NETHERLANDS: National passenger operator NS is to reduce the number of first class seats on Sprinter local services to reflect changes in passenger demand since the pandemic.
NS said the growth in working from home means that commuters and business travellers are now using trains less frequently. Its government operating concession also requires it to increase the likelihood of people being able to get a seat in second class.
Under the changes announced on May 26, NS is to convert some of first class seating to second on 190 Flirt3, SNG4 and SLT4 electric multiple-units by summer 2026, adding 3 580 extra second-class seats to the fleet.
It said first class on long-distance trains was well used, but on average only 10% of the first class seats on Sprinter trains are filled during the peaks, and so there would still be enough first class seats for people who want them.
