the same train from Kuchurhan to Iaşi, using the Saratov – Varna summer-only train. Recent advice to westbound passengers has been to request a Moldovan entry stamp on arrival at Chişinău.<br />
<br />
However, see the [[Border_Crossings:_Moldova_-_Ukraine#NOV_KUC|Novosavickaia CFM - Kuchurhan UZ border crossing]] for the situation with local services to and from Bender.<br />
<br />
Photographers must ask permission from railway staff and police before taking pictures. Often they give permission, but do not attempt to take pictures if they refuse it.<br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
{{Navbox Moldova}}</div>Theijs Europe