NS train fares to rise by 4.7% next year

Dutch rail operator NS will raise ticket prices by an average of 4.7% next year, making train travel more expensive than inflation.

The increase follows average fare rises of 6.52% this year.

NS says ticket revenue helps cover higher costs and fund new trains and better facilities.

To offer some relief, off-peak PriceTime Deals will provide discounts of up to 80%, compared with a current maximum of 60%.

From sometime next year, those deals will be available on the day of travel, rather than requiring passengers to book at least a day ahead.

Some child fares and young people’s subscriptions will stay free or unchanged, and NS will discuss with the government whether to continue its summer travel subscription.

The company says it returned to profit last year after years of weak results, as more people took the train.